As Wayland kitchen designers, we work with lots of homeowners who truly enjoy opening their homes for parties, special dinners, and other celebrations. These events generally involve a lot of beautiful food, a good portion of which is prepared ahead of time. With that in mind, here are four must have kitchen design elements for the serious entertainer.
Kitchen Essential #1: Enough Space for Everyone
Getting ready for a party is a lot of work – but sharing the prep with your favorite people is exactly how the best memories are made. When working with your kitchen designer, talk about how many people typically work with you in the kitchen. Smart kitchen design involves including easy to access work stations, sinks, and storage so there’s enough room for everyone to take part.
Kitchen Essential #2: Room for Spectators to Be Comfortable & Out of the Way
When you do some of your entertaining in the kitchen, make sure to have your kitchen designer incorporate spectator spaces – areas where people can feel included in the action without interfering with getting in the way of the actual cooking. This could be seating – perhaps at an island, in a breakfast nook, or alongside a pretty view – or a bump out customized for gathering.
Kitchen Essential #3: Extra Storage Space – Including Refrigerators & Freezers
Special event food often needs to be held at temperature until you’re ready to serve. If you make a lot of platters and trays that should be chilled until needed, having a second refrigerator will make your life so much easier. Same deal with having a second freezer – and if you want to really wow summer guests, fancy homemade sorbets are definitely a way to do it. Your Wayland kitchen designer can help you best position these additional cold storage units within your new kitchen – perhaps in a pantry or butler’s kitchen.
Kitchen Essential #4: Easy to Maintain Surfaces
The fun part of having a party is actually having the party – not worrying about what you’re going to do if someone spills sauce on the countertop or wine on the floor. The best kitchen design contractors will help you select countertop, cabinetry, flooring, and appliances that let you focus on the fun.