Emma Boulter is the design studio manager at builder and developer Ausbuild’s Expressions Design Studio. She shares her top 10 entertainer’s kitchen must-haves to help you plan your own dream space!
Butler’s pantry: A butler’s pantry is the perfect space for food preparation. You can also store away bulky appliances and keep those dirty dishes out of sight from the main space when busy entertaining. Make sure it also has ample storage to maintain functionality and organisation.
Practical bench tops: When it comes to bench tops, you want something as beautiful as it is practical. Natural stone alternatives replicate the veins and colours of marble but are less porous, so you don’t have to worry about stains or mess while entertaining.
Soft close mechanisms: When it comes to the drawers under the bench top, soft close is a must! Soft close mechanisms for cabinetry doors and drawers are essential to prevent slamming, ensuring a quieter kitchen environment during busy moments.
Bifold doors: Not only do bifold doors flood your kitchen with natural light but they also help to extend your space out to the backyard, so your entertaining space can be as large or as contained as you like. Consider adding a retractable flyscreen to keep bugs at bay!
Add an accent to your kitchen: To really make your dream kitchen pop, add an accent to the interior design. For example, in Ausbuild’s Jordan house, we use gold taps for a feature and incorporate flashes of gold throughout the kitchen.
Don’t neglect the ceiling: While a ceiling isn’t somewhere you’d immediately think of when adding beauty to your home, it can make for a unique feature that amplifies your dream kitchen. For example, we love faux laminate beams to create a point of difference and add another exciting element to the room.
Island bench location: The island bench is a natural gathering spot during entertaining. Orienting it towards the alfresco or dining area allows you to socialise while cooking up a storm.
Splurge on gadgets that save you time: Investing in time-saving appliances or gadgets can significantly enhance your entertaining game. For instance, if your guests love your cocktails, an ice maker could elevate your parties to the next level.
Space to keep the essentials cool: As all avid entertainers know, fridge space is prime real estate when prepping for an event. Whether you choose to add a bar fridge to your alfresco or a second fridge in your butler’s pantry, having additional space to keep food and drinks cold is a must.
Lighting matters: Whilst overhead lighting is essential when preparing for your event, harsh lighting can quickly kill the vibe when guests arrive. Accent lighting, such as pendants, and dimmable task lighting, such as under-cupboard LED strip lights, can help you control the light level and set the mood.
