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The Best Kitchen Layout for Entertaining

With all the COVID related lockdowns over the last 12 months, our homes have not only provided sanctuary but also, a place where we can socialise safely with our family and friends.

Rooms that have been designed to incorporate cooking, dining, and space for entertaining have been the perfect setup in these circumstances. 

In this blog, we look at some of our favourite Davonport projects with the best designs for hosting summer soirees. 

Tillingham | From Design to Reality 

This family kitchen project has been designed with 3 clear distinct areas which flow seamlessly together for daily family life and evening entertaining.

Food prep can be carried out on the large island in front of the oven and hob, where an integrated prep sink is in arms reach. Seating is incorporated into the island in the way of a breakfast bar, and a small banquette that accommodates a dining table with room for up to 6 people. This provides guests with somewhere to perch whilst the chef carries out any last-minute food prep. 

An integrated wine cooler and Davonport signature pantry, which also doubles as a drinks cabinet, are adjacent to the dining table (and patio) via the large bi-folding doors, allowing the host easy access for top ups. The combination of mirrored glass, Carrera marble, and subtle backlights in the pantry also create a stunning focal point, exuding the feel of a cocktail bar in an opulent city hotel.

For after dinner coffee or relaxing with family, a snug area in the corner has been designed using wall panelling and built-in furniture in the same style and colour as the kitchen. This helps the room flow seamlessly together, creating the illusion of more space.

By incorporating different functional areas into a considered design, the end result is not only a practical space for day-to-day living, but also a beautiful, timeless kitchen that is sympathetic to the period of the property.

Canterbury | A Vision in Green

With beautiful views of the country garden, this spacious Canterbury kitchen-diner boasts the ultimate bespoke drinks cabinet for pre and post-dinner tipples. It is the perfect ‘party’ kitchen!

Once again, the room has been designed with distinct zones for food prep and dining. In addition to the large family dining table, the island incorporates breakfast bar seating for up to 3 people.

Positioned centrally between the vast stretch of bi-folding doors, when opened the freestanding gin cabinet, hand-carved with the name ‘alchemy’, provides a real wow factor. A slim-line wine cooler is also nearby, out of the cooking zone and integrated into the far side of the island.

The kitchen furniture hand painted in calming shades of green evokes the feeling of nature, and when the doors are fully open the garden feels like an undetectable extension of the space. The design layout is nicely balanced with all the functional elements of the kitchen on one side and entertaining and dining on the other.

The unique handcrafted gin cabinet sits proudly in the centre of the room with plenty of space around it for guests to mingle and maybe even dance!

This kitchen is another great example of a design that works for practical family living as well as large social get-togethers.

Tillingham | Victorian Vicarage Renovation

A collection of small rooms has been turned into a large and airy kitchen in this striking Victorian vicarage renovation.

As a family of 5, space to entertain and socialise was an important factor when planning the layout of this kitchen. Also, as an avid cook and entertainer, the client specifically wanted a dining table that would seat up to 10 people. 

The room design works well for indoor and outdoor entertaining with the dining table at the heart of the kitchen. Incorporating an l-shaped banquette that replicates the style of one that the client saw in a bar in Edinburgh, it overlooks the leafy garden through the traditional style French doors.

With an additional utility room and separate pantry, storage was not an issue, so this meant the small redundant alcove to the right of the original fireplace could be converted into a bar and drinks storage area. 

Finished with antique effect glass and burnished brass shelving for glassware, the luxury bar is in equal distance to the dining table and garden patio, making it perfect for all year-around entertaining. 

This Tillingham kitchen makes for a sociable space, which again connects to the outside perfectly for summer socials and alfresco dining.

Looking at these projects in more detail, the common elements which make them excellent for entertaining are as follows; defined cooking and food preparation areas, ample seating for dining together (with different types of seating), a focal point for storing and preparing alcoholic beverages, and finally, dining that is positioned close to the outside.

For more kitchen inspiration click on our client journeys or follow us on Instagram @davonport_interiors.

To book a design consultation with one of our expert designers, contact us on 0845 468 0025.

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