Gone are the days where a kitchen was used for cooking and nothing else. In the modern age, this space has become the multi-functional hub of home life. For many people, it’s a social place, where friends, family, and visiting guests are guided. We use the kitchen not just to eat meals, but to host parties, chat with the neighbours, and get work done. If this is what you want out of your kitchen, then it must be designed accordingly. With that in mind, here are five tips.
Let In Natural Light
A dark and dingy room will never be considered a social space. People need light to be able to interact properly with one another. Making the most out of natural light, therefore, is incredibly important. Not only will it make the space more welcoming and appealing to yourself and any guests, but it can also help the room feel larger and airy. The easiest way to boost natural light in your kitchen is to open the blinds. You can also incorporate reflective materials and light colours.
Open Up The Space
Your guests won’t want to spend any time in the kitchen if it feels cramped. Because of this, you should try to open up the space as much as possible. This will allow more people into the room to socialise, as well as take part in the food preparation and cooking. Open plan kitchen-dining areas make effective social kitchens. You might even want to incorporate the living room too. These allow guests to talk to the chef while still being far enough away from the cooking area.
Pick The Right Seating
It’s crucial that your friends and family feel comfortable in the kitchen. If you expect them to stand the entire time that they’re in there, then you’re already going wrong. You must make sure that you have plenty of seating options available to them. Along with a dining table, you might want to add a bespoke kitchen island. This would allow them to be closer to you and the food preparation area, without getting in the way. Sofas and bean bag chairs can make the room more casual too.
Include Some Talking Points
Keeping the conversation going is critical in any social setting. While there are sure to be things that you and your guests can talk about, adding a few conversation starters here and there won’t do you any harm. Interesting and unique features can be effective talking points in a kitchen, so consider additions that you could incorporate. Unusual artworks, family photographs, and fancy appliances will all ensure that the chatter never dies down in your new social hub.
Focus On The Technology
For some people, a television in the kitchen is something to be frowned upon. However, for many others, it’s a necessity. TVs can offer both social benefits and drawbacks, depending on your tastes and lifestyle. They can be a great way for loved ones to bond, but they can also get in the way of conversation. If you’re going to add a television to your kitchen, you might want to keep it hidden until the situation permits it. When you don’t want your TV, you could listen to music.
With these tips, you should have no trouble turning your kitchen into the social hub every home needs.
