You can tell when a party is going well. Conversations flow and laughter surfaces at odd moments while the usual stomachs make carefully spaced visits to the buffet table and punch bowl. Music plays and a few may dance, but helpful people look for more ice or “that dip that’s so good on those weird chips”. As the evening rolls on you can almost predict what will happen; everyone will move toward the kitchen. Would your kitchen welcome the attention? Companies like Alair Homes in Forest Hill can help you upgrade and invigorate your kitchen with the latest in stylish remodeling.
When did you last look at your countertops? Is the grout stained? It’s not unusual for homeowners to panic when faced with hosting an event. Renting a space and hiring a caterer would ease your mind, but friends, family and coworkers might feel insulted when you don’t invite them into your home. Worse yet, they may doubt your sincerity in both your personal life and your business dealings. Fortunately, strategic changes can make your kitchen a sociable space that inspires confidence and trust while warmly greeting visitors.
You may already have ideas, but professionals can source materials for less. They also understand blueprints and use them to refine designs and avoid structural conflicts. Luckily, kitchens tend to be open spaces, free of load-bearing walls. You can make a few subtle changes or completely replace cabinets, counters and appliances.
Let Lighting Set the Mood
Your kitchen’s cabinets influence the lighting, so install dark cabinetry for an intimate, lounge-like atmosphere or brighten the space with light cabinet faces. With a dimmer switch, you can adjust overhead lights for the desired effect. Make the space feel larger by painting the walls a light color and adding mirrors. Add natural light with new windows and treatments that are light and airy. Shutters covering kitchen windows’ lower halves preserve privacy and let light in, but blinds or cafe curtains can serve the same purpose.
Remove walls to create space or replace them with sliding doors or picture windows. The view through kitchen windows can make winter days cozier and summer entertaining easier by extending your social space into the garden or back yard. Your kitchen can double as a sunroom.
Appliances play roles in today’s kitchens with televisions, radios and computers supplying the soundtrack for parties or family meals. If a television anchors the kitchen’s conversation zone keep it in an armoire or where you can hide it for special occasions.
Comfortable Seating Eases Inclusion
Kitchen seating can include more than the kitchen table. The professionals at companies like Alair Homes can help redesign your new kitchen, adding banquet seating with plush cushions in the eating area. Consider a free-standing island or peninsula that separates the dining and work areas from a conversation zone. The open space lets the conversation flow between guests and hosts, and makes nervous guests feel included.
When you’re ready to make your kitchen a sociable space, call the professionals. Remodeling companies include you in each step of your remodeling project. They can update your existing kitchen with the latest technologies while enhancing your home’s emotional nexus.