Social outlook

Remodeling a kitchen to make it more entertainment-friendly can involve at least two design approaches. The first might be increasing its connection and empathy with adjacent living spaces, and the second, making the kitchen more of a social focus in its own right.

This remodeled kitchen by architectural firm McKinney Architects replaces a smaller kitchen, a dining room and a butler's pantry that had all occupied roughly the same space. While these spaces had all been separate, contained rooms, the remodel made the kitchen, adjacent dining room and a sitting room all part of one greater, interconnected space, says project architect Heather McKinney.

"Essentially we swapped the rooms around, increased their size, and removed the interceding walls," says McKinney.

The architect introduced two large islands to replace the single island found in the old kitchen. These offer ample worksurfaces and fulfill two distinct functions.

"The counter between the kitchen and dining room is used as a servery for dinner parties," says the architect. "For added convenience, a wine cooler is close at hand on the kitchen side of the island."

A copper screen concertinas out across this counter from a wall panel, providing separation when privacy in the kitchen is required. When drawn across, the screen offers an attractive backdrop for diners.

The second, broader island towards the center of the kitchen acts as an entertainment venue as well. A row of barstools along one side encourages people to linger here for more intimate conversation.

"An important element of this larger, longer kitchen is a relaxed, social feel," says McKinney. "The interior designer, Robin Black, introduced white oak floors that bring the sense of the informal living spaces through into the kitchen."

To a similar end, Black took care that the artworks hung in the dining area related aesthetically to the artworks appearing in the kitchen.

Natural and electric lighting also contributes to the kitchen's connected feel. Pendant lights over the central island are from the same family of lights as the wall sconces found in the dining area, bringing visual empathy.

"Natural light played a part in the kitchen's social ambience in another way," she says. "We didn't want the kitchen to feel like a back-of-the-house utilitarian room. A generous living room-style window floods ample sunlight onto worksurfaces and looks out to the front entry. On arrival, visitors can look directly into the kitchen, adding to its involved, inviting nature."

Story by: Trendsideas