Nothing says “festive” like creating a warm and welcoming home for guests and visitors during the upcoming busy holiday season. The influx of people and activity provides you with an excellent opportunity to put your home’s best face forward. Read on for insights on making a guest-friendly space that will impress friends and family.
Rethink your kitchen
The kitchen has become a major social center of the home, and cooking has become a social event and a time to gather in and of itself. To that end, make your kitchen a focal point of this holiday season.
“The kitchen has become the home’s new parlor or living room,” says Angi Home Interior Expert Rachel Zepernick. “Whether you completely redesign it or just move around furniture, think about ways you can make it as guest-friendly as possible.”
- ISLAND: Adding a permanent kitchen island will cost you about $4,000, but it can create many new options for entertaining, such as additional seating for people to gather around during food prep. A rolling island will cost less, $100 to $2,500, and serve the same purpose.
- IMPROVED LIGHTING: Don’t overlook how much lighting can create mood and ambiance, as well as serve a more practical use. A central light, such as a chandelier, can make a striking statement, while task lighting in specific areas will help make measuring ingredients a breeze.
- ADD EXTRA STORAGE: “One big complaint people have about kitchens is storage, so the more you can add that’s both functional and fun, the better your kitchen is for entertaining purposes,” Zepernick says. “Open or pull-out shelves, rolling carts, and turntables work wonders for a busy kitchen.”
- REMODEL FOR A NEW LAYOUT: Giving your kitchen a fresh new look can help you entertain with ease. Redesigning your kitchen will cost between $4,300 and $25,000, depending on the scope.
“The sky is the limit when it comes to rethinking your kitchen, and a pro can help you consider all your options, based on your vision and budget,” Zepernick says.
