Getting Together

With the holidays upon us, the kitchen should be getting a lot of love this time of year. Since this is the space that will probably be the most-used, it should be efficient and comfortable for guests, as there’s nothing worse than being stuck in the kitchen while the party is elsewhere. These gorgeous kitchens have plenty of seating and surfaces for serving and dining, making the kitchen the true heart of the home, so that guests can be a part of the cooking this season. Whether your style is warm and rustic, or sleek and modern, these rooms are filled with inspiration, making them more than just a place to cook the food, but also a place to gather with family and friends.

Light and Bright

(above)

With its transparent seating and white finishes, this kitchen is the epitome of serene, providing a calm atmosphere when dealing with the chaos of the holiday season. The industrial-style pendants add character to the kitchen, creating a talking point and seating around the counter gives guests a place to converse with the cook while they’re busy in the kitchen.

Copper and Brass

Keeping a kitchen modern while still making it practical for the busy season is easy when using copper and brass finishes. These bar stools, each a different shape, create an eclectic look and feel, inviting guests into the kitchen. Muted colours and quiet designs are the cornerstones of a contemporary kitchen. Sleek lines and open-plan living promote efficiency of space and a clean atmosphere, especially important in the busy and chaotic holiday season.

Natural Element

Bringing plants into the kitchen creates a quiet escape and the calming blue palette makes this kitchen a haven in a busy house. Comfortable high-backed chairs are a relaxing temptation, centred around a small kitchen island, where the cook can enlist helpers in their cooking endeavours.

Stage Kitchen

Building a kitchen against the back of a wall facing the rest of the house, like this one by Optima, makes the kitchen a focal point for gathering and allows the cook to be a part of the season’s action. Bar stools around the island provide plenty of seating space where guests can sip on a drink or nibble canapés.

Colour Pop

The bold two-tone palette of this Euro Casa kitchen has a distinctive Christmas feel to it, and the warm colour in an otherwise neutral palette makes for a dramatic statement. The small table in the centre of the kitchen is a perfect element to add during the season to encourage friends and family to join the cook in the kitchen.

Open-Plan Expanse

Easy Life’s large open-plan kitchen spreads itself out, preventing the food preparation area from getting too crowded. Seating on the outside of the counter leaves the cook plenty of space to prepare food, while allowing them to interact with guests.

See more inspiring kitchens with our collection of kitchen guides here.