hLiving in a small space doesn’t mean having friends and family over is out of the question. Getting creative with short- and long-term solutions can lead to successful entertaining opportunities.
Let’s take a look at a few simple things you can do to make your space feel more open and accommodating.
- Cleaning
- Decluttering
- Planning Ahead
- Optimize Comfort
- Outdoors and Upgrades
Cleaning
Cleaning is an important place to start. Decluttering and removing extra decor can help create more space.
Having a clean bathroom for guests to use is important. Be sure to remove any personal items, provide clean towels, and make sure that it is spotless.
Decluttering
Another place to declutter is any available counter space. Put away extra appliances like toasters or blenders. If it’s not in use, it should be stored away. Now there is more room for dishes and food.
This same rule follows for surface areas that your guests may use to set food and drinks down as they visit. Any homeowner wants their livingspace to be tastefully decorated. But minimizing candles and other knicknacks on tables and counters makes the space appear more open and less “busy.”
Planning Ahead
Plan ahead. Make any appetizers or drinks ahead of time to free up the kitchen as much as possible.
Create zones around the space for drinks, appetizers, dessert, ect to keep guests from congregating in one spot.
Get creative with trays and other stacking serving dishes. Use the sink for serving and storing cold drinks.
Optimize Comfort
Be mindful of the temperature. Small spaces can heat up quickly. Using fans, opening windows, or dropping the temperature before guests arrive can help keep it comfortable for everyone.
Utilize all available seating, including some non-traditional sources such as ottomans, poufs, and piano benches. Set up seating groups to keep conversations flowing and create a cozy atmosphere.
Small touches like candles and flowers can make a big impact. But like we mentioned above, you want to keep table decor at a minimum. Choose carefully, so as to be beautiful without overwhelming the space.
Outdoor Upgrades
Opening the gathering to outdoor areas can double the amount of space you have. Adding doors that can open up a living area to a patio or porch is a good idea to easily expand entertaining space.
Pergolas or patios are a great way to add space and value to a small home. Weather permitting, outdoor entertaining is a creative way to make the most of your home. Visit our Exterior Home Services page to learn more about how we can help.
Consider converting existing porches or patios into comfortable living areas. This can be a more cost-effective way to add on living space since floors, and sometimes roof and walls, are already in place. This upgrade can help make the space usable year-round, instead of just in good weather. Read more about Outdoor Living Space ideas.
Indoor Upgrades
Expansions are a great way to add rooms to a home. Check on zoning and setback requirements for the area, and be sure to hire a reputable contractor for the work. A solid professional will be able to ensure that proper permits are issued for any remodeling you have done.
Great rooms are great for entertaining. This design combines kitchen, dining, and living areas so there are sightlines to all areas. Guests can then enjoy one another and conversation can flow. Removing walls and opening doorways are a good way to create this space in a small home.
Remodeling to better utilize the space you have can refresh a small home and make it more functional. Thinking about traffic patterns when creating a layout can help make the most of the space. Adding organization to cabinets and closets will make more room for storage.
Adding more or larger windows can open up a small space and let in more light and air. It will create the illusion of more space. Whether your upgrade is large or small, our Interior Home Services can help you bring it to life.
Final Thoughts
Whether making temporary changes, or remodeling to make a home more functional for years to come, a small home can be used in many ways to successfully host gatherings for friends and family.