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