5 Essential Elements of a Host-Friendly Kitchen
If you love to entertain, then you know that there are some kitchens that will never meet your needs or standards. There are specific functionalities that must be addressed when designing a kitchen whose main purpose is to host large gatherings. Here are some of the biggest considerations that professionals will take into account when creating an entertainer’s dream kitchen.
Open Concept
Let’s break down some walls…literally. There are many benefits to an open concept kitchen and living space. Some examples might include NOT missing the game winning touchdown because you had to check the prime rib, or KNOWING which kid just drew on the sofa with a permanent marker. With proper sight lines, all of that can be avoided. Need I go on? But in the case of the entertainer, there’s nothing worse than not being able to partake in the fun your guests are having in the other room while you prep and cook. The only solution is to figure out which wall is in your line of vision, and then consult a pro about creating a plan to get it out of there.
Large Island with Seating
If you’ve never had the opportunity to cook in a kitchen on a huge island, let me tell you, it is the bees knees. Having an island creates so much more counter space for prepping and presentation. Plus, it gives you loads more storage space AND a spot to put your fancy, new microwave drawer that seamlessly blends into your gorgeous cabinetry. And if none of that gets your little entertainer’s heart racing, just know that islands can be customized in a multitude of ways to incorporate seating for your guests. Maybe you want a bar top look, a furniture style with a connecting tabletop, or a built-in banquette off the front. Adding an island can give you a design element that is not only beautiful and eye-catching, but also perfectly fitting for how you want to use your new kitchen.
Beverage Bar/Coffee Bar
Hosting equals serving drinks. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. Now, imagine that everything you need for said drink serving has a designated spot. Everything is organized and out of the way of your cooking area. Guests can trickle through, make themself a drink all the while being at least a full arm’s length away from you while they do it. Woah, now that’s luxury. Customize the space with tile, lighting, a beverage fridge, or an appliance lift for that giant espresso maker that you don’t want on the counter all the time. The sky's the limit, and you’ll pat yourself on the back every time one of your guests compliments your brilliant decision to add a beverage bar.
Island Cooktop
This one is all about preference. For some, the idea of having their back to everyone while they cook is not ideal. Adding a cooktop to your island allows you to face out toward guests so that you can converse while also serving up some fabulous cuisine. Some versions of these cooktops even include a hibachi grill. So, start learning how to make an onion volcano!
Butler’s Pantry
Butlers’ pantries, sometimes referred to as “scullery”, are all the rage right now. These are small rooms, usually between the kitchen and dining room, that are used for extra storage and prep work. Any person with an entertainer's soul knows that a host can naturally accumulate a lot of stuff. So basically, the role of these rooms is to hold all your extras and hide the mess when you want the other areas to look magnificent. However, if you’ve been on Pinterest lately, these rooms certainly do not have to be eye sores. They can have a charming design all their own with ceiling height cabinetry, custom windows, and jaw dropping finishes.
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