“Party at our house!”
That’s a phrase you’re never too old for, and when you’re building a custom home, entertaining is sure to be one aspect that’s first and foremost to incorporate into your plans.
Unique Designs For Your Taste And Style
The main advantage of building a custom home is that you’re designing it for YOU. Every aspect and space of the home is made to suit you, your needs and to cater to the way you like to live.
When it comes to home entertaining, there are a few questions to ask yourself–and answer–before meeting with your architect and builder. Here’s what you need to consider:
How do you entertain?
Thinking through your social style is the key to creating your perfect entertaining environment. You’ll realise that your entertaining style will create a flow-on effect as to how you design other ‘unrelated’ aspects of the home, too.
Do you prepare the food, get caterers in, or a mix of both?
Do you have more formal dinner parties, or do you prefer more casual, outdoorsy type of event by throwing something on the barbie?
Are drinks and hors d’oeuvres more your thing?
Does your entertaining revolve around sporting events?
Do you want a dedicated space, like a wine or billiards room?
What about an outdoor kitchen and living space?
Now it’s time to decipher the features that make your new home a haven for lively and inspiring evenings.
Kitchen
If you have your parties catered, you might put a higher priority on a butler’s pantry for caterers to work from, out of view.
On the other hand, if you love cooking, you’ll want a large, inviting space with several seating options so you can join the party while plating up. A centre island bench with bar seating and a nearby dining area with comfortable chairs is ideal.
State-of-the-art appliances are essential for easy prep and clean up. Double ovens, convection microwaves, load-sensing dishwashers, and smart refrigerators are an entertainer’s best friend.
Open Floor Plan
Open spaces allow guests to mingle without feeling crowded, and bifold doors outside initiate good flow throughout your entire home.
Take it outside
In Australia, it’s not just kitchens and bathrooms that sell houses. Outdoor entertaining – or at least great potential for it – is a must-have in any home.
A large, covered deck with wiring and plumbing creates an outdoor room to enjoy the great outdoors. Add a built-in bbq, wet bar, and wine fridge; a seating area, fireplace and a TV to broadcast the game on, and you might never want to venture back inside!
Extra Goodies
If you’ve got a specific hobby or pastime you enjoy, incorporate a space dedicated to it. Your pool table, arcade gaming, or your movie, music or fine wine collection can be enjoyed, and if you haven’t given up on becoming a rock star, build a sound-proof studio!