The holiday season is the perfect time to gather with family and friends, and for many homeowners, the kitchen becomes the heart of the celebration. Whether you’re hosting a festive dinner or a casual gathering, having a kitchen designed for entertaining can make all the difference. If you’re thinking about renovating your kitchen before the holidays, consider custom builds that add both function and style. Here are the top five custom kitchen renovations to make your holiday hosting easier and more enjoyable.
1. Expand Dining Areas with Custom Benches
When it comes to hosting a large gathering, seating is often a challenge. Expanding your dining area with custom-built benches is a stylish and practical solution.
Built-In Banquette Seating: A custom bench, also known as a banquette, can be built into a corner or along a wall to create a cozy dining nook. It maximizes seating without taking up as much space as traditional chairs and adds a charming, cozy aesthetic to your kitchen.
Storage-Integrated Benches: You can incorporate storage beneath the benches, perfect for stashing away holiday dishes, linens, or extra seating cushions. This functional feature keeps clutter out of sight while still providing easy access.
Comfortable and Customizable: Custom benches can be designed with upholstery and cushions that complement your kitchen décor. For holiday gatherings, you can add festive pillows or seat covers to make the space even more inviting.
2. Install a Spacious Kitchen Island
A kitchen island is a game-changer when it comes to entertaining, offering extra prep space, storage, and seating. For holiday hosting, a custom-built island can be designed to meet your specific needs.
Seating for Guests: Add an overhang to your island to create a breakfast bar where guests can sit and chat while you cook. Stools tucked underneath the island can offer additional seating when the dining table is full.
Additional Prep Space: The holidays often mean cooking for large groups, and counter space can quickly run out. A spacious island provides ample room for food prep, serving, and even setting up a buffet-style meal for your guests.
Built-In Appliances and Features: Custom islands can include features like a second sink, wine fridge, or warming drawers, making it easier to multitask and keep the flow of your holiday meal running smoothly.
3. Upgrade to Double Ovens and Extra Cooktops
Hosting holiday meals often means preparing multiple dishes at once, and a standard oven or cooktop may not be enough to handle the volume. A custom kitchen upgrade can solve this problem by installing double ovens or adding an extra cooktop.
Double Ovens for Flexibility: With double ovens, you can bake a turkey in one and side dishes in the other, all at different temperatures. This setup is a lifesaver during the holidays when timing and variety are key to a successful meal.
Extra Cooktop or Range: If you frequently host large gatherings, consider adding a second cooktop or a range with more burners. This allows you to cook multiple items simultaneously and gives you the flexibility to prepare meals faster.
Custom Cabinetry for Appliances: To keep your kitchen looking sleek, work with a remodeling professional to build custom cabinetry that seamlessly integrates your new ovens and cooktop, maintaining a cohesive design.
4. Create a Built-In Beverage Station
Holiday hosting often means keeping guests hydrated with everything from coffee to cocktails. A built-in beverage station is a must-have for anyone who loves to entertain.
Coffee Bar: Set up a coffee bar with a built-in espresso machine or coffee maker, complete with custom shelving for mugs, coffee beans, and sweeteners. This allows guests to help themselves to a cup of coffee throughout the day without interrupting the cooking process.
Wine and Beverage Fridge: Add a wine fridge or beverage cooler to your kitchen remodel to keep drinks chilled and easily accessible. A custom nook for your wine fridge ensures it blends seamlessly into the rest of your kitchen design.
Bar Area with Storage: For larger gatherings, consider installing a bar area with shelves for glassware, cocktail ingredients, and bar tools. This not only keeps everything organized but also frees up counter space in the main kitchen area.
5. Improve Lighting for a Warm, Inviting Atmosphere
Lighting plays a key role in setting the mood for holiday gatherings. Custom lighting solutions can transform your kitchen into a warm, welcoming space that’s perfect for hosting.
Layered Lighting: Incorporate a mix of task lighting, ambient lighting, and accent lighting to create a cozy and functional atmosphere. Pendant lights over the island or dining area add both style and practicality, while under-cabinet lighting illuminates workspaces.
Dimmer Switches: Installing dimmer switches allows you to adjust the lighting to fit the occasion. Bright lights are great for food prep, while softer lighting creates a warm and intimate ambiance for dinner.
Statement Fixtures: Choose custom light fixtures that make a statement and complement your kitchen’s style. Whether it’s a dramatic chandelier over the dining area or elegant pendant lights over the island, the right fixtures can enhance the festive spirit of the season.
Conclusion
With the holidays fast approaching, now is the perfect time to consider a kitchen renovation that caters to your hosting needs. From expanding seating with custom benches to adding a functional kitchen island or beverage station, these custom builds can enhance both the beauty and practicality of your kitchen. At Advanced Remodeling, we specialize in designing custom kitchens that make entertaining easy and enjoyable. Get in touch with us today to start planning your dream kitchen renovation before the holiday season kicks off!
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