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5 Kitchen Updates to Help You Get Ready for Hosting Season
Love to entertain? These high-impact changes to layout, lighting, appliances and more are a must
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Holiday season is almost upon us, and if you’re thinking about how best to accommodate visitors or simply want to revamp your kitchen, then now’s the time to make sure it’s functioning well and looking its best. From upgrading lighting and appliances to ensuring you have an entertaining-friendly layout, there are a handful of kitchen updates that can not only save you time and create a well-functioning space, but also give your overall kitchen design some extra pizzazz. We spoke to an expert in the field about the five best ways to get your kitchen ready for entertaining.
1. Look at Your Layout
Who can say why everyone at a party or gathering always seems to end up in the kitchen, but it’s safe to say they do. With that in mind, if you’re considering a kitchen remodel, think of ways to create a more effortless flow from your living and dining spaces to your kitchen, and give guests or family members somewhere to hang out close to the action.
“When clients tell us they like to entertain, we consider opening up the space so the hosts and cooks can be involved with guests,” says Matt Schmidt, co-owner of Bloomington, Minnesota-based AMEK Design + Build. “This includes an island that can be used as a buffet area for serving and incorporating custom cabinetry with storage for serving platters and cookware.”
Schmidt’s clients aren’t alone in seeking entertaining-friendly layouts or adding islands to their remodeled kitchens. In fact, studies show that among homeowners who remodeled their kitchens in the last two years, more than half added an island or updated their existing island (55%).
Who can say why everyone at a party or gathering always seems to end up in the kitchen, but it’s safe to say they do. With that in mind, if you’re considering a kitchen remodel, think of ways to create a more effortless flow from your living and dining spaces to your kitchen, and give guests or family members somewhere to hang out close to the action.
“When clients tell us they like to entertain, we consider opening up the space so the hosts and cooks can be involved with guests,” says Matt Schmidt, co-owner of Bloomington, Minnesota-based AMEK Design + Build. “This includes an island that can be used as a buffet area for serving and incorporating custom cabinetry with storage for serving platters and cookware.”
Schmidt’s clients aren’t alone in seeking entertaining-friendly layouts or adding islands to their remodeled kitchens. In fact, studies show that among homeowners who remodeled their kitchens in the last two years, more than half added an island or updated their existing island (55%).
Kitchen islands are invaluable in that they can separate the work area in your kitchen from a place to mingle, without isolating the cook. Consider including one with a breakfast bar that guests or family members can sit at, a second prep sink to help with entertaining, and extra storage underneath for glasses, platters and other hosting essentials.
Bonus tip: Already have an island? Choose new bar stools or statement lights to update it in an instant, or why not add a raised area to hide cooking clutter and provide a serving station?
Bonus tip: Already have an island? Choose new bar stools or statement lights to update it in an instant, or why not add a raised area to hide cooking clutter and provide a serving station?
2. Consider High-Impact Upgrades
Even if you’re not embarking on a full-scale kitchen remodel, small changes can easily transform your kitchen into a space that’s better equipped for entertaining, whether it’s by improving the design or making high-use elements more functional. Try swapping out a dated faucet for a new touch-activation faucet, for example, in classic chrome, stainless steel or on-trend matte black. The added functionality of being able to quickly turn it on or off with the touch of a finger is helpful for day-to-day life as well, not just when you’re busy hosting guests.
If you’re looking for a high-impact visual upgrade, Schmidt recommends considering your drawer handles and knobs. “Updating cabinet hardware is a great way to give your kitchen a fresh look on a small budget or in a short amount of time,” he says. “Fixtures in brushed brass, champagne bronze and matte black have a modern flair to them while matching a lot of existing cabinetry.” When it comes to practicality, ensure that cabinetry is easily accessed with handles or pulls and that any broken doors or drawers are fixed so there’s no struggle to open them.
Even if you’re not embarking on a full-scale kitchen remodel, small changes can easily transform your kitchen into a space that’s better equipped for entertaining, whether it’s by improving the design or making high-use elements more functional. Try swapping out a dated faucet for a new touch-activation faucet, for example, in classic chrome, stainless steel or on-trend matte black. The added functionality of being able to quickly turn it on or off with the touch of a finger is helpful for day-to-day life as well, not just when you’re busy hosting guests.
If you’re looking for a high-impact visual upgrade, Schmidt recommends considering your drawer handles and knobs. “Updating cabinet hardware is a great way to give your kitchen a fresh look on a small budget or in a short amount of time,” he says. “Fixtures in brushed brass, champagne bronze and matte black have a modern flair to them while matching a lot of existing cabinetry.” When it comes to practicality, ensure that cabinetry is easily accessed with handles or pulls and that any broken doors or drawers are fixed so there’s no struggle to open them.
3. Showcase Lighting
Lighting is key when it comes to the kitchen. After all, a soiree won’t necessarily want the bright glare of lights, but you’ll still need to be able to see clearly at any cooking or drink-making areas. Lighting can also be used to draw the attention of guests to certain areas of a room. For example, create a wow factor by highlighting a party feature, such as a tray of hors d’oeuvres, placed under a pendant light or a lamp on a bar area to really make it shine.
Lighting is key when it comes to the kitchen. After all, a soiree won’t necessarily want the bright glare of lights, but you’ll still need to be able to see clearly at any cooking or drink-making areas. Lighting can also be used to draw the attention of guests to certain areas of a room. For example, create a wow factor by highlighting a party feature, such as a tray of hors d’oeuvres, placed under a pendant light or a lamp on a bar area to really make it shine.
A good mix of ambient, task and accent lighting is important, such as ceiling downlights, LED strip lights beneath cabinets, stylish pendants above the island, as pictured left, and some accent lights for display cabinetry and kickplates.
