Seven ways to create an entertainers' kitchen
Island dreaming
1. Opt for an island. This multifunctional space doubles as a servery and plating up zone, and, given a seating area as in this sumptuous kitchen devised by architect Michael Folk, it can also work as a casual diner. Caesarstone in Frosty Carrina tops cabinetry in black polyurethane made by ACA Joinery.
Sue Stubbs
Cool runnings
2. Think big on the fridge front. This LG French door fridge is wide enough to fit in large platters of food, ideal if you're catering for a crowd.
Sue Stubbs
Sensible storage
3. Fit in masses of storage. Being able to clear the decks is important when your kitchen is part of an entertaining space, and you'll need enough to accommodate not only all of your everyday pots, pans and plates, but also special servingware. For this kitchen, architect Michael Folk inventoried and measured all of the owners' kitchenalia, and devised storage to suit, including a wonderful suspended shelf for cookbooks.
Sue Stubbs
Cook it!
4. Choose appliances that suit the way you prepare and store food – it will give you a kitchen that is tailored to your needs. Would-be masterchefs might like several cooking options, while occasional cooks could be happy with a single oven and hob. This kitchen has a pair of Fisher & Paykel ovens, and an induction cooktop, gas wok and teppanyaki hob, all by Siemens.
Sue Stubbs
On tap
5. If you can, fit in two sinks, one for washing up and the other for food prep, which allows two people to use the kitchen easily at the same time. This kitchen has a deep sink and drainer with a pull-out mixer tap on the rear bench, and a second circular sink on the island for washing and peeling veggies.
Sue Stubbs
Material mix
6. Select practical, easy-clean finishes. The muted splashback in Dulux Vivid White Starphire glass is both a subtle backdrop to the room's monochrome palette and an easy-clean option, while the composite stone benchtop – Caesarstone in Frosty Carrina – is a tough and forgiving surface that will retain its good looks with minimal maintenance.
Sue Stubbs
Dine delight
7. Choose furniture that will encourage guests to linger. This spacious dining table, custom made by Dellis Furniture, gives diners plenty of elbow room, while buttoned leather 'Ambrosia' dining chairs from Harvey Norman are stylish, practical and comfortable. A trio of forged metal Boyd Blue "Bastille' pendants anchors the dining zone.
If you love the monochrome look, check out the luscious looks of this kitchen, while this small space uses the stylish palette beautifully.
Sue Stubbs
