The kitchen is called the heart of the home for a reason – in almost every home, it’s where everyone comes together for meals, conversation, or games. How do you and your guests use your kitchen? What is it lacking? Do you have enough prep space, storage, and seating? Does the overall layout make it difficult for everyone to be together? Answering these questions can help you in designing the entertaining kitchen of your dreams.
Open Plan
Open PlanNo one likes to feel locked away in a closed, claustrophobic space. Opening the walls to your kitchen makes the room feel inviting and encourages guests to make themselves comfortable there. Consider removing non-loadbearing walls that open up into other communal spaces (think dining room and living room or den).
Flow
The next time you have guests, observe how they move through your space. Can that flow pattern be more efficient? Does your kitchen create bottleneck spots where people are trying to squeeze by cabinetry, appliances, or each other? Would you like your guests to transition to other areas of your home like a patio or living room more easily?
Wet Bar
Get the conversation started with a cocktail at your kitchen’s wet bar or keep it going as with a designated space to prepare post-dinner espresso. A wet bar means you can safely and efficiently prepare drinks for your guests while your meal is simultaneously bubbling away on the stove.
Maximize Seating
It’s true what they say, the more the merrier. So you never want to have to cut your guest list simply because you don’t have enough seating. Look for spaces that can pull double-duty as seating and storage such as benches and window seats.
Kitchen Island
Kitchen IslandOne of the most prolific trends of kitchen design over the last decade has been the kitchen island. Make better use of your kitchen island when entertaining. Islands are not just for food prep. When expecting guests, consider your island as additional dining and seating space or as a built-in buffet station.
Butler’s pantry
A butler’s pantry is the ultimate luxury entertaining feature. Use this extended pantry area to hide away prep work and mess from your guests or even to house your second dishwasher!
Get Smart
Smart tech is a major part of our lives and the kitchen is no different. Add tech to spice up the party including built-in speakers and charging stations so all of your guests stay connected.
If you’re looking to design your own dream entertaining space, call your local Fairview Millwork and Kitchens design representative.
