The home-buying process can be overwhelming. There are dozens of factors to consider, from location to square footage and more. If you love to entertain, then there are even more details to consider in order to accommodate your many friends and family. At Bon Brise Design, many of the projects we take on involve turning homes into spaces that are perfect for large gatherings. Over the years, we’ve found that there are a few things to look for in a home—or to add in an after-purchase renovation—if you love to entertain.
1. Welcoming entry.
Greeting guests is much easier when you’re inviting them into a spacious entryway. Look for a home that offers plenty of room to maneuver in the entryway. On the home’s exterior, it’s best to have a covering over the front door to keep visitors dry during rainy weather.
2. May I take your coat?
A space for coats is a must. A closet at the main entrance of your home is helpful when stashing your guests’ coats, bags, and umbrellas. The alternative is installing wall hooks
or using a coat tree. If your entry is more compact, however, a closet will keep the area from feeling cluttered.
3. Bar Seating
If you love to entertain, then you most likely also love to cook for your guests. Kitchen counter seating allows you to invite guests to pull up a seat and chat while you cook. Look for a way to bring some seating into your kitchen area, whether it be a couple of stools or a loveseat and a chair in an adjacent space.
4. Open Floorplan
Open floorplans are ideal for giving guests enough space to mix and mingle during parties. A spacious living area that opens up to the kitchen or dining area allows you to chat with guests while you’re prepping cocktails or appetizers. When you visit a home on the market, imagine how your guests would flow through the space.
5. Formal Dining Room
If you prefer cozy dinners over busy parties, then a formal dining room may be more important than an open floor plan. Look for a home with a formal dining area that has enough space to fit your dining room table, chairs, and sideboard. Architectural details that make the space unique are a plus!
6. Main-level Powder Room
It’s nice to have a powder room, rather than a full bath, near your entertaining area. Not only is it easily accessible to guests, it also allows you to keep your other bathrooms as private spaces.
Look for a half-bath on the main floor that is easy to get to from your entertaining spaces.
7. Outdoor Space
Vast lawns are gorgeous, but a deck or patio is where guests are more likely to gather. Look for a backyard with space to install a beautiful deck or patio where you can fit an outdoor dining set, a grill, and extra seating under the shade.
Do you love to entertain, but worried your home isn’t ready for guests? Let Bon Brise Design take on the design challenge! Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
