The Host’s Kitchen by TruKitchens

by TruKitchens

The Host’s Kitchen

Entertaining at home starts with excellent design

DESIGN FOR THE EVERYDAY, plan for the exception. This mantra is certainly put to test when hosting family and friends. A steady stream of guests can put a strain on a home that hasn’t been thoughtfully designed for entertaining. While the most obvious solution, a large home, boasts plenty of floor space, it may not function well for everyday living.

But what about a home that’s been thoughtfully designed to live up to that mantra? Well, it starts in the kitchen.

The layout of the kitchen is vital. The best kitchen for entertaining is an open-concept space that lets guests mingle throughout the home while allowing the host to remain part of the event. Ideally, the kitchen has ample perimeter counterspace for food prep and a generous island for serving. Appropriate space between each work area has been allocated so nothing feels too tight. Even better, a butler’s pantry serves as a flex space for additional storage, food prep, and staging.

Speaking of storage, no host wants to be racing around trying to find serveware at the last minute. And they certainly don’t want guests to be searching for barware amongst the kid cups. An excellent kitchen designer will work with a client during the design phase to put thought to where items need to be stored in the space. This allows appropriately sized drawers and shelves to be in the smartest places for both every day and entertainment scenarios.

Appliances are the “many hands that make work light” for the host. A professional grade range with plenty of burners, dual ovens, and even a griddle ensures food is well cooked. A warming drawer keeps food at temperature until it is ready to serve or can be used to keep plates, bowls, and cups warm for hot foods or drinks. A refrigerator with wide shelves allows for prepared platters of food to be kept cold until served.

A beverage station or larger designated bar area frees up the host while guaranteeing guests needs are met quickly. It also keeps beverages, hors d’oeuvres, and other self-serve items away from the cooking area. This station is best located in the transition space from the kitchen to the dining or living room. It should have cabinetry for organizing barware and counterspace for laying out drinks and food. A bar sink helps keep glassware and other serveware clean. Appliances may include a beverage refrigerator, undercounter icemaker, or a built-in coffee machine. And when it comes to design, the bar area is a fun space to use different colors, textures, and materials. An easy-to-clean kitchen keeps the party going even as the dishes, messes, and trash pile up. Two dishwashers guarantee there are always clean dishes ready for the next course. Multiple pull-out trash and recycling bins make taking out the garbage a snap. A toe-kick vacuum carries off the crumbs and dirt quickly and easily. Smudge-proof or panel-ready appliances keep surfaces looking clean. Countertops with a lot of movement and pattern hide crumbs, splashes, and spills that come along with parties. Tile or slab backsplash wipe off easily in the event of a splatter or two.

And don’t forget to plan for the wear and tear a space experiences with the constant influx of guests. Durable finishes like luxury vinyl plank flooring; engineered stone countertops; and solid hardwood, thermally-fused laminate, or highpressure laminate cabinetry are up to the challenge. These finishes come in many textures, colors, and patterns so there is no need to sacrifice design for durability.

At TruKitchens, our design consultations begin with getting to know our client’s lifestyle and goals for their home design project. We walk sideby-side our clients talking through even the smallest of details, so the space functions for everyday life and holiday hosting scenarios. We use three-dimensional renderings to help us fine tune a client’s dream space as they walk through it digitally, making sure storage for everything from silverware to spices has a place. Most importantly, we employ creativity along with functionality to help our clients love sharing their home with family and friends for years to come. ❂

Brent Weesies

Senior Designer, TruKitchens 616.957.1969 hello@trukitchens.com trukitchens.com