Throughout design history, kitchens have always been gathering places. More than just where food was prepared, kitchens began as one of the home’s central hearths, making them cozy places to linger together. Kitchens are the heart and soul of family life, from weeknight meals to holiday gatherings to everything in between – they’re the place where memories are made.
When it comes to hosting your nearest and dearest, few things feel more limiting than a kitchen that isn’t up to the task. Whether your kitchen looks dated, lacks storage, is too small, or has an awkward layout, you can’t outpace bad design. Have you been wondering how to take your kitchen from tired to trendy? Read on below for our five favorite improvements for creating the ultimate host’s kitchen!
Smart Layout
The best gathering spaces are thoughtful. It’s a designer or builder’s job to have foresight, to create a plan that reflects your wants, needs, and unique lifestyle. In kitchens especially, a smart layout is essential; bad design can create hazards and real pitfalls. For example, place dish storage above the dishwasher for easy cleanup, or add a spice drawer near the range top for easier cooking.
Customized Islands
What’s the MVP of a highly functional kitchen? A fabulous island, or even two! The sky’s the limit on a custom kitchen island: it might add prep space, spice storage, a built-in beverage fridge, a second sink, hidden appliances/an appliance garage, a baking station, or serving space. Another rising trend is double islands, which leave room for cooking at one and entertaining at the other.
Eat-In Seating
As stated above, guests and family alike flock to the kitchen. So, another excellent addition to any kitchen remodel is ample seating. Whether it’s a banquette, breakfast nook, bar stools, or an attached dining area, eat-in seating lets people get comfortable and stay awhile. Instead of feeling crowded or cramped, extra seating allows hosts to embrace a “the more the merrier” mindset!
Maximized Storage
It may sound counterintuitive, but smart storage and hosting go hand in hand. Creating a kitchen with organized, efficient storage should be priority number one for any remodel; it’s the backbone of a functional space. A crowded space is hardly welcoming; having everything in its place leaves plenty of room for visitors. Plus, custom storage brings options like coffee nooks, beverage bars, and cocktail mixing stations.
Plan for Flow
Last but not least, always consider flow when planning a kitchen remodel. Consider how you utilize your space: your typical traffic patterns, your hosting style, and what flow feels natural for guests navigating your home. Taking the time to think this through at the start will pay off in spades when your remodel is finished!
Are you ready to talk remodeling? Please connect with our team. We’d be happy to walk you through the process and design a kitchen that fits your hosting style!
Photo by Puscas Adryan for Unsplash