Remodeling with entertaining in mind means designing spaces that invite people in and keep them connected. It’s about how the kitchen opens up to the living room, how the bar becomes a natural gathering spot, and how the entire home feels ready for conversation, celebration, and company.

Before working with a design+build studio in Glen Ellyn, it helps to understand the elements that turn everyday rooms into warm, welcoming spaces for hosting. With the right layout and finishes, your home can be both personal and effortlessly social.

How to design a home for entertaining?

Great entertaining begins with thoughtful design. The way a home is laid out can shape how people interact, how freely they move from room to room, and how comfortable they feel settling in. When spaces are planned with hosting in mind, whether it’s a casual gathering or a full dinner party, every detail plays a role in creating the right atmosphere.

Kitchen flow that encourages gathering

The kitchen tends to attract people, even when you’re not trying to make it the center of attention. That’s why layout matters – deeply. Islands that allow for multiple work zones, wide walkways that support movement without crowding, and open sightlines that connect the kitchen to adjacent living or dining areas all contribute to a better hosting experience.

Design choices like built-in seating or a strategically placed pantry can make the kitchen feel layered and lived-in, not just functional. Multi-level islands create visual interest while offering casual seating that encourages guests to linger. The more effortlessly a kitchen accommodates conversation and movement, the more naturally it becomes a space people gravitate toward.

Bars that double as conversation hubs

A well-placed bar creates a natural point of connection. Whether it’s a full walk-up with glass storage and a wine fridge or a compact wet bar tucked near the living room, the bar can act as a social anchor without dominating the space.

Material layering plays a big role here with stone, wood, metal, and lighting all influencing how the bar feels in context with the rest of the home. Open shelving or undercounter lighting adds warmth and helps the space feel integrated, not like an afterthought. A bar that’s designed with care becomes part of the architecture of entertaining, something guests remember without it needing to announce itself.

Dining spaces that feel connected

One of the most effective ways to modernize a dining experience is to create subtle transitions between rooms rather than walls or hard boundaries. Consider partial walls or framed views that connect the dining area visually and spatially with the kitchen and living zones.

At the same time, the dining room should still hold its own. A strong table presence and comfortable seating elevate the space without overpowering it. It’s not just about having a place to sit – it’s about setting the tone for everything from family meals to milestone celebrations.

Seamless indoor–outdoor transitions

Outdoor living has become an extension of the home. Sliding doors, folding glass walls, or pass-through windows help blur the line between indoor spaces and patios, decks, or courtyards. The goal is to create one continuous experience, where guests can move easily from the kitchen to an outdoor lounge without breaking the mood or flow.

Material continuity helps, too. Using complementary flooring or finishes both inside and out ties the areas together visually. Covered spaces, outdoor heaters, and built-in audio systems further encourage year-round use.

Planning to remodel for entertaining? Reach out to our design+build studio in Glen Ellyn

Every entertaining space begins with thoughtful planning. At Ember & Brune, we handle everything from layout development and finish selection to project management and execution, ensuring each space feels cohesive, inviting, and personal.

Whether you’re designing a kitchen built for gathering or outdoor areas that connect effortlessly with the indoors, our process is tailored to your needs and lifestyle. And while entertaining may be the focus today, we also think ahead, integrating design choices that support aging in place, so your home in Glen Ellyn remains functional and stylish for years to come.

Maybe you love your home and can’t imagine leaving it, but you’ve started to wonder how well it will suit you five, ten, or even twenty years from now. Stairs that once felt effortless might become a challenge, bathrooms may not feel as safe, and kitchens can be harder to navigate. That’s where aging-in-place remodeling comes in. Before contacting a design build studio in Glen Ellyn or the area, it’s worth knowing what to expect – how design decisions today can add comfort, safety, and independence tomorrow, all without sacrificing the style that makes your home feel like yours.

What is the best home design for aging in place?

Remodeling for aging-in-place is most effective when practical details are seamlessly integrated into the overall design. The goal is to create a home that feels natural and comfortable to live in, while also anticipating the needs that come with time.

Architectural flow that works

The way a home is laid out can have a profound impact on how livable it remains over the years. Wider hallways and open sight lines aren’t only about accessibility – they also help rooms feel more expansive and welcoming. Reducing unnecessary steps and level changes between spaces creates a smooth continuity that makes movement effortless. These adjustments can be introduced without altering the character of the home, often enhancing its sense of balance and proportion in the process.

Bathrooms that blend form and function

Bathrooms are one of the most important spaces to rethink in a long-term living plan. A curbless shower with frameless glass brings an understated elegance while eliminating barriers that may become difficult later on. Heated floors provide warmth and comfort, making the space inviting every day of the year. Thoughtful additions like built-in seating, recessed shelving, and well-placed lighting create convenience without drawing attention to themselves. The result is a bathroom that looks like it was designed purely for comfort and style, yet carries the added benefit of being practical for decades to come.

Kitchens planned for everyday living

The kitchen is often the heart of the home, which means it must work as beautifully as it looks. Multi-level islands are an excellent way to make the space flexible, whether it’s designed for entertaining or everyday moments that reflect a family-centered home. Touchless fixtures simplify daily tasks while keeping surfaces clean, and custom pull-out storage ensures that essentials are within easy reach without cluttering the room. Over time, these details make the kitchen not only easier to use but also more enjoyable, turning routine tasks into seamless experiences.

Lighting and technology in harmony

Lighting is a design element that serves both function and atmosphere. A well-layered plan can highlight architectural features while providing the visibility needed for safe navigation at night. Task lighting in kitchens and bathrooms reduces strain, while ambient and accent lighting keep the home feeling warm and inviting.

When paired with discreet technology such as voice-activated controls or intuitive climate systems, the home becomes adaptable with very little effort required from its occupants. These additions don’t alter the character of the spaces but instead create an environment that responds to its residents with quiet efficiency.

What is the go-to design build studio near me in Glen Ellyn?

Designing a home in DuPage County for long-term living requires making thoughtful choices that feel natural today and remain practical tomorrow. Ember & Brune takes that approach to every project, managing everything from bid procurement to complete project management and interior design.

By carefully layering materials, finishes, and architectural details, we create spaces that reflect your style while supporting comfort and ease of use over time. Whether you’re planning a kitchen remodel, reimagining a bathroom, or looking at a whole-home transformation, we handle the process from start to finish so you can enjoy a home that evolves gracefully with you.