The party always ends up in the kitchen so make sure yours is primed and ready for action with these six top tips from Vittorio Naldi, UK branch manager for Scavolini (scavolini.com)

1 In a large open-plan kitchen, use an island or peninsula to create a visual barrier between the kitchen and the living and dining areas. Think about how you’ll use the island before deciding on a design. Install a hob and prep sink so that the chef is able to interact with guests whilst cooking. Add a lowered or raised breakfast bar to make space for guests to perch while enjoying a drink.

2 Noise is always a challenge in an open-plan space. The last thing you want when sitting down to dinner with friends is the sloshing of the washing machine or dishwasher spoiling the mood. The noise level of normal conversation is generally around 60 to 65dB (decibels), so look out for appliances that will operate at a lower decibel level than this.

3 Invest in a decent coffee machine! If you are planning your kitchen from scratch, consider building one in. This will create a sleek look and partners perfectly with Scavolini’s contemporary kitchen cabinetry. Incorporating your coffee machine into an appliance bank is very on trend. Stacking appliances in a column, square or a linear formation ensures a streamlined finish.

4 If you love to entertain, incorporating a drinks cabinet into your kitchen design is an absolute must. You don’t necessarily need an abundance of space. A built-in bar can be the width of a single cabinet, hidden by pocket doors when not in use. Fit it with glass shelves for storing bottles and glasses (make sure you leave enough space between shelves) and keep the bottom shelf clear so that you can use it for mixing drinks.

5 Scavolini has witnessed a shift towards hidden storage. Our Switch unit (shown in the Foodshelf kitchen) is an excellent case in point, featuring pocket doors that slide seamlessly out of sight when you’re working in the kitchen, but cover up its contents when your dinner party is in full swing. Switch is equipped with shelves, drawers, a pull-out worksurface and space for both integrated and countertop appliances.

6 In an open-plan space, cooking smells are likely to drift into the dining and living areas, so effective extraction is essential. The issue with extractors is that they can be noisy, so look for one with a low decibel level and ensure it is correctly fitted – extractor noise is often caused by the wrong size ducting.

The Motus collection by Scavolini blends function and entertainment. Available with melamine or matt lacquered doors, the handleless kitchen comes in 10 colours and an elm wood-effect finish. It is shown here in elm and an upbeat yellow. Motus kitchens are priced from £10,000

The Switch cupboard features retractable doors, which can house up to four appliances, an additional pull-out worktop, multiple shelves and storage drawers. Shown here in Scavolini’s Foodshelf kitchen, prices start from £10,000