Top Tips For Designing The Perfect Home To Entertain

The best homes aren’t just designed to look good. They’re designed to bring people together, whatever the occasion.

Entertaining isn’t always about grand gestures or once a year celebrations. It’s about the everyday moments that become memories. Friday night dinners that stretch late, kids running between inside and out, friends gathering around the kitchen bench while you cook. 

When your home is designed well, entertaining feels effortless, natural and part of life.

Here are five favourite tips from our Burbank design experts to help you create a home that’s perfect for entertaining, while still working beautifully for everyday life.

 

Alfresco Living: Elevate your outdoor space

An alfresco area instantly extends your living space and changes the way you use your home.

Whether it’s a casual barbecue, birthday celebrations or a quiet Sunday afternoon with friends, an alfresco creates a natural place for people to gather. Covered outdoor spaces offer shade in summer, protection from the elements and a seamless connection between indoors and out.

Adding an outdoor kitchen or built in barbecue elevates the experience even further, keeping the hardworking host part of the conversation, instead of being stuck inside! 

Consider including fans or infrared heaters so you can use the area all year round. Cosy up with blankets in winter and stretch out on outdoor couches in summer, lazying away the day with a spritzer and book. 

The perfect alfresco is all about creating a space where meals stretch longer, laughter carries further and memories are made without effort.
 

 

Kitchen Flow: Layouts that work and the magic of a butler’s pantry

 

Every great gathering finds its way back to the kitchen.

A well designed kitchen allows people to move comfortably, chat easily and stay connected, whether you’re prepping food, pouring drinks or helping with homework. Open layouts with generous islands create a natural hub, while thoughtful bench spacing keeps everything flowing smoothly.

A butler’s pantry adds another layer of magic. No one regrets adding this extra space to their home! It allows you to hide prep, everyday appliances like the toaster and kettle, and (most importantly) mess, so the main kitchen stays calm and welcoming. 

It’s functional for busy weekdays and invaluable when entertaining, giving you space to prepare ahead and enjoy the moment when guests arrive.

The simple addition of stools to an island bench invite friends and children to gather, and clever design touches like glass cabinets allow you to show off the good glasses and make the kitchen a liveable showpiece. 

 

Open Plan Living: Connect, flow & entertain.

 

Home design has moved on from the pokey rooms and dark corridors of the 1980’s, and with good reason. Open plan living creates a sense of ease that guests feel the moment they walk in.

When the kitchen, dining and living areas connect, conversations flow naturally and no one feels separated. You can cook while chatting, watch the kids play outside while entertaining friends, or move effortlessly from dinner to the couch as the evening unfolds.

Beyond entertaining, open plan living makes everyday life feel lighter and more connected, while still providing areas like study nooks and lounge areas to have your own space.
 
It’s where family breakfasts happen, school bags land, and quiet moments turn into shared ones, all in the same beautifully considered space.




Above: The Almeda home design on display at Victoria, Mickleham. 

 

Mood Lighting: Set the scene for every occasion

 

Lighting has the power to completely transform a space. It’s a simple, but extremely effective way to create different moods depending on when you’re entertaining, allowing you to move seamlessly from a daytime catch up, to coffees by the fire. 

It’s all about adapting to the moment, and layered lighting is an easy way to achieve this. 

Bright and energising lighting lifts lively gatherings, while a warm and intimate vibe encourages relaxed evenings. Pendant lights over the kitchen island, soft downlights in living zones and feature lighting in dining areas all work together to create atmosphere.

You can cleverly combine fans with built-in lights in the bedrooms and soft bedside pendants, or use dimmer switched in larger areas to change the mood. LED strip lighting gives walk-in wardrobes a hotel feel, while motion sensor lights offer both an energy-saving alternative and design feature to entryways.

The beauty of good lighting design is its flexibility. One space can host a celebration, a quiet family dinner or a late night conversation, simply by changing the mood. It’s those subtle details that make entertaining feel special without being overdone.

 

Kids’ Quarters and Bonus Living Spaces

 

The most enjoyable homes to entertain in are those that work for everyone.

Dedicated kids’ zones, rumpus rooms or additional living spaces give little ones room to play, watch movies or unwind, while adults relax nearby. Smart zoning means noise is contained, mess is managed and everyone has space to enjoy themselves.

These bonus spaces aren’t just for entertaining. They become homework hubs, quiet retreats, teenage hangouts and cosy movie rooms. When guests leave, the home continues to support your family’s rhythm and lifestyle every day.

 

Designing A Home Made For Memories

 

Entertaining isn’t about perfection. It’s about connection, comfort and creating spaces where people feel welcome.

With thoughtful design choices, your Burbank home becomes a place where everyday living and entertaining blend effortlessly, where memories are made, shared and reflected on, long after your guests have gone home.

Browse our huge range of home designs in Victoria, New South Whales, ACT, Queensland and South Australia today and find your future home to entertain in!