Summer may have been more umbrellas and wellies, than BBQs and beach trips this year, but now warmer temperatures are finally on the forecast again, it’s time to prep your kitchen for summer entertaining. Whether it’s a laidback brunch, banging BBQ or dancing the night away, let Roundhouse show you how well-planned bespoke kitchens can make summer hosting a breeze.

Make space for prep

The secret to any successful event is all in the prep. Anything you can do before the guests come knocking, will free up more time to enjoy their company. Roundhouse kitchens that are designed for sociable homes generally now have a kitchen design featuring somewhere behind the scenes to prep and store large platters and keep the inevitable party prep chaos hidden away. Any luxury kitchen design will look neater and more spacious when supported by a back-up space fitted out with a large double bowl kitchen sink, pantry cupboard with drawers and modern worktops in durable materials. Consider at least one white marble kitchen surface, which is naturally cool and ideal for storing cheese, desserts and other ambient foods pre-serving.

Select hardworking appliances

Choose appliances that will take the stress off when cooking for crowds. For example, by using a Miele steam oven, bread recipes will be a breeze, beetroot risotto can also be slowly oven-steamed for an effortless, no-stir supper and kitchen work, like oven cleaning, can be eliminated by selecting ovens with pyrolytic capabilities.

Fridge space often comes under pressure when entertaining, especially in the lead-up to a big event. Consider not just the capacity but also the flexibility of shelving and width. Two full size fridges positioned side-by-side, as shown here, can often prove more practical than an American-style fridge-freezer as the interior shelves will be wide enough to carry large serving trays and baking dishes. The latest kitchens designs also include a separate wine cooler, which helps free up space for food in the fridge.

Install a dedicated bar

Today’s upmarket kitchen designs often boast a stylish home bar that really comes into its own when entertaining. As well as impressing guests with slick materials and finishes, like brass kitchen fittings and statement pendants lights, a dedicated bar will help keep guests away from the main luxury kitchen area when you’re busy serving up. If you don’t like the idea of a bar on display every day, a bar within a pocket door kitchen cabinet will let you shut every neatly away when the final guest leaves.  

The perfect layout

The golden rule when plotting the more effective layout for entertaining is to ensure smooth traffic flow through the space. For summer entertaining, this should include the route outside (and back in), especially for open view kitchens with direct access to the garden.

A long, modern luxury kitchen island will come into its own when entertaining but can also create an obstruction. Here, a separate metal kitchen island allows direct passage from the heart of the kitchen to the garden, without having to navigate around an island, or sacrifice large kitchen island worktops or kitchen storage racks.

How can I make my kitchen look welcome?

The most inviting and unique kitchen designs strike a balance with an interesting mix of textiles, prints, colours and textures. Introducing warm, natural materials, such as rough sawn oak timber and bronze kitchen finishes provides a layered, characterful aesthetic that will support a relaxed atmosphere and help make guests feel at home when entertaining this summer, whatever the weather may bring.

Our expert kitchen designers can help you make the best choices for your Roundhouse bespoke kitchen, furniture or wardrobes. Visit any of our seven Roundhouse showrooms; Wigmore St, Clapham, Fulham, Richmond, Cambridge, Guildford & Cheltenham and get planning!