Animal Crossing: New Horizons has become a cultural phenomenon, offering players a serene escape to a virtual island paradise. One of the most exciting aspects of the game is the ability to customize your home, and for many players, creating the perfect kitchen is a top priority. But how do you get a kitchen in Animal Crossing? And why not just cook with a campfire? Let’s dive into the details.
1. Understanding the Basics: What is a Kitchen in Animal Crossing?
In Animal Crossing, a kitchen is essentially a collection of furniture items that simulate a cooking space. This includes counters, stoves, refrigerators, and other kitchen-related items. Unlike real life, you don’t actually cook food in the game, but having a kitchen adds a layer of realism and personalization to your home.
2. Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a Kitchen
a. Unlock the Ability to Customize Your Home
Before you can even think about getting a kitchen, you need to have a house. Initially, you start with a tent, but after paying off your initial loan to Tom Nook, you can upgrade to a house. As you continue to pay off loans, you’ll unlock more rooms, giving you the space needed to create a kitchen.
b. Collect Kitchen Furniture
The next step is to collect the necessary furniture. This can be done in several ways:
- Nook’s Cranny: The island’s general store will occasionally sell kitchen items like stoves, refrigerators, and counters.
- DIY Recipes: Some kitchen items can be crafted using DIY recipes. These recipes can be obtained from villagers, message bottles, or even by shooting down presents with a slingshot.
- Trading with Friends: If you have friends who play Animal Crossing, you can trade items with them. This is a great way to get items that you might not find on your own island.
c. Arrange Your Kitchen
Once you have the necessary items, it’s time to arrange them in a way that makes sense. You can place counters along the walls, put a stove in the center, and add a refrigerator for storage. Don’t forget to add some decorative items like plants or wall art to make the space feel more lived-in.
3. Why Not Just Cook with a Campfire?
While it’s true that you can place a campfire outside and pretend to cook, it’s not quite the same as having a fully-fledged kitchen. A campfire is more suited for outdoor activities like roasting marshmallows or hosting a beach party. A kitchen, on the other hand, is a dedicated space that adds to the overall aesthetic of your home. Plus, it’s a great way to show off your creativity and design skills.
4. Tips for Creating the Perfect Kitchen
a. Theme Your Kitchen
One of the best ways to make your kitchen stand out is to give it a theme. Whether it’s a rustic farmhouse kitchen, a modern minimalist space, or a cozy cottage kitchen, having a theme will help guide your furniture choices and make the space feel cohesive.
b. Use Custom Designs
Animal Crossing allows you to create custom designs that can be used as wallpaper, flooring, or even patterns for furniture. Consider creating a custom backsplash for your kitchen or designing a unique tablecloth for your dining table.
c. Add Functional Items
While you can’t actually cook in Animal Crossing, you can add items that simulate cooking. For example, placing a pot on the stove or adding a cutting board with vegetables can make the space feel more realistic.
d. Lighting Matters
Don’t underestimate the power of good lighting. Adding a chandelier or some pendant lights above your kitchen island can completely transform the space. You can also use floor lamps or wall sconces to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
5. Advanced Tips for Kitchen Enthusiasts
a. Create an Outdoor Kitchen
If you’re running out of space inside your home, consider creating an outdoor kitchen. You can place a grill, some counters, and even a dining table outside to create a unique cooking and dining area.
b. Incorporate Seasonal Decor
Animal Crossing is all about the changing seasons, so why not incorporate seasonal decor into your kitchen? During the fall, you can add pumpkins and autumn leaves, while in the winter, you can add snowflakes and festive lights.
c. Host a Cooking Show
While you can’t actually cook in the game, you can host a pretend cooking show. Invite your friends over, set up a camera (using the in-game camera item), and role-play as a chef. It’s a fun way to make use of your kitchen and entertain your guests.
6. Conclusion
Creating a kitchen in Animal Crossing is a rewarding experience that allows you to express your creativity and design skills. While you can’t actually cook in the game, having a kitchen adds a layer of realism and personalization to your home. So, why not ditch the campfire and start building your dream kitchen today?
Related Q&A
Q: Can you actually cook in Animal Crossing? A: No, you can’t actually cook in Animal Crossing. However, you can create a kitchen space with furniture and decorative items to simulate cooking.
Q: How do I get more kitchen furniture? A: You can get kitchen furniture by purchasing items from Nook’s Cranny, crafting them using DIY recipes, or trading with friends.
Q: Can I have more than one kitchen in my house? A: Yes, you can have multiple kitchens in your house if you have enough rooms. You can create different themed kitchens in each room.
Q: What are some popular kitchen themes in Animal Crossing? A: Some popular kitchen themes include rustic farmhouse, modern minimalist, cozy cottage, and industrial.
Q: Can I customize the color of my kitchen furniture? A: Yes, many kitchen furniture items can be customized using customization kits. This allows you to change the color or pattern of the item to better fit your theme.
Q: Is it possible to have an outdoor kitchen? A: Yes, you can create an outdoor kitchen by placing kitchen furniture items outside. This is a great option if you’re running out of space inside your home.