Make 2018 the year you finally get your dream kitchen!
There’s nothing quite like holiday entertaining. The festive scents of honey ham, gingerbread cookies, and pine needles warmly welcome friends and family into our homes.
We gather to share a meal and stories from the past. In return, these sweet moments make new memories our children will treasure.
If your outdated kitchen has prevented you from hosting parties or holiday gatherings, then it might be time to remodel. Before you start your new kitchen, we have three words of advice: plan, plan, plan.
We're here to help.
As design-build professionals, we often get asked, “What items should I include in my kitchen remodel?” Our typical answer is “It depends.”
Since every person's situation is unique, we want to take the time to get to know you.
Selecting items for your kitchen renovation should be based on the following criteria: (1) size of your area; (2) number of people you host; (3) availability of quality products; (4) budget; and (5) personal preference.
As we discuss the top kitchen amenities for entertaining, we invite you to think about your own home and how you live. Make a list of the items that interest you, and then share your must-haves in the Comments below.
Let’s get started.
Perfect for entertaining and family time, open floor plans allow the host to join the party. Friends and family can conduct different activities but still be physically together in the same space.
If you want to host dinner parties and holiday feasts, a double oven is worth considering. You can prepare multiple dishes at the same time, so say goodbye to tight cooking schedules and the stress of baking items at altered temperatures.
In addition, warming drawers keep food warm while you prepare other foods inside the oven.
Islands have evolved from simple countertop workspaces to entertaining essentials. To make the most of this large kitchen element, incorporate functional features such as seating, a prep sink, a cooktop, a microwave, and even a garbage can.
Elevate your holiday entertaining with a home coffee bar. But don’t stop with just one brew. Stock your coffee station with tea and hot cocoa fixings too, ensuring all of your guests will be toasty warm all winter long.
There’s nothing quite like guests knocking at your front door to make you resent your unorganized rooms. A lack of storage space is frustrating. Let Benjamin Franklin’s words be your guide when it comes time to redesign your kitchen: “A place for everything, everything in its place.”
If you love to host parties, it’s time to raise the bar of your home design. An integrated wet bar located near your kitchen will make preparing drinks for guests more convenient.
Adding a beverage refrigerator to your entertainment area benefits both you and your guests. Visitors feel more comfortable grabbing a drink from a beverage fridge rather than your family’s regular refrigerator. Whether you plan on serving beer, wine, water, or soda, having extra beverages close at hand saves you from running to the kitchen every time someone wants a drink.
Often, simple solutions are best. That’s the case for one area that can serve more than one purpose. The perfect example is a desk in your kitchen. It can also be used as a counter for food or beverages. Located out of the kitchen work triangle, this area works especially well when entertaining. Let’s get your party started!
In conclusion, a kitchen designed for entertaining is all about function and convenience. From the proper layout to high-quality appliances, there are a number of features that can keep you organized and efficient.
Working with a certified kitchen designer ensures you’ll get the most from your space and budget.
For more beautiful kitchen ideas, check out our photo gallery. Or contact us to set up a free in-home consultation with Andrea or Patti to begin discussing your kitchen remodel.
Love being social? You can also follow Harrisburg Kitchen and Bath on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Houzz for more design ideas and inspiration.
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Industry Experience: My father has run his own construction company since 1992, and because of this I have been involved in the remodeling industry nearly my whole life. I’ve been with HKB since 2018.
Favorite Part of Your Job: I truly love helping people – whether by keeping things organized behind the scenes, ensuring we have everything we need for each project, or assisting with creative problem-solving. It brings me so much joy to be part of such a great team who are passionate about improving people’s lives by reimagining their living spaces!!
Fun Fact About You: I’m a self-published author, a self-taught artist, and a gigantic Star Wars nerd.
Industry Experience: Starting in 2008, I have been in the construction and remodeling industry in multiple capacities: project coordination, management, design, and sales. I have been with HKB since 2020.
Favorite Part of Your Job: I greatly enjoy getting to know our customers and being a part of their kitchen and bath transformations. It’s an honor to be a trusted partner and see the impact that our team's hard work has on someone’s home.
Fun Fact About You: I’ve tap danced nearly my whole life and have been awarded national recognition. I’ve also recently added dance instructor to my tap experience by teaching and choreographing locally for the last two years.
Industry Experience: I have been in the business as a designer and sales person since 1986, and I have been with HKB since 2020.
Favorite Part of Your Job: To be challenged to create something the homeowner never expected and absolutely loves!
Fun Fact About You: Enjoys golfing, playing poker, and cigars!
Industry Experience: Since entering the kitchen & bath industry in 1988, I have worked in all aspects of the industry including manufacturing, design/sales, representing independent manufacturers, and owning a retail kitchen & bath showroom. I have been working with or employed by Harrisburg Kitchen & Bath since 2020.
Favorite Part of Your Job: Helping customers make their dream spaces come to life! Especially enjoy working with older homes from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Fun Fact About You: I enjoy traveling to other parts of the world. Most recently visited Australia in 2019. I have been to all continents except Antarctica! Next on my bucket list.
