‘Tis (almost) the season for a holiday-ready kitchen! At Gerard Construction, we know the kitchen is the heart of the home – especially during the holiday season. If you’re dreaming of the perfect holiday entertaining space or considering a remodel, here are some tips to help you design a kitchen that meets your needs for both entertaining and everyday living.
1. Create an Open Layout
Open floor plans that seamlessly connect the kitchen, dining room, and living room into a single spacious layout continue to be a top choice for homeowners. This design creates a comfortable social area and an inclusive environment that encourages your guests to connect and enjoy each other's company.
Learn More: Maximize Custom Home Square Footage: 4 Key Factors for Success
2. Include a Functional Island
A large and well-designed kitchen island is one of the best additions for hosting holidays. Not only does it provide extra prep space, but it can also double as a beverage station, buffet line, or casual seating area.
You can make your island even more functional by incorporating built-in storage below for extra cookware or serving trays. Adding seating around the island also creates a casual and comfortable space for guests to sit and still be part of the action.
3. Incorporate Smart Storage Solutions
Incorporating creative storage solutions will help keep your kitchen organized and tidy, especially when entertaining. Well-designed cabinets and storage options also help reduce the stress of preparing for holiday gatherings and dinner parties.
When designing your kitchen, consider including these smart storage solutions:
- A walk-in pantry, butler’s pantry, or pantry cabinet for plenty of storage space
- A double pull-out trash cabinet for easier clean-up
- Under-the-island storage for cookware and serving pieces
- Spice pull-outs next to the range for easy access while cooking
4. Invest in Must-Have Appliances and Entertaining Features
When designing or renovating your kitchen, it’s essential to consider how appliances and other features will enhance your daily life. And if you frequently entertain or host holiday gatherings, it’s essential to consider how these features can make serving easier.
Adding these appliances and features will elevate your kitchen into an ideal entertaining space:
- Double ovens for added cooking convenience
- Pot filler to easily fill large pots directly on the stove
- Deep kitchen sink for washing large pots, pans, and serving dishes
- Warming drawer to keep dishes warm until serving time
While your new kitchen may not be ready by this Christmas, it’s never too early to start planning the kitchen of your dreams.
5. Include a Beverage Station
If you entertain often, a designated beverage area is a must-have that you may not even know you need. A self-serve beverage bar (especially one with a small refrigerator) is an excellent way to entertain guests and keep the traffic flowing seamlessly. Incorporate fun elements into this unique space and create a cocktail or mocktail to go with the occasion.
Learn More: Top Remodeling Projects to Tackle Before the Holidays
Ready to Design Your Dream Kitchen? Let’s Get Started!
Designing a holiday-ready kitchen is about blending functionality, comfort, and style. Whether you’re building a custom home, planning a kitchen remodel, or just looking to make a few upgrades, Gerard Construction is here to help you create the perfect space for both everyday living and special occasions. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.