Preparation Stations

This year’s biggest trend is the PREPARATION STATION; a functional and stylish area of your kitchen that provides you with the space and accessories that you need for any cooking, drink making and general practical day to day jobs. While kitchens are generally the most practical room of the home there is a need nowadays to also make them into a social space that can be shared and enjoyed with friends and family. With this in mind preparation stations allow you to contain the functional parts of kitchen use to keep the rest of the space free for relaxation and entertainment.

Cooking

Preparation stations are perfect spaces for budding chefs and those that like to try out new recipes. A designated island, bar or worktop are can be designated for food preparation with all the utensils that are required for your cooking needs. Place a central chopping board on or an in-built chopping area in your worktop and have a stylish knife holder nearby for chopping vegetables and preparing your meat. Include a spice and sauce rack that has everything you need for your recipes, alongside a metal or wooden book or I pad stand for your recipes and instructions. Ideally this area should be located near to your oven and hob for ease of manoeuvre between preparations and cooking.

Drinks and Smoothies

Whether your tipple is an alcoholic cocktail or a healthy smoothie; preparations stations are perfect for creating and concocting your favourite drinks. For all the health nuts out there then an essential addition to your preparation station should be a juicer or blender where you can create your favourite healthy drinks to enjoy for breakfast or after your work out.  Also include a small shelf or rack that includes any protein powder, supplements and measuring cups that you wish to add to your drinks. For a more fun and entertaining cocktail station, include some cocktail shakers, glasses, stirrers and measures with bottles of your favourite spirits to create a selection of tasty drinks. For added fun add some wall art above your station with slogans such as ‘prosecco palace’ or ‘gin street’.

Baby Prep

Anyone who has had children will know that these cute little bundles come hand in hand with a lot of preparation and accessories that make their feeding times run a little more smoothly. Creating a baby feeding station in your kitchen area is a great way to make sure that you have everything on hand to feed your little one with minimal delay or disruption. Try where possible to position your feeding preparation station near to the sink so you can begin your preparation directly after washing up. Include a steriliser or bottle preparation machine on the table top along with your formula milk for ease of bottle making. For older babies then add a shelf or cupboard that includes jarred food, fresh ingredients, spoons, bowls and bibs and a small bullet blender for creating tasty meals for your weaning little one.

For more ideas on creating a preparation station in your home, take a look at our latest Pinterest board - Pinterest - Preparation Stations.