Design Your Kitchen Entertainment Zones

Designing a kitchen remodel from scratch lets you plan for more than just your everyday requirements. Customized storage, excellent cooking facilities and a highly efficient layout eliminates stress from every situation. A kitchen zoned for entertaining also means you’re ready to host any event with ease, from making coffee in the morning to serving nightcaps after a holiday dinner. Here’s what to consider when planning a kitchen remodel with entertaining in mind.

What Layout Is Best for Entertaining?

Every event centers around the kitchen but you can add space by removing walls leading to the living area to create an open plan kitchen design that promotes the flow of traffic throughout your space. Now you can reconfigure your kitchen design in a way that allows you to prepare food and host your event while being a part of the action in an open plan space. The flow of traffic during a party will not be obstructed and you can keep an eye on children when prepping food during the day.

Where Should I Position Seating?

Seating is an integral part of hosting an event. It’s also important to have the right amount of seating for your family’s everyday use. Too much can overwhelm a room, but too little makes the room feel sterile. Soft couches and armchairs are ideal during a party but make sure that they don’t disrupt the flow of traffic. Banquette, chair and stool cushions and covers can all provide a pop of color to your design. Island seating and dining room chairs shouldn’t be too heavy as they’ll need to be moved around during a gathering, especially if it’s a casual gathering or a viewing event. Screens can always be brought down to the seating level, such as in this clever kitchen design in Grosse Pointe Woods.

Which Island is Best for Entertaining?

The island often sets the tone for a kitchen design and separates your work zones from dining and entertainment spaces. Functional and stylish, islands are the center of attention at parties too. It’s the perfect place to store catering essentials and then prep food in your work triangle. As you prep and serve food at your island, guests can sit and chat on comfortable stools. A customized island caters for all your needs, whether you need a space to work from home or host a dinner party.

Does Storage Make a Difference When Hosting Events?

Your layout, seating and island are more efficient without clutter. Custom-built kitchen cabinet storage and shelving, along with island storage, mean that your work and floor space are clear for food and guests. Including a pantry in your kitchen design is even better, as it allows you to have all your food essentials and other party supplies like serving platters easily accessible. Install a beverage bar to let people fix drinks away from the busy food prep area. You can store your coffee machine, all drink supplies, and glasses here permanently. Include a beverage refrigerator to keep cold drinks on hand.

How Can I Get the Party Started?

There’s no need to clear everything out and move in disco lights. An integrated entertainment system lets you show everything from sport to music videos on a big screen. Built-in speakers mean you can play music wherever you like in your open plan kitchen design. Drawers can include charging points and docking stations to hide devices and wires. Incorporating technology into your design means you can use smart appliances to control everything from cooking and cleaning to restocking your fridge at the touch of a button.

Should I Light my Kitchen Zones Differently?

It’s important to have a layered lighting plan so you can set the tone for your space at any time. Always have strong lighting over work zones and then include dimmer switches to control lighting throughout the remodel. Spotlights, uplighting, floor lamps and colored lighting all add atmosphere and can be adjusted according to your requirements. This year is all about dramatic shades for your light fixtures, so why not invest in some eye-catching pendants as a focal point over your island? You can also try colored uplighting underneath for a real party feel.

Can I Incorporate the Backyard into a Party?

Space outside should be considered an entertainment zone. Heaters, boxes of blankets and fire pits all make things cozy on a cold night. Arrange seating around tables with candles and other subtle lighting. You can prep and cook outside with customized equipment. Outdoor dining is nothing new, but it can be taken to the next level in a well-planned kitchen design.

Planning your entertainment zones transforms your kitchen renovation. Whether you’re working with a small or large space, the right storage, style, and layout means you can throw the best parties. Contact us about getting started on your brand-new kitchen remodel and check out our kitchen design gallery for more project inspiration.