When it comes to entertaining, bigger spaces aren’t always better.
Where would your guests have more fun? In a large, echoing hall? Or in a warm, charming space that flows seamlessly from indoors to out?
There’s also upkeep to consider. How often will you really host a hundred people? Throughout most of the year, your oversized entertainment space might see more dust than visitors.
Truth is, the best entertainment spaces are optimised to fit your lifestyle.
Not only will an optimised space save you the headache of continuous upkeep and enhance the quality of your parties; it’ll be easier on the wallet, too.
Dust and Disappointment: What Happens When You Build Too Big
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of building a new home.
You’ve worked hard to get here, and where better to celebrate your success than in your own home?
The trap, however, appears when you let your excitement get the better of you, building a far bigger entertainment space than you actually need.
Many builders will add fuel to your fire here, hoping your enthusiasm will drive you to sign up for a larger-than-necessary build.
But flash forward five years, and the formal living room echoes with silence, dust gathers on the deck, and your once-pristine pool is now a murky shade of green.
So, how can you make sure your custom home is designed to meet your entertainment needs without overdoing it?
The Solution: Work with a Builder Who Asks the Right Questions
It all starts with thoughtful planning.
Your builder should take the time to understand your daily life, your social habits, and what really matters to you when entertaining.
Are you someone who hosts intimate dinners, or do you prefer larger, more festive gatherings? Do you like to entertain outdoors, or would you rather keep things cosy inside?
By asking these kinds of questions, your builder can help you design a home that suits your specific needs.
For instance, if you enjoy small get-togethers, a well-equipped but snug entertainment area will serve you better than an oversized room that feels empty with fewer guests.
On the other hand, if big parties are your style, an open-plan layout that connects seamlessly to an outdoor area might be the better choice.
Smart planning is the key to avoiding unnecessary, expensive spaces that will ultimately go unused. It also saves you money in the long run. You’ll avoid unnecessary building costs and future maintenance expenses by keeping the focus on functionality, not size.
Plus, when every room in your home has a clear purpose, you’ll enjoy it more and feel more connected to the space you’ve created.
How Two Different Couples Designed Their Dream Homes
Let’s take a look at two very different couples to see how tailored design made all the difference in their new custom homes.
The first homeowners, Sam and Kelly*, are passionate chefs who love hosting large dinner parties every weekend.
They need a spacious, well-appointed kitchen with plenty of counter space, a dining room that can comfortably seat all their guests, and an outdoor deck for alfresco dining under the stars. For them, the kitchen is the heart of the home, and their layout reflects that.
Then there’s John and Margaret, a retired couple who prefer smaller, quieter gatherings.
They don’t need grand, sweeping spaces. Instead, they value intimacy and comfort. Their ideal home has a snug living room, a functional but modest kitchen, and a gaming table where they can enjoy a cosy evening with close friends. It’s all about creating an atmosphere that feels personal and welcoming.
Both homes are designed for entertaining, but in completely different ways — each tailored to suit the unique lifestyles of their owners.
The Bottom Line: Invest in Happiness, Not Extra Square Metres
Designing a home that maximises your entertainment potential isn’t about adding more rooms or building bigger spaces.
It’s about making smart design decisions — creating spaces that reflect how you live and entertain, and investing in the areas that will bring you the most joy.
Of course, there’s more to building your dream home than optimising your entertainment spaces.
That’s why we’ve created a comprehensive guide to help you make smart decisions from start to finish:
Build with Confidence – 7 Things You Must Know Before Designing a New Home
Download it now so you can avoid common homebuilding pitfalls and ensure your new home is a perfect fit for your needs.
For more tips to help you navigate the complexities of home building, download our Free Guide
Build with Confidence – 7 Things You Must Know Before Designing a New Home
