Think back to the last holiday gathering you hosted...was it Thanksgiving or Christmas last year? (You know, before life came to a screeching halt…) No matter the holiday, consider how you felt as you prepared the meal, arranged your furniture, and hosted family and friends…

• Was the kitchen perfect for making that luxurious dinner? Or did the flow of your kitchen cause you frustration? 

• Was there plenty of space for loved ones to gather and mingle around? Or were you constantly tripping over one another?

• Did you enjoy the process? Or were you relieved when the big day was over?

If you’re like many of my clients, each holiday celebration, while wonderful and memorable in many ways, can also be headache-inducing when your space is working against you instead of for you. The kitchen, which should be the heart of the home, often becomes a hindrance to fully embracing the spirit of the holidays. When the flow isn’t right, you’re always running out of counter space. If it’s closed off from the rest of the home, it prevents the chef from participating in the group festivities. 

Because I believe you shouldn’t have to spend another holiday irritated with your kitchen, I’m sharing some design suggestions for a kitchen that is ideally suited to entertaining… at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and all year-long.

Now, I’ll be the first to admit that it is anyone’s guess as to what the holidays might look like this year. In our ever-changing, mid-pandemic world, it is easy to feel disheartened and even anxious about this very subject. But I want to look forward optimistically, plan for the best, and I hope to inspire you to do the same. And what better time than the present to take action? Let’s dive right in…

Which older home features make entertaining difficult?

What are some of the features of these dated homes in need of love? Well, if you live around Cranbrook, you’ve probably seen (or experienced firsthand)…

• Popcorn ceilings, wood paneling, and decades-old stone fireplaces that haven’t been well-kept

• Layout-wise, dark and compartmentalized spaces

• And don’t even get me started on a lack of lighting in many dated homes in our area. I simply can’t fathom why the only lights in some bedrooms around here are the lamps that the homeowners had to purchase. So bizarre!

In addition to these whole-home concerns, there are also kitchen-specific features I’ve noticed in the dated homes I’ve re-designed in and around Cranbrook: 

• Dated flooring (such as honey oak and linoleum)

• Corner fireplaces (that are incredibly tricky to design and furnish around)

• A lack of counter space

• Closed floor plans that wall off the kitchen from the rest of the home. 

If any of these design elements describe your home, it may be time for a renovation or refresh. Here are some great design tips that will take your space from dull and dated to life-of the-party… And you don’t have to take my word for it… check out the transformation of this stunning kitchen our team completed recently!

What are some features of a home that is well-designed for entertaining? 

Whether the intention is to host large-scale dinner parties or intimate gatherings with a few family members or friends, the same basic rules apply to creating a home that is warm and welcoming while also practical and purposeful in layout and design.

Rule #1: A Welcoming Entry

When renovating your home’s layout, make sure that you have a nice size entry with lots of room for people to come and go. A closet for storing guest coats, shoes, and personal items is a huge bonus, as it is both hospitable, and keeps the clutter at bay. A bench or chair in the entry for people to sit on as they slip their shoes back on is a nice touch. And if possible, a powder room off of the entry is ideal (this can be a simple toilet and sink, free from personal items, and designed with unique finishes to make guests feel special).

Rule #2: An Easy Flow

If your home renovation involves reconfiguring the floor plan, make sure that you are taking the flow of the home into consideration. Even if you prefer walls in other areas of the home, opt for an open-concept kitchen, dining, and living space. Your own guests will be so grateful for the open floor plan and spacious feel. Don’t forget to factor in the flow from indoor spaces to outdoor areas if you have a patio or backyard that will frequently be part of your entertaining as well. 

Rule #3: An Array of Seating Options

Guests always appreciate options, so making sure that you have multiple places for them to sit in the kitchen and living areas is essential. Choose comfortable and plentiful bar stools at the kitchen island (preferably with a back and upholstered in a performance fabric or vegan/genuine leather). Furnish your open living room with couches as well as chairs to provide variety. And consider a cozy lower-level that is less formal and gives the kids a place to play (and the husbands a spot to watch TV).

Rule #4: A Kitchen with Built-Ins

Whether you plan on it or not, the kitchen always becomes one of the main gathering spaces of your home. Account for that with a large island or peninsula that provides seating space as well as ample prep areas. Add a butler’s pantry for additional storage of small appliances, extra stemware and dishware, etc. This hidden area is also perfect for meal prep and keeping the mess out of sight from guests. If space allows, designate a beverage station for coffee, tea, or even cocktails.

Rule #5: An Illuminated Home

While simple, the layers and levels of lighting in a home are often overlooked. Make sure that every room of your home, especially the kitchen and attached living spaces, have good natural lighting, robust overhead lighting, and accent lighting that can help set the mood for any occasion. 

