Must-Haves for Your Vacation Home Kitchen Design
When we think of summer (which is all the time especially during the chilly Midwest winter months) the lake homes we've designed for our clients instantly come to mind. Check out some recent ones here, here, and here. We envision fun times of hosting and reconnecting with family and friends, lazy days soaking up the fresh outdoor air, and nights by the fire pit watching the sunset.
Lake homes are some of our favorite projects to work on because we love being part of the magic that brings a family’s dream home to life. Not only do these homes serve as a place where memories will be made for generations to come, they’re also frequently where our clients plan to retire once their kids are out of the house. Making sure these homes function seamlessly for everyday life AND when hosting family and friends is essential to each design. We believe vacation homes have to work overtime to withstand the high volume of guests our clients host over the warm months and to accommodate the easy breezy second home lifestyle our clients hope to enjoy on their weekend getaways.
If you’re anything like our clients, your kitchen is the number one hang out spot, and if it’s broken, chances are it won’t feel like a vacation when you’re there. Function always wins in a kitchen, and today we’re sharing are our vacation home kitchen must-haves:
VACATION HOME KITCHEN MUST-HAVES
A large, working island
Yes, this is our #1 must-have for a vacation home kitchen. And for good reason! A large island not only gives you ample space for preparing meals and for the family to cook together, but it’s the perfect space to throw some stools and create a casual eating area for breakfast and lunch. Or, if family style meals are your preference, the island is the perfect spot to serve up brunch or easy dinners.
A social area away from the prep area
When it comes to kitchens, there’s truly no such thing as too much space. If you have the room, we love designating a special area for chatting or pouring drinks that’s away from the prep area. Sure, you can chat and pour drinks at the island, but who wants to chat over chopped onions (hello, TEARS!)? Not to mention, the dangers of having little kids run through the kitchen while you’re cutting or opening the oven or pulling out a hot pan. It’s best to set aside an area for your guests to relax and catch up so you can prep efficiently and safely. Bonus: having a separate beverage area or grab-and-go bar will elevate any meal.
An extra wide fridge and freezer
Hosting large groups means lots of storage space is needed, so an extra wide fridge and freezer (no side by sides!) are definite must-haves for your kitchen. If you have kids around, you may even consider having a fridge specifically for kid drinks. Once again: keep this fridge away from the main kitchen area.
A standalone ice maker
You can NEVER have enough ice at the lake, especially when you’re hosting or filling your cooler for a full day on the water. We always recommend incorporating a standalone ice maker in either the kitchen, butler pantry, or bar. Pro tip: check the warranty and make sure your ice maker comes with a good one. Ice makers tend to be a bit finicky.
A large, single bowl sink
Big dinners and lots of guests means one thing: so many dishes. We love a large single bowl sink for dishes and cleaning purposes, and the sleek, modern look of single bowl sinks is a fabulous addition design-wise. You’ll have more space for washing dishes, filling pots, and even prepping food, which means less time washing and more time with your dinner guests. Or, if you simply can’t stand to see the mess, pile the dishes in the deep single bowl sink so they are out of sight while you enjoy your family and friends.
Trash pullouts in drop zones
This must-have isn’t exactly glamorous, but it’s a necessity that will make life at your vacation home much easier. Placing your trash pull outs near the sink and key drop zones around your kitchen (where you’ll be prepping, cutting, etc.) will save so much time and effort down the road. We like one near the kitchen sink, and one in the island near the prep area or opposite the refrigerator.
Ample storage space
Just like you can never have too spacious of a kitchen, you can never have enough storage space. One of our storage non-negotiables is having more drawers than cupboards. Drawers are so much easier to use (no more losing things in the back of a dark cabinet) and help keep things organized. We also recommend considering your seasonal serveware when planning your kitchen design. Do you have large platters that need storage? Do you have blenders, ice cream makers, mixers, and machines that need to fit behind cabinetry? Make sure you have space for all the things you’ll use on a daily basis as well as seasonally when you’re hosting. In a vacation home, you want things to be easy for you and your guests to find and that means storing your serveware in the kitchen (rather than in the attic or basement or garage) so you can have what you need in seconds.
We couldn’t talk about our kitchen must-haves without sharing some of our absolute faves for stocking your kitchen:
Acrylic glassware: Acrylic glassware is gorgeous and can’t break - it’s a win win! We especially love acrylic footed goblets.
Melamine dishes: We love melamine especially for vacation homes, since the material is break-free. It's ideal for enjoying food out by the lake or the pool, and it’s dishwasher safe so it makes our lives easier.
Washable cotton linens: Washable linens are better for the environment and much more aesthetically pleasing than paper towels or napkins.
Wipeable trays: We love wipeable trays for easily transferring food from inside to outside, especially in a vacation home! Once the meal is over, simply rinse them off and let them dry.
If you're looking for help with your vacation home, we’d love to learn more. Our design calendar books out months in advance and we're already working on outdoor designs so our clients can enjoy them this summer. Submit a Project Inquiry Form today!
