fbpx
CLOSE MENU

Be Party-Ready Anytime With Your Newly Remodeled Kitchen

White kitchen cabinetry with shaker door styleHaving friends or family over for a visit can be a blast, but trying to get everything ready while you dodge people hanging out in your kitchen, not so much. If the whole point of a gathering is to spend time together, then the problem isn’t your guests, it’s the kitchen. We checked in with Normandy Designer Lisa McManus, ASID to find her favorite layout tweaks that will take the frustration out of entertaining.

Problem: Guests are getting in the way

Solution: “You’ve heard of a place for everything, well that includes your guests too. Think about creating special zones in your kitchen. Most of the food prep work involves the fridge, stove, and sink, so grouping these three together creates a work zone. Now see if you can find a place for a coffee station or wet bar outside of that area to create an entertaining space. This gives guests a comfortable place to gather that isn’t in the middle of your work zone.”

Problem: Overcrowding in specific areas

Solution: “It’s important to make sure there is enough circulation. You want people to flow comfortably through the space. Wider clearances can help with that – especially in areas where people tend to congregate, like around the island or near a beverage fridge.”

Problem: Entertaining items like stemware and serving ware aren’t within reach

Solution: “Entertaining items aren’t used all the time, so it doesn’t make sense to store them with the items you use every day. But it can be a hassle to have to dig them out before every party. Going back to what I said about zones, an isolated area like a beverage center is a great spot to store stemware, barware, and alcohol. A small refrigerator can hold wine, soda, or bottled water. Cabinetry in this area can store things like serving trays, appetizer plates. Ideas like this are a win-win. You get a dedicated storage space and guests can easily flock to this area and feel comfortable serving themselves.”

Problem: I can’t fit everyone in my kitchen

“Lots of people have this problem, and the obvious answer is to make your kitchen bigger. Often that means knocking down a wall or two and expanding the kitchen into a formal dining room. You can put a kitchen table into that newly gained space, or add an island with seating. The best part of this solution is that it keeps everyone together instead of isolating a few in the dining room.”

Entertaining means something different to everyone, but a smart kitchen layout can make every gathering more fun and less stressful. Set up a time to talk with Lisa about your current entertaining situation. Or, check out the Normandy photo gallery for more design ideas. You can also follow Normandy Remodeling on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or visit the Normandy Houzz page to get new updates and ideas.

Our Top Five Renovation Projects of 2017

As we look back on 2017, it’s safe to say we had quite the year. The Normandy team was busy designing home additions, kitchens and master suites all across the Chicagoland area. And we loved every minute of it!

Want to see a few of our favorite projects? Here you go:

Hinsdale Master Suite Addition 

A serene master suite was built over the home’s existing two-car garage. At the same time, the home’s exterior was also updated with a Nantucket-style aesthetic. Get more details and see more photos here.

Master bedroom with tray ceiling as part of home additionShower in master suite that is part of a home addition

Naperville Kitchen Remodel

This transitional kitchen was designed for family members to do it all – cook, bake, do homework and entertain. It has a chic, classic look with gray and white cabinetry, gold light fixtures and a red range. Check it out here.

Hinsdale Kitchen and Master Suite Remodel

While this kitchen is practical for everyday cooking, it still makes a statement with traditional details that pay homage to the home’s architectural style. The  master suite is classic and luxurious with a free-standing tub, unique vanity and walk-in closet. Take a look here.

La Grange Mudroom 

This wasn’t your run-of-the-mill mudroom. It was actually built into the stairwell. It features cubbies, shoe storage and a message center for the family to utilize as they enter and exit the home. Interested in learning more? Click here.

Arlington Heights Kitchen Remodel

Shiny pops of metal, including a hammered metal range hood and toe kicks add some shine to this glamorous kitchen. It also features chandeliers, marble and floating shelves. We recommend checking out more photos. Click here.

These are just a few of our recent projects. You can see more photos of our work by visiting our photo gallery or by following Normandy Remodeling on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Schedule an Appointment