How do you plan and design a kitchen suited for entertaining?

Designing any space is an in-depth process, and the kitchen is certainly no exception. With hundreds of design choices to be made and countless moving parts, a kitchen renovation can be daunting. But my process strives to keep that as simple as possible for you, the homeowner. Read more about my stress-free renovation process, as well as my 2-hour design consultation in recent posts.

What specific materials stand up to long-term use when entertaining regularly?

Although each finish selection should be examined through the lens of heavy use, the two kitchen components that require the most thought in this area are flooring and countertops. Since these surfaces will see the most wear and tear over time, they should be selected carefully for durability in addition to aesthetics. 

Flooring Options

Flooring, such as hardwood, engineered hardwood, tile, laminate, and luxury vinyl products, are all great choices for homes that entertain a lot. They are durable, easy to clean, and look beautiful in your space. Each have their own pros and cons, however:

• Hardwood floors provide a classic look that will add value to your home. Although beautiful, they will scratch over time, but can be refinished. Spills should always be wiped up within minutes to avoid damage. And they do come with a higher price tag. 

• LVT or LVP (luxury vinyl tile or plank) is great because it is waterproof and long-lasting. It is ideal for busy families with kids and pets. It is softer and warmer to stand on than tile and comes in a variety of wood plank or tile looks. While I recommend a minimum 5mm thickness and 20MIL wear layer, these products will still scratch if something heavy enough is dragged across the surface. The higher priced versions are more realistic looking and often have a cork backing or stone core to reduce noise.

• Tile is another very durable option. With the recent introduction of large format tiles, this is another smart selection for open concept floor plans. Available in many sizes, some are as big as 120” x 60”, which means fewer grout lines. Another benefit to tile is that heat wires can be installed underneath for a warm, cozy feel underfoot.

• Laminate is also very tough and can give a realistic wood look without the price tag. Some of the newer laminates offer up to 72 hours of waterproof protection, which is great for that ice cube that escapes the ice maker and slips under the fridge. If laminate is your choice, pay attention to the abrasion class. Each product is given an abrasion class or AC rating. AC1 is for light traffic, whereas AC5 stands up to heavy traffic and even commercial use. I recommend no less than AC4 for families with children and pets.

Whatever flooring you choose, I recommend installing it throughout the entire open concept area to give a more spacious feel. Area rugs can then be used to define the unique spaces.

Countertop Options

Whether you prefer laminate, quartz, natural stone, solid surface, or wood, these materials are all durable and will last for years. There are benefits and drawbacks to each one, so it is all about finding the right material that suits your aesthetic and functional needs in the kitchen:

• Laminate is the most budget-friendly option and comes in many different colors and patterns. It is not heat-proof and seams are vulnerable to water damage if spills are not wiped up right away. If you choose to go this route, two of my favorite brands are WilsonArt and Formica.

• Quartz is a man-made surface made up of Quartz and polymer resin, landing it in the middle to high price range. Although it is heat resistant, it is not heat-proof. You will still need a trivet for a pot or pan coming off of the stove top. It is, for the most part, stain and bacteria resistant, although some food items like red wine, blueberries, and turmeric can still discolor the surface depending on how long the spill is left.

• Natural stone, including granite, quartzite, and marble are all heat-proof. A pot or pan can be transferred directly from stove top to counter surface. All are porous and can stain but most stains can be removed with proper cleaning products. Fair warning, though, Quartzite and marble are prone to etching from acidic foods such as lemon juice and vinegars. 

• Solid surface is made from acrylic. Like quartz, it can be damaged by excessive heat, but is stain and bacteria resistant and can be refinished, if needed.

• Wood has become quite popular again, mostly because of the look and feel it offers. Wood can be refinished as needed, but does require more maintenance than any of the other choices. 

Accessory Options

In addition to the big-ticket items, like flooring and countertop materials, if you plan to entertain frequently, you may want to consider these accessories which will integrate beautifully into your kitchen design while making meal preparation easier long-term:

• A pot filler over the cooktop

• A separate beverage refrigerator or wine chiller

• An ice maker

• A dispenser for both hot and cold water at the touch of a button

• A second dishwasher

• A warming drawer or steam oven for keeping food warm between courses

• A second oven or a convection oven

• A second smaller prep sink in addition to the main sink

If all of these design ideas have your wheels spinning, let’s talk! Whether your holiday meals this year will be large and lively or quiet and cozy, give yourself the gift of a gorgeous, thoughtfully-designed, and entertaining-equipped kitchen this year.

Together, let’s design a home that you, your family, and your guests will love and enjoy for years to come.

Until next month,
Adrienne