Designing Your Kitchen to Entertain

The open concept kitchen wasn’t always the gold standard. In the past, small galley kitchens kept hosts separated from their guests by walls and long hallways that kept the kitchen tucked neatly out of sight. But today, a large, open kitchen tops the list of features house hunters want most their home—a trend that continues to grow and evolve.

We’re glad to see that this design is here to stay. Large kitchens that are integrated into other living spaces let hosts enjoy more time with their guests and offer an intimate, home-like experience for visiting friends and family.

But even when there’s plenty of space, not every kitchen is optimized to accommodate crowds. The solution? Using a few smart design principles, you can set up your kitchen to give you plenty of room to work while giving your guests the freedom to move around on their own.

(This kitchen opens into the main living space and provides plenty of room for guests to mingle without losing sight of the host. This design keeps the formal dining area separate, but still accessible.)

(This Mediterranean-inspired kitchen, directly accessible to the formal dining area and main living room, divides the space without closing it off. Guests have plenty of seating options—they may sit on one of the stools, lounge on the couch in the living room, or stand and mingle at the bar to the left of the kitchen.)

(Limited by space, this kitchen was able to keep the prep area distinct by raising the edge on the peninsula so cooks can prepare food without disrupting guests sitting at the counter.)

(This kitchen transitions into the formal dining space with an island counter and wet bar. This smart layout allows guests to freely move about the kitchen and living space.)

(This minimalist kitchen features ceramic tile from Design Works supplier Atlas Concorde. The large windows and direct access to the outdoors bring light and airiness to the room, and create a stunning view for guests.)

(This gorgeous Sarasota kitchen boasts big, sunny windows that bring in lots of light, making the space feel even more open. The light cabinets and matte finish help to soften the stone counter, creating an inviting atmosphere for guests.)

Also consider soft-close drawers that will minimize jarring noises and slamming. Not only will it protect your cabinetry, it will reduce sounds coming from the kitchen, allowing your guests to stay focused on their conversations. Speakers built into the walls also offer a chance to play your favorite music at a comfortable volume, and won’t detract from your décor.

Are you planning a new build or a kitchen remodel? Florida Design Works wants to help bring your design dreams to life. We offer our own locally constructed, fully customizable cabinetry and carry several nationally recognized brands including Wood-mode, Elmwood and Woodharbor. Contact one of our Florida locations to speak with a designer and get started here.