When it comes to the holidays, one of the equally greatest and most stressful parts is hosting and entertaining family. However, a fully functional kitchen can make all the difference – and a kitchen renovation could be just the innovative change for you! We’ve provided a list below of all the benefits that go into a fully functional kitchen layout, especially during the holidays. Oh, and pass the Eggnog, please!
Here are all the ways innovative solutions in the kitchen make a huge difference.
A CONTINUOUS CENTER ISLAND OPENS THE SPACE
Short, choppy design elements can trick the eye into thinking there’s no space, so, adding cool elements like a continuous center island or waterfall island make the kitchen look bigger. Luxury vinyl plank flooring also makes the area look spacious and easy to clean, therefore, the spiked hot chocolate won’t make a mark!
STRATEGICALLY PLACED NECESSITIES
For example, if you have a filtered water system or silverware drawers, place them away from high volume kitchen areas (avoid the oven and fridge areas). This will keep people out of the kitchen when they simply need a drink of water or a spoon. It’s all about flow (pun intended).
SEAT THE WHOLE FAMILY
Dual counter bar seating offers flexibility and extends usable space throughout the room. This will help facilitate serving and conversations in an effortless fashion.
ADD A STOVE (AND SERVING OPTION) THAT IS FULLY FUNCTIONAL
We love a Commercial American Range Stove style, with six burners, a dedicated grill and dual convection ovens. Why? Four words. High capacity meal prep. During the holidays, especially Thanksgiving, the kitchen turns into the heart of the home. We’re all about function here. The pass-through window with shelf helps for transferring food, drinks, and dishes to and from the deck and grilling area without opening the door. Can we get a “voila!”
MAKE THE PANTRY EASY TO ACCESS
The pantry in the above photo has an entry loop that makes it effortless for a busy mom or dad to access while multitasking or putting away groceries. Pull-out cutting boards within the cabinets also frees up valuable space (and offers more counter space for guests to utilize when mixing drinks and playing games). Glass cupboards also open up the look of the space.
CONSIDER AESTHETIC
The holidays are all about warmth, that means that lighting is a big deal! Dimmable LED lighting can set the mood and enhance the natural lighting in the room, conserve energy and expand the feel of the space. Dim-lit kitchens come off looking a lot smaller than they actually are. Pendant lights can be used to highlight the beautiful focal point of your space (over a kitchen island for example). The open floor plan with wood-looking luxury vinyl plank flooring (like the photo below) and neutral wall colors integrates the space visually. Stainless steel appliances oftentimes balance color, texture, and scale – making the space look more simple and bigger.
If you need more tips about how to remodel your kitchen into a functional (family-friendly) layout, schedule a consultation with our team today!
