ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS

As well as sofas and armchairs, consider other decoration you can bring from the living room into the kitchen – such as artworks, mirrors and sideboards – to make the space feel more convivial. Make sure the area is still easy to navigate, as this will encourage people to spend time there. Sofas and tables need space around them, and there should be a clear path from the hallway to the kitchen and the garden beyond. Good lighting makes a kitchen more sociable. Have mood lighting on walls and tables, and put overhead lights on dimmer switches so you can easily change the atmosphere. Think about ways to let in more natural light. Skylights work really well and if they’re recessed into the ceiling, they’re less obtrusive and more in tune with a country interior. Use uplifting colours to draw people to key areas – perhaps an island unit in a contrasting hue to the rest of your cabinets, or a sofa with bright cushions. Invest in appliances that make socialising easier. Think fridges with ice dispensers, builtin wine coolers and boiling-water taps so you never have to wait for the kettle to boil.