Seven Elements that Bring the “Connection Factor” to Every Kitchen
Entertaining often means your guests will naturally gather in the kitchen, testing its limits when accommodating a crowd. An outdated kitchen layout can certainly make hosting more challenging. If you’re ready to overcome your space’s limitations, here are some remodeling and design tips that will help elevate your kitchen and enhance your hosting experience.
1. A Spacious Layout
A floor plan that connects your kitchen, dining, and living areas is ideal. This open design allows everyone to gather comfortably and for all to join in on the conversation and family fun, even those who are bustling away with meal preparations.
2. Add a Beverage Station on the Perimeter
Holiday hosting is more fun when guests can serve themselves all the refreshments they want without congesting your kitchen workspace. One way to accomplish this is to incorporate a beverage station or bar area on the periphery of your kitchen. If space permits, we highly recommend adding a beverage fridge in this area. It’s an amenity you won’t regret!
3. Select a Large Dual Oven & Range
For everyday cooking, a smaller range might suffice, but to be well-equipped for holiday gatherings, we suggest opting for a larger range. A sizable oven allows you to cook several dishes at once & the extra burners are a great advantage, providing the elbow room for multiple cooks to keep watch on their pots.
4. Seating in the Kitchen
Inevitability, your friends and family tend to gravitate toward the kitchen and linger for a while. After all, the warmth, the food, and the company are irresistible! Having plenty of seating available there will make everyone more comfortable and relaxed. For optimal space-efficiency, opt for a built-in banquette or island seating.
5. Consider a Prep Sink
A prep sink is a life saver during the holidays. It allows you to keep a full sink available while your main sink fills up with party dishes. This gives you the freedom to take your time clearing and loading the dishwasher.
6. Versatile Dining Space
We love to incorporate flexible dining arrangements that can be made more intimate for smaller gatherings or can extend to host a crowd. Expandable tables provide additional seating when needed and can easily be compacted when floor space is a higher commodity.
Hosting is all about comfort, both for you as the hostess and for your guests. Your kitchen should be the most inviting space.
Lindsay Osburn, Designer
7. Mood Lighting
A unique light fixture can be a conversation piece, while also contributing to the overall style and character of a room. Whether it’s an intricate chandelier, a modern pendant, or a vintage-inspired sconce, the right fixture adds personality and style to any space. We particularly love fixtures that feature a dimming option, allowing you to easily adjust the lighting intensity depending on the time of day or the occasion. For a warm and inviting ambiance, we recommend opting for a warmer bulb, as it creates a soft, cozy glow. A well-chosen light fixture can elevate a room’s design while offering both practicality and a touch of charm.
Powell Construction can help you create the perfect space for holiday entertaining and everyday living. Don’t wait for the next holiday season to start enjoying your dream kitchen. Call us today and take the first step towards transforming your space and life!