How to design a kitchen for entertaining

For many of us, the modern kitchen is a hub of activity, no longer just a place to cook and eat but a multi-use zone where people congregate to work and socialise. A new kitchen is an exciting time and a project that allows you to reimagine your existing space, such as transforming it into an open plan kitchen that caters for everyone.

Consider a kitchen island in the central social zone.

The central island area is one of the most popular features for new custom kitchens. Whether it's a timeless, classic shaker, modern contemporary or country style kitchen, the central hub offers the perfect space for your family and friends to gather around. It also allows you to impress your guests with your culinary skills with the main cooking area surrounded by bar-style stools.

Incorporate open plan living with a seating area

Lifestyles and work habits have changed relatively quickly, and many fitted kitchens now lean towards broken plan living features. Ask any kitchen supplier, and they will agree that more people nowadays require more options and choices from their modern kitchen. Seating areas separated from workspaces can offer a small sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle but still close enough to be involved in the hub of activity. The broken style feature works well when adapted from an open plan kitchen, but also it can be created by choosing the right kitchen extensions, especially in the classic L-shaped design.

Consider a kitchen extension to improve your kitchen layout.

It is also an excellent time to consider an extension when exploring a new kitchen design and installation. Kitchen extensions offer a relatively simple solution to create more space to improve your kitchen layout. If you are looking for a luxury kitchen style, you may want to explore a central island integrated with broken-plan seating. Think seamless cabinetry, hidden kitchen appliances, skylights and patio doors for additional natural light, making it aesthetically pleasing and spacious for entertaining family and friends.

Why not install a drinks fridge

Installing a good quality wine fridge for a household that entertains regularly is imperative. Serving wines at their optimum temperatures is a great way to impress your dinner guests, and it will also add a slash of sophistication and undoubtedly be aesthetically impressive. If your budget doesn't stretch to a designated wine cooler, then a second fridge integrated within the central island is a good option. A smaller fridge combined with the island area is ideal, out of sight and out of the way! Great for drinks and smaller items that are handy to have close by when prepping and cooking in the island zone.

Design your kitchen surfaces to work for serving many guests

Deciding on a new kitchen allows you to be creative and control how you want your kitchen to function. An island area will ensure your guests are comfortable and involved if you entertain many people. You can include cupboards and drawers towards the dining area to give helping hands easy access to plates, glasses, and tableware without disturbing the central cooking area. You could also add an overhang to the island for smaller numbers of people, so guests can comfortably be seated and socialise easily.

For entertaining guests, your kitchen will need plenty of storage space.

Kitchen storage is the secret key to the seamless functionality of any style of kitchen, whether it's a modern classic kitchen, timeless classic, traditional or country style kitchen. Considering storage at the planning stage of your new kitchen is critical, ask any kitchen supplier, and they will agree. Pots and pans are handy to have close to your cooking zone, where spacious drawers and kitchen cupboards will house your cooking essentials, so you won't need to travel far from your station. Utilising the available space is also a pivotal factor in clever storage. Quite often and without the services of professional and experienced kitchen designers, there are areas of the kitchen that can remain unused, valuable space that is void. With creative thinking and well-briefed kitchen builders, storage should make the most of any unwanted space and turn it into a valued and purposeful zone.

Kitchen lighting can create the right mood for entertaining guests.

A dinner party's ambience relies heavily on practical and relevant lighting. Multi-functional rooms like a modern kitchen require numerous mood lighting to lift and enhance every space and feature on display.

Opting for lighting in your cooking and cleaning zones, including ceiling downlights and under-unit fittings, are an excellent choice for practicality and efficiency. Ambient lighting for areas to unwind and kick back in then is ideal. For example, pendants above a central island, dining table or peninsula offer a relaxing glow for when dinner is ready – so LED strips under a breakfast bar, a central hub, or within wall units will add a pleasing and inviting visual impact. Dimmer switches are also very effective, allowing ultimate control of your lighting – and how you wish to set the ambience and overall mood.

Reduce kitchen clutter with an intelligent kitchen storage design

If you want to keep kitchen clutter out of sight and out of mind, a raised area within a central island or peninsula to conceal cooking waste is a great solution. You could also consider a utility room with a sink and integrated storage, where you can unload dirty dishes, leftovers, and the cooking mess, out of sight and free up valuable workspace for the preparation of puddings and after-dinner drinks.

Visit the Plum kitchen showroom to learn from our experts.

A kitchen to dream in where you can also work, rest, and play! If you are looking for kitchen design and installation, visiting our kitchen showroom will give you a wealth of information, inspiration and insight into what is available and currently on-trend. Our industry experts have unrivalled knowledge about the vast array of kitchen styles and how they work, so you can plan and explore which options may fit your taste and budget. Our professional team will direct you through a journey of style, colour, and innovation and work closely with you to ensure your new kitchen makes the best impression for you and your family and friends to enjoy.