Master the Entertain Game
We invest so much into creating our dream home, so why not enjoy it in every mood? Why head out on a Friday night when you can host a memorable party right in the comfort of your own space? Join Sydney Home Design + Living’s Hannah McDonald as she sits down with Rodney Binet, sales and marketing manager of Binet Homes, to discuss how the modern home is designed to perfectly entertain your guests, keeping energy high from weekday barbeques to Sunday kickbacks.
Based in Epping, Binet is a revered figure in Sydney’s custom home building industry. “We’ve been designing and building luxury custom homes all over Sydney for more than 60 years,” he begins. “What sets us apart from other builders is our comprehensive service that ranges from design and approval to construction and landscaping.”
When it comes to homes that bring people together, encourage conversation and liven spirits, Binet is the go-to. “Because we don’t have set designs, we are able to create a totally bespoke solution for our clients. We always take entertaining into consideration because we want our homes to be enjoyed by our client’s families every day,” he states.
ENTERTAINMENT 101
Entertainment homes are defined by thought out spaces, intention and functionality. “This usually involves spaces that are easily connected and provide alternate uses. For example, an outdoor alfresco area that is easily accessible to a kitchen or living area,” Binet advises. Accessibility is a key feature, with most homes opting for an open-plan layout to achieve this seamlessly. “Open concept layouts are great architecturally and functionally, especially for larger families,” he adds.
Unfortunately, designing the perfect entertaining home does not simply involve knocking down unnecessary walls. Binet outlines the several considerations when taking the open-plan approach. “Heating and cooling large, undivided areas demands more energy, especially areas with high ceilings that are not zoned separately to other areas of the home. Larger room sizes also have structural cost implications, especially if steel beams are required. Striking the perfect balance is vital in creating a functional open concept layout that will work to the client’s budget,” he says.
Every detail needs to be considered when crafting a home that boasts a host mentality.
Binet ponders everything, from the floor to the ceiling. “It is vital to select the correct flooring material. For flooring materials, tiles or solid timber flooring is highly recommended for high-traffic areas. Other popular materials such as engineered timber flooring aren’t ideal because they have a thin layer of timber that cannot be sanded and repolished in the future,” he warns.
IN THE ZONE
Zoning the home with intention is a key feature that supports good flow between spaces and sparks connection between guests. “Having distinct zones for dining, lounging and mingling allows guests to feel they are where they need to be. Certain focal points such as fireplaces and kitchen islands can be used as social hubs. Usually, the best way to create distinct conversation zones is to allow space for a big comfortable couch! You can then improve the ambience if required with certain fixtures such as curtains and dimmable lights,” Binet suggests.
At the same time, it’s also important to have flexible layouts so guests don’t feel trapped in one space. “Having clear sightlines and open layouts helps guests to seamlessly transition between the zones. Again, it’s a fine balance that our design team has experience navigating,” he assures.
ON ISLAND TIME
The kitchen is the heart of a home, and when it comes to entertaining it connects all the spaces – acting as the central hub. “An island is a good start, as it provides a central area for people to spend time together while food is prepared. The dining and living areas should also be connected to the kitchen, allowing constant connection throughout the main entertaining areas of the home. In addition to this, an adjacent outdoor dining/living area reinforces the kitchen as the main entertaining area of the home,” Binet explains.
Islands are critical to not only the functionality of the kitchen, but to the zoning of the entire open-plan layout. “The dining areas are essentially an extension of the kitchen and must be positioned adjacent or as close as possible. A common way to do this is to include the kitchen, dining and living area all in one large space, but using the island to zone the kitchen separately. If a larger, more formal dining room is required, you can install a servery window between the two areas to provide better access to the kitchen,” he details.
FLOW STATE
The optimal way to transform your home into an entertainer’s dream is to master the art of indoor outdoor flow. “There are many benefits to integrating the indoor and outdoor entertaining areas in our designs. Firstly, it provides more flexibility to increase hosting capacity. These areas are generally separated by big sliding doors that can be opened right up to open access to the outdoor zone. The associated benefit for this is you also allow fresh air and plenty of natural light into the home, hence reducing reliance on artificial lighting and air conditioning,” he adds.
With our country’s long summer days and endless sunshine, entertaining outdoors is a given. “Due to our climate in Sydney, people dream about spending time with family on the covered alfresco on a lazy Sunday afternoon in summer. We tend to include alfresco kitchens for our clients that want that separate barbeque and dining area outside – another nod to the Australian lifestyle. Because we also do landscaping and pools for our clients, we are able to incorporate all of that into the design of the outdoor entertaining area as well. The results are limitless, and it’s all about having a conversation with each client and finding out what they want in their home,” Binet says.
Images courtesy of Binet Homes