Do you love having people over but find yourself frustrated that your current design isn’t quite right for gathering? Hosting may be one of your favorite things to do. However, you’ve got to have the right home design, otherwise, it can turn into a nightmare. Don’t up and move just yet—most houses have potential, it just takes the right eye to see it. With the help of an architectural engineer and some home renovations, your space will transform seamlessly into the home of your host/hostess dreams.
Design an Open Concept Floor Plan
An open concept floor plan refers to a design that utilizes large open spaces and minimizes the use of smaller enclosed rooms. Typically, this makes your dining room, kitchen, and living spaces one large room instead of three separate rooms. This type of floor plan will give your guests a place to gather without having to disperse across various rooms throughout your home. People tend to gather in the kitchen, so it’s important to create an inviting feeling centered around this space. With a few tweaks to your architectural design, you’ll get that welcoming feeling without having to endure the cost and stress of relocating.
Including a large island in your new kitchen design will give you the additional space to prepare, serve, and enjoy food as well as create bonus storage underneath. Your new kitchen island will offer guests a place to gather while enjoying a beverage or appetizer. Another element to include is a large kitchen table where your extended family and friends can gather for holiday and birthday celebrations. A long rectangular table is a great choice for seating large groups. However, a big circle table will also fit a good amount of people while allowing everyone to see each other and keep conversations going. Either way, your new table is another place where guests can greet one another. It is also great for playing cards and games. This dining space should also be open to the kitchen and living room in your home. You need this to create more places for people to gather while still keeping everyone close by.
Include a Secondary Living Space
Indoor Design
Whether finishing a room indoors or creating a second living space outdoors, it is important to have multiple places for your guests to mingle. Basements can be the perfect place to create a fun environment for you and your guests. It can also be utilized at all times of the year. When finishing your basement, include things like a bar, a big screen, and comfy furniture to lounge on. A bar is great because it creates space for people to mingle. It also functions as a place to store food and drinks. You may also want to include a big screen or multiple televisions for things like sports games and movies that keep everyone entertained. A big sectional or multiple recliners will work great in this type of room and keep guests comfortable. You should also consider including space for a pool table or other activities in your design; depending on your lifestyle and if you have kids, a basement can be the perfect playroom.
Outdoor Design
The other issue to consider is the outdoor design. When you want to create your ideal outdoor living space you need to consider how much space you have. Also, you have to consider how you want to keep your guests entertained. For example, a wet bar is a great addition to any outdoor living space. The reason is that it provides an area to prepare food and drinks, and serve them to your guests. Include things like a grill, fridge, and ice maker in your wet bar design. A great alternative to a wet bar is adding a pass-thru serving window from your kitchen to your outdoor space. The layout of your home will determine if this is possible. However, if it is possible, you will appreciate the ease it brings to passing food items in and out of the house. Another addition that every guest will love is a pool. Pools are great for people of all ages and can be the perfect place to cool off in the summer. Kids will love it and you could even include a hot tub area for the adults to enjoy year-round.
Create Privacy for Your Guests
Every good host/hostess has a guest bedroom for their friends and family to enjoy while in town. Transforming your guest bedroom into a private and comfortable all-encompassing space will allow your guests to relax and feel at home. You may need to add to your current structure to make this possible. A structural design consultant will be able to aid in this process to ensure you make efficient use of your new space. Don’t start tearing down walls until you’ve created a plan and discussed it with a professional.
Including an en suite in your design will ensure that your guests have their own personal oasis in your home. If you have a large family, it’s important that your guests are able to shower and use the bathroom comfortably while visiting. An en suite will give them this luxury as long as it’s completed properly. Include a double sink bathroom vanity in your design to give your visitors plenty of space to get ready in the morning. Stock it with extra toiletries in case your guests forget theirs. Amenities like toothbrushes, deodorants, and lotions can go a long way. Be sure your design also includes a nice shower stocked with soap. It never hurts to be over-prepared and your friends and family will appreciate it greatly.
How an Architect Will Help
Designing an entirely new layout of your home is time-consuming and overwhelming. This is the case especially if you don’t have the experience or expertise needed. An architect will take care of the hard work for you. He makes sure your home renovations are feasible and are executed properly and safely. They will also help make sure all of your design dreams come true and set up your house for the most successful hosting events. Architects are professionals who come with all the permits you may need to execute your new design.
Final Thoughts on Home Renovations
When you start your home renovation project, you’ll first want to make a list of all your must-haves for your new design. After that, begin doing research, budgeting, and consulting with a professional to make those dreams happen.
Read more here on how to plan successful home renovations.
In case you have architectural, structural, and MEP design requirements, or need a renovation design for your home, feel free to contact us. We provide you with the full permit set design + T24.
