The Art of Entertaining: Designing a Coastal Kitchen Made for Hosting

Mistakes to Avoid When Designing Your Kitchen

When designing or remodeling your coastal kitchen, there are a few key considerations to ensure it's optimized for effortless entertaining year-round. Avoid these common pitfalls:

• Closed off kitchens. An open floor plan connects the kitchen to the rest of the home, making it easy for the host to interact with guests. Knock down unnecessary walls to open things up.
  
  
• Dated cabinets. While painted cabinets are trendy right now, they will eventually look worn. Opt for timeless, coastal-inspired finishes like white shaker cabinets instead. 
  
  
• Insufficient lighting. Task lighting, pendant lighting, and recessed lighting ensure your kitchen will be bright and inviting at any time.
  
  
• Outdated appliances. Invest in energy-efficient appliances with smart features to simplify cooking and cleaning when hosting get-togethers.
  
  
• Cluttered counters. Make sure to incorporate plenty of counter space for party prep and serving. Add a kitchen island if needed.
  
  
• Poor ventilation. Nothing ruins a gathering faster than cooking odors lingering. Include a powerful range hood or external venting.
  
  
• Lack of seating. Give guests a place to relax with bar stool seating at counters or islands. Built-in banquettes are great space-savers.
  
  
• Inconvenient outdoor access. Install large sliding doors or French doors to effortlessly transition indoors and out.
  
  
• Drab materials. Incorporate light, coastal-inspired materials like marble, quartz, glass tile, and natural wood accents. 

By avoiding these pitfalls and focusing on entertainment-friendly features, you can design the ultimate coastal kitchen for hosting. Is there something you'd like to change about your current kitchen layout? You can always contact us for a free estimate.

How to Design a Kitchen Ideal for Entertaining

Here are some key elements to include:

• Spacious, Open Floor Plan. Knocking down walls connecting the kitchen to living and dining areas facilitates conversation and brings everyone together. 

• Bright, Airy Aesthetic. White cabinetry, light countertops, and large windows give the space a light, breezy feel.

• Smart Storage Solutions. Cabinetry with pull-out shelves and drawers, pantries, and islands with supplementary storage help keep everything organized but out of sight. 

• Multi-Functional Island. Islands easily add seating, provide extra counter space for serving appetizers, and give guests a place to mingle. Include outlets for entertaining ease.

• High-End Appliances. Ranges with double ovens, commercial-grade cooktops, and quiet, powerful vent hoods help the chef work efficiently.

• Easy Outdoor Access. Large sliding doors that fully open or multiple French doors provide a smooth flow for indoor-outdoor entertaining. 

• Durable, Coastal-Inspired Finishes. Marble, quartz, glass tile, natural wood accents, and weather-resistant cabinetry, flooring, and hardware stand up to coastal living.

• Abundant Lighting. Ambient lighting like flushmount fixtures paired task lighting and pendant lighting create a welcoming glow.

• Seating Nooks. Banquette seating is great for saving space. Or create a breakfast nook for an intimate gathering spot. 

With its easy flow, upscale details, and range of lighting options, your kitchen can transition seamlessly from casual family dinners to elegant get-togethers.

Contact Oceanside Painting & Refinishing if you're considering a kitchen remodel or cabinet refinishing. We serve coastal New Jersey homeowners, builders, investors, and real estate agents. Our team of experts will help craft your ideal kitchen for effortless entertaining year-round. Fill out the form below for a free estimate!