There’s no time of year quite like Summer in Queensland – longer days, balmy weather and a calendar packed full of get-togethers with family and friends. Planning and designing the perfect summer kitchen for entertaining requires a careful balance of functionality, aesthetics and character. Learn how to design the ultimate entertainment kitchen so that you can create a beautiful space to enjoy this Summer.
Prioritise open spaces and outdoor access
With an entertainment kitchen comes more people and increased traffic flow. By incorporating an open floor plan into your summer kitchen, you can make the most of the space you have available and give the illusion of a bigger, brighter room. An open plan design also makes it much more enjoyable for the entertainers as they don’t have to miss out on all the fun! An open space with a kitchen island allows the hosts to easily chat and socialise with guests while they prepare dishes and cook food.
The ultimate summer kitchen for entertaining will also create cohesion with outdoor areas for a true Queenslander experience. This could involve a wide ledge used as a bar in a window adjoining the kitchen and deck, or external sliding doors or French doors guiding guests seamlessly between indoors and outdoors.
Create multiple zones for multiple uses
Any seasoned entertainer will know the importance of having clear zones for different activities, from mingling and cooking to dining and lounging. For the host, having multiple zones in your entertainment kitchen will create a better workflow, saving both time and energy. For the guests, an appropriately zoned kitchen will provide different options to choose where and how they spend their time. Where space is limited for an entertainment kitchen design, try to make one or more zones multi-use – for example, the incorporation of a kitchen island opens up opportunity for the preparation zone to also serve as a drinks/bar zone or serving zone for buffet-style meals.
Invest in adequate, high-quality appliances
If you’re planning to invest in your kitchen for entertaining, it only makes sense to also invest in the appliances needed to entertain a large group of people. In this regard, think about space and efficiency – after all, there’s not much point in hosting if you don’t get to spend enough time with your guests because you’re busy behind the scenes. A double-door fridge will give you plenty of room to chill meat, store pre-prepared salads and cool drinks (along with your everyday essentials). A double oven is a must for serious entertainers who need the convenience of cooking several dishes at once without having to stagger them. Even additional or larger versions of appliances like sinks and dishwashers will go a long way in making your life easier while you entertain.
Get organised for maximum efficiency
Creating (and maintaining) an organised summer kitchen will not only make the space look better; it will also make it more functional and easier to use. Entertaining large groups of people requires a variety of cookware, serveware, dinnerware and utensils, so it pays to minimise the clutter and maximise the organisation. Incorporate smart storage solutions into your kitchen for entertaining with pull-out shelves and deep drawers for larger items, baskets and trays in cupboards for keeping like with like, and clearly labelled jars and containers for pantry items.
Show off your home and your personality
One of the best things about entertaining at home is getting to share your special space with loved ones. Add personal touches to your entertainment kitchen and use the opportunity to show off your unique taste, style and personality. This could be anything from the incorporation of statement colour to artwork and unique decor. Check out more tips for adding personality to your kitchen.
Design your entertainment kitchen with Kit Kitchens
Whether you’re cooking a holiday feast or having friends over for a casual lunch, your kitchen will be the ultimate entertaining space this Summer thanks to Kit Kitchens.
We provide custom-built kitchens that are simple to install, so you can design your entertainment kitchen to perfectly fit your life and your needs. With high quality materials and experts on-hand to offer advice on the best options for your summer kitchen, you’re sure to increase the value of your home and go on new culinary adventures with the perfect kitchen designed with you in mind.
