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How to design the perfect entertaining kitchen

Make your kitchen the perfect place to enjoy time with friends and family

Whether you’re inviting a friend over for dinner or opening up your home for a family celebration, kitchens can be the perfect place to entertain. And you don’t just need a sprawling open plan kitchen diner to have the space to host – a compact kitchen can be equally suitable. It’s more about how you plan the layout, the details you add and the style you choose.

We’ve put together a range of ideas to help turn your kitchen into a welcoming entertainment space – with inspiration for rooms of all sizes, our thoughtful touches can be scaled up or down to suit your home and your budget.

Create a bespoke drinks cabinet

Although this might sound like the ultimate in luxury additions to your kitchen, incorporating a drinks cabinet into your design can be tailored to fit the room you have. More than just a functional space to store glassware, drinks and accessories, it’s the style  of your drinks cabinet that can make it really stand out.

Pick a finish that blends or contrasts with your cabinets, add luxe hardware or glass doors for a glamorous touch, and incorporate the features you need – from spacious wine rack and adjustable shelves to glass holders. We’ve explored this statement-making addition in more detail here.

If you don’t want a dedicated drinks space, you might want to think about a wine cooler to keep your favourite tipple at the right temperature. Premium appliances of all kinds can give your kitchen a high-end look.

Double up on appliances

If you love to entertain, it can be worthwhile considering investing in more than one of each appliance. Two dishwashers can make light work of tidying up, while two fridges can ensure you are able to cool enough drinks for guests and have space for plenty of food to serve them.

From bar stool to banquette – select the perfect seating

From coffee date to cocktails, from lunch to a cosy supper, having the right seating can give your soirée the perfect look and feel. Choose bar stools for your island or peninsula for a relaxed gathering­ – or a banquette for relaxing in a more compact space. Go for upholstered, leather or wood seating to work with your cabinets, dining table or soft furnishings. Take a look at more ideas for the perfect kitchen seating.

Formal dining or brunch – choose the right table

Whether entertaining means brunch with friends, afternoon tea or a formal dinner party, you can create a kitchen that meets your demands. Add a café-style bistro set, a table with benches or a smart dining table as part of your room design to create the right style and atmosphere for your gathering. The ‘café core’ trend could also be right for you if you love friends popping in for coffee.

Create the right ambience with lighting

If your kitchen transforms into a place to spend time with friends and family after dark, it’s important that your lighting can make the change, too. Think about dimmable lights for a cosy glow, pendant lights positioned over your table to make dining easier, or under-cabinet LED lights, designed to create a softer feel when it’s time to relax. Creating the right ambience with lighting can make all the difference.

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