For the love of a good party
I recently caught up with a couple who had just packed their youngest off to university. As they looked around their family friendly main floor space, the newly-minted empty nesters wondered aloud, ‘What now?’
They loved this space, designed 15 years ago for a young and growing family, but it no longer fit their lifestyle. Yet they didn’t know what did.
So with indecision hanging in the air, I asked how they saw themselves using the space in the years to come.
They immediately lit up, telling me their dreams of entertaining friends on weekends, filling the house with family over holidays, and making sure they could easily share drinks with neighbours over a hockey game on an impromptu weeknight.
I wasn’t surprised. In the home renovation business, we’re often called upon when families reach milestones. I shared with them my top five renovation tips for those who love to entertain and, surprisingly, these tips don’t revolve around the kitchen.
- Wow them from the start
First impressions are everything. You’ll want to tell your guests they are in for a great night from the minute they pull up to your home. Ensure the walkway and address are well lit, your front porch is big enough for groups arriving at the same time, and include special touches with door hardware and a welcome mat.
Once inside, I recommend creating a sizable entry and large coat closet – a place to tuck away coats, purses and shoes, so the entry doesn’t become cluttered as more and more guests arrive.
- A formal dining room space
Parents of young children get rid of formal dining spaces and empty nesters bring them back. I hear over and over again that setting a nice table – away from the chaos of the kitchen – is a priority.
- A thoughtfully placed powder room
When you’re potty training, discretion in the bathroom area isn’t a high priority. But when you’re hosting a party, you and your guests will appreciate a powder room located far away from the activities of cooking and eating. I recommend trying to find room for the half-bath near the front or back entry and we always, always sound proof the space with extra insulation for everyone’s sake.
- Open concept space with a great big island
No matter how hard you try and steer folks out to the living room, it’s always a kitchen party. So while we’re carving out a separate space for dining, I still recommend a big open, living and kitchen area for those casual wing and chili nights, while cheering on your favourite team or hosting book club.
And make sure to include a grand island – one that keeps your guests out of your food prep space, makes a handy bar and a great place to line up a buffet.
- Create a focal point
A focal point allows for a natural conversation space to occur. Something to anchor your furniture and add to the visual warmth of a living area. Given our climate, I recommend installing a gorgeous fireplace with an impressive mantle. Other ideas are finding an antique wardrobe or creating a wall of built-ins that hide the 60-inch TV, book shelves, and create needed storage.
I hope you found this list useful. Feel free to reach out any time with your questions as we’re here to help you create the space of your dreams. Give me a call at 403-390-7708 or shoot me an email. In the meantime, have a look at some of our work over on our website.