If you love hosting, your kitchen needs to be designed for it. Whether it's a small family gathering or a big get-together with friends, the right entertainment zones make hosting feel easier and everyday family life more comfortable. Here are key features to consider when designing entertainment zones in a remodel.
Go Open Plan
An open plan kitchen works for any event and makes everyday home life more enjoyable. Gatherings naturally center around the kitchen, so removing walls creates flow between areas. As host, you can still be present for the festivities. Open plan also works for family dinner and movie nights, where you can grab a drink from the beverage refrigerator without having to pause your movie.
Take a Load Off
Seating is paramount for parties and family game nights. When you're entertaining, allocate seating for people who want to sit and talk while you cook, for them to eat, and comfortable seating for tired guests to sink into. Island stools, dining table seats, banquettes, couches, and armchairs together cover the requirements in an open plan kitchen and living space. Just arrange seating so it doesn't disrupt traffic flow.
Island Essentials
The island is often the focus of a modern kitchen and the center of family life. It's where food is stored, prepared, and served, where guests sit while you cook, and where kids can do schoolwork or crafts. Customized islands can serve every need and set the tone for a stylish kitchen. We dig into kitchen layout in our layout guide.
Turn Up the Volume
Set up an area with an integrated entertainment system. Watch the big game or a season finale. Silent home movies or music videos add atmosphere when entertaining. Built-in speakers around the kitchen let you set the tone for any event. Charging points in drawers provide handy storage for devices.
Store It All Up
A large room is ideal to host, but the right layout and storage means any size remodel can work for entertaining. Bespoke cabinets and shelving keep countertops and floor space clutter-free for parties or holiday dinners. Designate a space for a beverage bar so guests can fix themselves drinks away from the busy food prep area. We dig into beverage bars in our beverage bar guide.
Be Smart
Smart technology means you can order supplies or view recipes at the touch of a button. Set the oven, room temperature, and lighting from your phone. Pizza ovens or espresso makers fit personal tastes and lifestyle. A professional oven, extra dishwasher, or extra fridge takes the fuss out of party preparations.
Lighten Up
A layered lighting plan lets you set the mood for any gathering. Bright task lighting is essential for food prep; dimmer switches adjust levels in different parts of the design. Spotlights highlight art; a glass cabinet or island can be up-lit. Lanterns and lamps add atmosphere and dramatic light fixtures create a talking point. We cover lighting in our lighting guide.
The Great Outdoors
Extend the kitchen out onto a patio or deck with heaters and speakers. Arrange seating with blankets, candles, and string lights and the outdoor entertainment zone could be the key to a party's success. A built-in barbecue, custom storage, and food prep area can provide a whole new dimension.
Talk through your kitchen with a designer
With the right planning, even the smallest kitchen can host family and friends for any size event. If you're thinking about a kitchen designed for entertaining, we'd love to talk.
Schedule a showroom visit at our 5,000 square foot showroom in Norwell. No pressure, just a real conversation about your home.
Transitions Kitchens, Baths & Remodeling
433 Washington St, Norwell, MA
(781) 871-0881
.jpg){kind=spacer}