Richard Davonport, MD of Colchester-based bespoke kitchen company Davonport, talks through the key elements he prioritises when designing a kitchen for a client who's after a sociable space.
Kitchens can be the perfect places to entertain. And you don’t just need a sprawling open-plan kitchen diner to create the space to host – a compact kitchen can be equally suitable. It’s more about how you plan the layout, the details you add and the style you choose.
Although this might sound like the ultimate in luxury additions to a kitchen, incorporating a drinks cabinet into your design can be tailored to fit the room you're working with. More than just a functional space to store glassware, drinks and accessories, it’s the style of the drinks cabinet that can make it really stand out.
Encourage your client to pick a finish that blends or contrasts with the cabinets, add luxe hardware or glass doors for a glamorous touch, and incorporate a spacious wine rack and adjustable shelves and glass holders.
If they don’t want a dedicated drinks space, you might want to think about a wine cooler so they can keep their favourite tipple at the right temperature. Premium appliances of all kinds can give a kitchen a high-end look.
If they really love to entertain, it can be worthwhile encouraging them to consider investing in more than one of each appliance. Two dishwashers can make light work of tidying up, while two fridges can ensure they are able to cool enough drinks for guests and have space for plenty of food to serve them.
From coffee date to cocktails, from lunch to a cosy supper, having the right seating can give a soirée the perfect look and feel. Bar stools at an island or peninsula create the right vibe for a relaxed gathering – or a banquette for relaxing in a more compact space. Choose upholstered, leather or wood seating to work with the cabinets, dining table or soft furnishings.
Whether entertaining means brunch with friends, afternoon tea or a formal dinner party, you can create a kitchen that meets those demands. Add a café-style bistro set, a table with benches or a smart dining table as part of your room design to create the right style and atmosphere. The ‘café core’ trend could also be right for your client if they love friends popping in for coffee.
If the kitchen is to transform into a place to spend time with friends and family after dark, it’s important that the lighting can make the change, too. Think about dimmable lights for a cosy glow, pendant lights positioned over a table to make dining easier, or under-cabinet LED lights, designed to create a softer feel when it’s time to relax. Creating the right ambience with lighting can make all the difference.
