Kitchen & Bathroom Design Blog

Do you love inviting friends and family over on game days? Are you finding space a bit tight, or your layout too awkward, to seat people and serve food?  Maybe your screen is difficult for everyone to see or is in a different room, so moving between the food and entertainment areas disrupts the party. It could be time for a kitchen remodel, especially one that is perfect for entertaining the sports fans in your life. Read on for our 6 tips for a game day ready kitchen design.

1. The Best Layout

The most popular layout for modern kitchens is open plan. It suits the way we live and entertain. Whether your kids are doing homework, or you have 30 people cheering on their team, you can be there in the thick of it, prepping and serving food. Set up work and entertainment zones within your open plan kitchen design, so there are areas designated for everyday activities that work for big gatherings as well. A breakfast nook or other quiet seating area could double as a little space to hang out if you’re not watching the game but still want to be near the action.

 2. Storage Solutions

Hosting events like game days, parties or any large gathering means you need clear workspace on your countertops. Incorporate as many kitchen cabinets and open shelving as possible to keep clutter to a minimum and allow ample space to prep and serve food. Islands or perimeter cabinetry can store a lot, but a pantry is the perfect solution for storing things you only use when entertaining, alongside special food for your guests.

 3. The Lighting Plan.

A multi-layered lighting plan means you can decide on how much light you need and where for any occasion. Strong task lighting, spotlights for specific areas and dimmer switches let you control the level of light anywhere in your kitchen, depending on your requirements. Instead of one bright or dark room during a game, you can light up just the island or a drinks station with your targeted task lighting and have softer ambient lighting around the television and seating area. This works just as well for dinner parties or when it’s just you at home and you want a cozy atmosphere.

 4. Helpful Appliances

If you like to cook and bake for guests, then factor this into the appliance selection for your kitchen design. A professional oven or range, along with a warming drawer, could be just what you need. A large refrigerator is paramount, but a beverage bar with a wine cooler or mini refrigerator gives you extra fridge space right where you need it so guests can help themselves to drinks.  If possible, install a mini dishwasher and sink at your beverage station. Built-in coffee makers are connected to the plumbing, so fresh coffee is available at the push of a button. Keep everything needed for making drinks on the countertop or in a kitchen cabinet over the beverage bar for guests to help themselves, leaving you free to watch the score and keep the food coming. 

5. The Entertainment System

Include your entertainment system in your kitchen design plans. For sports viewing, a large TV mounted on the wall keeps everyone happy. An integrated sound system adds to the atmosphere and allows you to play music before and after the game. Include a drawer to house sockets, routers and USB outlets so wires and devices are all hidden away. Built-in docking stations are ideal for a busy family and for guests who need to charge phones or tablets. Technology has become an integral part of our lives, so embrace it in your new kitchen design to easily host events like game days.

6. Seating Arrangements

If people are gathering to watch an event, comfortable, well-positioned seating is essential. Ensure everywhere has a clear view of the television screen. If you’re going to be sitting at the island, could you see over people’s heads? Mount your TV high enough to make sure nothing obstructs it. On the day, you can move comfortable chairs and couches together and position the dining table, so it gets a clear view, without blocking the flow of traffic. If your kitchen opens out onto a patio then provide seating for smokers or anyone making a phone call outside.  Light the barbecue to add another dimension to your game day seating plan. Once everyone has somewhere to sit and see the action, you’re good to go.

 Why not look at our gallery for more kitchen design ideas where entertaining is a priority. Contact us to talk to a design expert who can advise you on where to start with your kitchen remodel and soon you can be hosting the greatest game day party in your own state of the art kitchen.