The holidays are almost here! For many, this season means spending time with family and friends, hosting dinners, and making cherished memories. But is your home ready to handle the festivities? Thoughtful architectural design can transform your space to accommodate guests comfortably and create an inviting atmosphere that enhances the season’s joy.
Here are a few ways to get your home holiday-ready with design tips that will help make every gathering feel special. While larger projects may have to wait for next year, use this holiday to note areas needing improvement.
Open Up Spaces for Seamless Flow
An open floor plan is invaluable during the holidays. Connecting critical areas like the kitchen, dining, and living room creates a space where family and friends can quickly move around, mingle, and interact. At MEBA, we often design homes with functional zones that make hosting easy, with everything accessible, from the serving area to the cozy conversation spots.
Consider how an island or peninsula in the kitchen can serve as a buffet or drink station, keeping things organized while encouraging guests to gather. An open layout lets you stay part of the conversation even if you’re busy with food prep or setting up.
Add Flexible Seating Options
When hosting, having flexible seating options is essential. Built-in benches, modular furniture, and custom seating arrangements can add comfort and style while maximizing your seating capacity. Think about adaptable pieces that can be rearranged, like nesting tables and stackable chairs that can be tucked away or brought out to fit the occasion.
From banquet-style benches in the dining room to cozy sectional sofas in the family room, flexible seating can keep everyone comfortable without overcrowding.
Create a Cozy Focal Point
Nothing says “holiday season” quite like a warm, inviting focal point. Fireplaces are classic, providing warmth, ambiance, and a beautiful backdrop for holiday décor. Even if you don’t have a traditional fireplace, you can create a cozy atmosphere with a seating area designed for intimate gatherings, ambient lighting, or a built-in feature wall dressed up for the season.
This focal area becomes the heart of your gathering space, where people can naturally congregate, relax, and connect.
Design a Functional Entryway for Winter Weather
Your entryway is the first thing guests see when they arrive, and it can quickly become cluttered during the holidays. Consider an entryway design with built-in storage for coats, hats, and bags and a dedicated area for wet shoes or boots. Durable, slip-resistant flooring like tile or slate can withstand the winter elements and make for easy cleanup.
An entryway bench with storage underneath or hooks for coats will keep things organized, allowing guests to feel welcomed and comfortable when they arrive.
Integrate Ambient and Layered Lighting
Lighting is critical in creating a room’s mood, especially during the shorter, darker winter days. Layered lighting with a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting allows you to adjust the atmosphere as needed. For example, dimmable overhead lighting, wall sconces, and strategically placed lamps can make a room feel warm and intimate, perfect for a cozy holiday setting.
Add a touch of holiday magic by incorporating seasonal lighting elements like twinkling string lights or candles that provide warmth and a festive glow.
Enhance Kitchen Functionality for Holiday Feasts
The kitchen is the most popular place during holiday gatherings, so it must function and flow well. Features like ample counter space, dual ovens, and a walk-in pantry can make preparing large meals easier. An island can serve as a prep area and a spot for guests to gather without getting in the way.
Consider integrating smart kitchen appliances to streamline your holiday cooking. From controlling the oven with your phone to getting reminders for grocery essentials, these small touches help take the stress out of meal prep, allowing you to enjoy the festivities more.
Designate a Private Guest Space
If you often host overnight guests, creating a dedicated guest space can make their stay more enjoyable. Whether it’s a guest suite with a private bathroom or a cozy corner with a comfortable pull-out sofa, a welcoming guest area allows friends and family to feel at home during their visit.
Adding thoughtful touches, like a reading nook or access to a bathroom with a spa-like feel, provides comfort and relaxation for your guests, making their holiday experience as memorable as your own.
Embrace the Holidays with Thoughtful Design
As we approach the holiday season, now is the perfect time to ensure your home can comfortably accommodate family and friends. At Mark Eric Benner Architects, we understand the importance of creating spaces that work beautifully for everyday life and special occasions. By incorporating these architectural elements, you can make your home a welcoming and functional environment that enhances your family’s holiday experience.
Are you ready to transform your space for the holidays and beyond? Contact us today to learn more about designing a home that brings functionality and festivity to life.
Happy Holidays from all of us at Mark Eric Benner – Architects!
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Mark Eric Benner – Architects has served and provides bespoke, value-focussed architectural and interior design services in the following communities:
Illinois: Arlington Heights, Bannockburn, Bull Valley, Burr Ridge, Chicago, Crystal Lake, Deerfield, Downers Grove, Evanston, Geneva, Glencoe, Glenview, Glen Ellyn, Fox Lake, Highland Park, Kenilworth, Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, Lemont, Libertyville, Morris, Northbrook, Northfield, Park Ridge, Ravinia, Round Lake, Skokie, Waukegan, Wilmette, Winnetka, and Woodstock
Wisconsin: Burlington, Door County, Ephraim, Fish Creek, Kenosha, Lake Geneva, Sister Bay, Twin Lakes, Walworth, Williams Bay;
as well as communities throughout Colorado.
Affordable Housing
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Chicago, IL; North Chicago, IL; Bogalusa, LA; Franklinton, LA; Slidell, LA; Tupelo, MS; Johnson City, TN; White Sulphur Springs, WV.
Partners in disaster recovery and affordable housing:
Solid Rock Carpenters – board member (www.SolidRockCarpenters.org)
Appalachian Service Project (www.ASPHome.org)
Habitat for Humanity (www.Habitat.org)
Matthew Homes (https://www.renewcommunities.org/matthewhome)
The Home Depot Foundation (https://corporate.homedepot.com/page/home-depot-foundation)
We invite you to learn more about, and support these generous and caring organizations who support communities in need.
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