How to Design the Perfect Kitchen for Entertaining

If your idea of the perfect evening is having friends over for a party then you’ll dream of having the perfect kitchen for entertaining. Do you long for a space where guests can sit and chat? A place where you can comfortably cook and chat at the same time Then it’s good to understand how the best kitchen layout for entertaining will give you exactly what you need – a room that is inviting and easy to use. Whether the room is big or small, you can learn how to design the perfect kitchen where everyone is comfortable.

Seven Practical Kitchen Design Ideas

What is the best layout for a kitchen when you love to entertain? To make sure you have a relaxing space with room for mingling, eating and drinking, take some inspiration from these ideas.

How to design the perfect kitchen for gatherings?

Suitable Seating –

Start with maximising the amount of seating you have so all your friends can sit in comfort when they’re together. If you have a dining table in your kitchen, bench seats will provide more seating without eating up the space. Other practical kitchen design ideas include window seating or banquette booths that are built-in and create lots of useful seating options. Having bar stools in a kitchen for entertaining is ideal for parties. These seats are a great height for gatherings and can be kept under a counter or breakfast bar. People can stand and chat to a friend perched on a stool in total comfort and stools that come without backs take up less space than regular chairs too.

Kitchen Islands –

When you’re deciding how to design the perfect kitchen, consider installing a kitchen island. They are very versatile and give a kitchen a focal point. People happily gather around an island or breakfast bar, and the surface is ideal for laying out buffet food and drinks. If you have an island with an inset hob, you will be part of the crowd while you cook too. Make sure you choose the most practical kitchen countertops for a kitchen island. You’ll need a durable top that won’t stain or scratch easily so look at fitting a quality product that is hard wearing.

Clear Surfaces –

Clear surfaces will take a lot of the stress out of entertaining. When you’re thinking about what is the best layout for a kitchen, squeeze in as much storage as possible so you can keep the countertops clutter-free at all times. Look at the different options such as clever corner units and tall larder storage so you can put everything away. The room will look neater, there’ll be more space for laying out food and it’s easier to clean up when there’s less stuff on the sides.

Practical Kitchen Worktops –

When it comes to choosing the surfaces, you’ll need the most practical kitchen countertops. Shaw Stone has a selection that will add a luxurious look and feel to the kitchen. The surfaces in their range are practical, hardwearing and easy to clean – just what you want when designing the perfect kitchen for entertaining. Mix and match the styles to your liking – you can use the same tops on the island and sides for a seamless look, or select contrasting colours or materials for an informal feel.

A Bar –

For die-hard party hosts, designing the perfect kitchen will always include a bar area. It can be a small corner of the room or a large creation depending on the available space. Open shelving displaying a range of glasses, a cocktail shaker and ice bucket will set the scene plus a party bucket for cooling beers is essential. A narrow surface where guests can put down their glass will provide the finishing touch.

Appliances –

Consider your appliances when you are remodelling your kitchen. Fridges need to be as large as possible with lots of space for food. If you can, add a separate fridge for drinks as this will tend to be opened and closed a lot during a party. In the best kitchen layout for entertaining, a wine cooler is a must. And if you’re a creative chef or baker, double ovens will make cooking for a crowd much simpler. Juggling with cooking space creates stress, so take that away with an additional oven.

Lighting –

Last on the list of how to design the perfect kitchen is the lighting. Having a choice will help create the ideal mood. Brighter, overhead lights are needed when you’re prepping and cleaning, but when your friends come over, it’s more relaxing to have a cosy, subdued ambience. This can be achieved with downlights installed under the wall units or in the floor plinths. For a real party atmosphere, choose lights with different coloured bulbs, there are all kinds available.

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