How you entertain can be a guiding force for your kitchen remodeling. Whether you like large parties or intimate gatherings, look for ways to tailor your kitchen design to fit your entertainment style.

Consider How You Entertain

As you plan your kitchen remodeling project, consider:

• How often you entertain - this will determine how important certain appliances are. If you entertain once a week, then an extra $1,500 for a warming drawer, icemaker and wine cooler would be a good investment.
• How many people typically attend - this will shape the room size and kitchen design.
• Do you have evening parties or Sunday brunches? This will dictate how formal the space should be.

Kitchen Designs For The Big Entertainer

If you like to host large parties, then consider adding:

• A center island for meal preparation, food staging and casual conversation.
• A breakfast room that can double as a cocktail hour gathering spot near the kitchen.
• A large family room with two or three seating areas.
• A door connecting the kitchen to an outdoor patio and grilling area.

Formal Kitchen Designs

If you prepare formal meals, you'll want a kitchen that is separate from the eating area. An ideal kitchen design would connect with a dining room. This allows you to separate the cooking area from the place where meals are served. Other features to consider are:

• A butler's pantry, which gives you extra space for meal preparation and food storage. The space is hidden from view, yet convenient to the kitchen and dining room or breakfast room.
• An expansive wine cooler, which can fit under your main kitchen countertop, in a butler's pantry or on an island.

Kitchen Remodeling Fits Family Entertaining

If your home hosts the family's Sunday brunches, then consider adding a large kitchen island when remodeling. This is an ideal spot for stacking dishes, serving food and seating. Many islands seat two to eight people, creating a convenient spot for small groups. Also:

• Include a large farm table in the connecting breakfast room.
• Add a television that pulls down from under the kitchen cabinets - perfect for Sunday football games.
• Place the refrigerator near the island and breakfast room for serving beverages.

Sources:

• www.geappliances.com
• www.remodeling.hw.net

About the Author
Allison E. Beatty is a syndicated real estate writer who has been writing home improvement columns for 15 years.