What would make your next holiday gathering easier to pull off? Many of us could use some help in the kitchen.
If you’ve already agreed to host this season, a full remodel may not be in the cards. However, making measured, intentional upgrades is still within reach. Keep reading for some time-efficient kitchen design ideas that support endless merrymaking and unforgettable holiday get-togethers.
Islands that pull triple duty
A kitchen island isn’t a nice-to-have aesthetic design decision. Islands should drastically improve the functionality of your space, especially in open concept design plans. Consider it the hub of holiday entertaining.
Heat-resistant countertops
A lot can happen in the heat of the moment–drinks spill, timers go off, trivets disappear. The aftermath of holiday gatherings is mild when you choose durable, heat-resistant, stain-repelling countertops. They make cleanup simple, impress guests, and work hard year-round.
Custom storage
We love large islands for the extra storage opportunity. However, custom inserts and pull-outs increase organization even further. Add dividers, tiered drawers, and other bespoke solutions that make clutter and lost items a thing of the past.
Social seating
Catch up with guests, serve drinks and snacks, or accept help with prep in one area. Delineating zones are foundational to successful gatherings, so add seating to your island domain for an inviting vibe.
Modern appliances made for holiday hosting
The latest kitchen appliances offer a rich array of beneficial features, from whisper-quiet operation to WIFI connectivity. To top it off, customizable finishes and details integrate new appliances into your existing design for a look that was simply meant to be.
Smart ovens
Every smart oven feature, from remote preheating to automatic, recipe-based shutoff, was tailor-made for entertaining. To take it even further, go for double ovens or a warming drawer to keep side dishes toasty while the entree catches up.
Efficient dishwashers
Faster, quieter, more energy efficient. Upgrading your dishwasher won’t just take piles of work off your plate. You can keep up with loads throughout the day without the noise interrupting conversations.
WiFi-enabled refrigerators
You’re out shopping for the big event. Do you need more heavy whipping cream? Smart refrigerators keep inventory that’s always at your fingertips, so you don’t overbuy or forget a single ingredient.
Layered lighting for safety, ambiance, and zone-building
The most high-impact adjustment you make to your kitchen leading up to the holiday season isn’t the décor. Lighting makes the mood, and today’s strategies for optimal function and appearance are nothing short of brilliant.
Statement fixtures over seating areas
Attract company to seating areas by keeping your most eye-catching pendants and chandeliers overhead. Bonus point for adding festive touches like glimmering icicles or gilded branches.
Under-cabinet task lighting
Keeping lighting low enough to create a vibe for guests is a safety sacrifice. Under-cabinet lighting is easy to install, highlighting beautiful countertops and backsplashes. Most importantly, it makes it easy to see your work.
Warm, welcoming color
Soft, warm white light is infinitely flattering. Add this type of light to meticulously spaced downlights for best results. Or, upgrade to smart features that let you control brightness and color temperature.
Enhancing aesthetics with a holiday refresh
Looks aren’t everything, but they definitely help improve gatherings. You don’t need to do a full remodel to transform your kitchen for your next seasonal get-together. The following aesthetic upgrades can be done on pretty short notice.
A new tile backsplash
A welcome injection of color, texture, and style. Choose from glossy, timeless subway tiles, patterned mosaics, large single-piece stone-look ceramics, and much more.
Hardware update
Matte black drawer pulls with a copper faucet, stainless steel fixtures with polished gold knobs–mixing hardware metals in kitchen design is pretty underrated. If you’re short on resources before the holidays commence, simply updating cabinet hardware and other metal fixtures can provide the mini-facelift you’re looking for.
Tasteful holiday décor
Resist the urge to go full winter wonderland and choose a cohesive theme (natural materials with touches of gold, for instance). A scrupulously styled countertop and a stunning centerpiece might be all you need this season. Target small, non-intrusive touches that won’t clutter surfaces or obstruct views.
Is it too late to upgrade my kitchen for the holidays?
Early to mid-fall is the perfect time to complete smaller kitchen updates. Many of the suggestions we shared today, from installing new appliances to swapping out hardware, can be done in as little as a day.
Our recent client, Rich, had this to share: “Recent upgrade to kitchen was a smooth and fast process. Overall, a great experience, great value, and excellent final product.”
Reach out to The Designery for a free consultation, and be sure to mention that you’d like to be ready to host for the holidays.