“We really value good lighting, especially in kitchens, whether it’s for everyday meal preparation or a party ambiance,” Schmidt says of AMEK Design + Build. “For small changes, include dimmer switches, undercabinet lighting and low-profile LED wafer lights for upcoming gatherings, and don’t be afraid to call an electrician to get the job done properly and safely.”
“We really value good lighting, especially in kitchens, whether it’s for everyday meal preparation or a party ambiance,” Schmidt says of AMEK Design + Build. “For small changes, include dimmer switches, undercabinet lighting and low-profile LED wafer lights for upcoming gatherings, and don’t be afraid to call an electrician to get the job done properly and safely.”
4. Focus on Drinks
Hands up if you’ve seen a home bar on Instagram or Pinterest of late. That’s because not only are drinks an integral part of hosting, but the art of how you store and serve them has risen in popularity. From beautifully styled bar carts to more substantial home bars integrated wine coolers and drink serving stations, the choices are endless and really come down to your space and budget. For clients who entertain frequently, Schmidt recommends they consider adding beverage fridges with multiple temperature zones and built-in wine coolers, or even a beer tap, which he says can give you “the ultimate entertainment experience.”
If you’re a wine enthusiast, investing in a professional wine dispenser can be a real boost to hosting. The model pictured here is designed to integrate into cabinetry and can dispense wine from up to four bottles at a time with a glass window to show off the label and vintage of each. Plus, if you don’t finish a bottle, the kit purges oxygen to maintain wine quality for up to 60 days after opening.
Hands up if you’ve seen a home bar on Instagram or Pinterest of late. That’s because not only are drinks an integral part of hosting, but the art of how you store and serve them has risen in popularity. From beautifully styled bar carts to more substantial home bars integrated wine coolers and drink serving stations, the choices are endless and really come down to your space and budget. For clients who entertain frequently, Schmidt recommends they consider adding beverage fridges with multiple temperature zones and built-in wine coolers, or even a beer tap, which he says can give you “the ultimate entertainment experience.”
If you’re a wine enthusiast, investing in a professional wine dispenser can be a real boost to hosting. The model pictured here is designed to integrate into cabinetry and can dispense wine from up to four bottles at a time with a glass window to show off the label and vintage of each. Plus, if you don’t finish a bottle, the kit purges oxygen to maintain wine quality for up to 60 days after opening.
If your kitchen doesn’t have the space for a dedicated drinks area, you might like to set up drinks and nibbles stations with self-serve areas for wine or mixed drinks, cheese and charcuterie boards, or coffee and desserts. “Using a bar cart, an island on wheels, sofa tables and beverage bars will all encourage people to mingle,” Schmidt says.
Bonus tip: If you’re setting up a cocktail station, a countertop ice maker can be a clever addition to your spread and prevent the pre-party mad dash to the store to pick up bags of the stuff.
Bonus tip: If you’re setting up a cocktail station, a countertop ice maker can be a clever addition to your spread and prevent the pre-party mad dash to the store to pick up bags of the stuff.
5. Upgrade Appliances
If it’s been a while since you’ve invested in kitchen appliances, you’re in for a treat — the technology for ovens, ranges, dishwashers, refrigerators, range hoods and more has only gotten smarter and more stylish. From professional-quality ovens to programmable range hoods, there’s now plenty to choose from to make hosting and everyday life just a little easier. “Our main appliance dealer Ferguson offers some prime time-saving appliances,” Schmidt says, “Such as turbo ovens, drawer warmers and appliances with Wi-Fi capabilities that allow you to program them in advance.”
If you’re upgrading just one appliance this fall, investing in a professional-quality range and oven combo is likely to give you the biggest boost for the holiday season.
A deluxe range with six burners, a double griddle, a convection oven and steam oven, as seen here, allows you to mind multiple dishes on the stovetop at once, without overcrowding, and have a turkey or roast in one oven while the second is used for vegetables, hot rolls or dessert — or even as a warming drawer. The morning after, put the griddle to good use with sizzling bacon and a batch of pancakes for the family.
Bonus tip: It’s not just your appliances that may need an upgrade — changing your electrical wall plates is a great way to give your kitchen a more polished look too.
More: Shop the latest kitchen products and gain expert advice and inspiration on Ferguson’s website.
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
If it’s been a while since you’ve invested in kitchen appliances, you’re in for a treat — the technology for ovens, ranges, dishwashers, refrigerators, range hoods and more has only gotten smarter and more stylish. From professional-quality ovens to programmable range hoods, there’s now plenty to choose from to make hosting and everyday life just a little easier. “Our main appliance dealer Ferguson offers some prime time-saving appliances,” Schmidt says, “Such as turbo ovens, drawer warmers and appliances with Wi-Fi capabilities that allow you to program them in advance.”
If you’re upgrading just one appliance this fall, investing in a professional-quality range and oven combo is likely to give you the biggest boost for the holiday season.
A deluxe range with six burners, a double griddle, a convection oven and steam oven, as seen here, allows you to mind multiple dishes on the stovetop at once, without overcrowding, and have a turkey or roast in one oven while the second is used for vegetables, hot rolls or dessert — or even as a warming drawer. The morning after, put the griddle to good use with sizzling bacon and a batch of pancakes for the family.
Bonus tip: It’s not just your appliances that may need an upgrade — changing your electrical wall plates is a great way to give your kitchen a more polished look too.
More: Shop the latest kitchen products and gain expert advice and inspiration on Ferguson’s website.
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
CREATING THE HOME OF YOUR DREAMS IS AN EXCITING PROCESS, AND WE HELP KEEP IT THAT WAY.
>> Product selections... Read More
CREATING THE HOME OF YOUR DREAMS IS AN EXCITING PROCESS, AND WE HELP KEEP IT THAT WAY.
>> Product selections... Read More
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