Warm hospitality is a point of pride in the Southwest, a region of the U.S. with a strong tradition of relaxed—and often spirited—entertaining. Good parties are certainly top of mind with socially active homeowners looking to entertain friends and family in free-flowing plans to sprawling ramblers.
We’ve asked two designers to share what they believe are the fundamentals of a convivial home.
Mary Meinz, ASID, NCIDQ
Mary Meinz Design
Master of the Southwest
The southwest is known for very diverse floor plans, how do the layouts affect your decorating decisions, especially for the kitchen and pantries.
The answer is likely different every single time due once the individual homeowner profile is established. If we have a cook or two in the residence, we work very hard to keep the kitchen and kitchen storage close by for easy access. I have been known to add a handsome furniture piece in or very near the kitchen for added storage. This allows the cook to have necessary items at their fingertips. When remodeling we will oftentimes snitch space from an adjacent room in the remodel process to allow for better work triangles, good pantry space, and ample seating and conversation. We all know the kitchen is “the heart of the home.” The open concept kitchen is the most acceptable and seems to be most desired in Arizona. So here again we strive for the wide-open approach allowing entertaining and family gatherings to be of the utmost convenience and comfort for everyone.
Tell me about the fabrics and furnishings you select for your clients when emphasizing and complementing indoor – outdoor entertaining
Fabrics that are durable, with a wonderful hand, and that are timeless in texture and color are my top picks. I like fabrics that blend with the other exposed areas of the rooms within the dwelling so there is a natural flow between spaces. Typically, these fabrics (which have made great strides in the past few years) will be 100% solution dyed acrylic because of their durability, sunfast-ness, and clean ability. Today’s Sunbrella fabrics are so beautiful they are selected for interiors with high traffic or the need for easy cleaning.
Whether the inside or out I strive for style, comfort, and quality in furniture. Today’s patios are an extension of our homes with many outdoor rooms used to double our living spaces with the flick of a remote that opens telescoping doors. When such multi-purpose spaces are brought into indoor living spaces, they must meet the same standards of our interiors. With our Arizona climate being what it is, we can help our clients be very comfortable under misters or in front of their outdoor fireplaces nearly year-round. Patio furniture differs from interior furnishings in its ability to handle the intense elements but it should always be of the utmost in comfort. Our outdoor manufacturer’s offer a plethora of wonderful products making patios and outdoor living spaces among my favorite areas to design.
When designing a space that is to function as an effective entertaining space, it’s all about the specialty features. What do you recommend for frequent hosting?
A well-equipped kitchen will always include appliances such as a steam oven and convection/convention double ovens, 6-burner stove top, duel refrigeration and dishwashers, and built-in espresso maker and ice maker. True working kitchens require an ample pantry and durable countertops, plus ample seating with sufficient and roomy areas for guests to be comfortable.
Here are some of my personal “must haves” for the ultimate gourmet/entertaining kitchen:
- Butler’s Pantry
- Caterer’s Kitchen
- Multi-level lighting which includes task lighting, ambient lighting, and lighting for general entertaining ambience.
- Stereo, piped-in music in all entertaining areas.
- Extendable dining tables with multiple chairs that match.
- Flexible seating arrangements to accommodate 4, 6, 8, 10 or more depending on the event.
- Think “out of the box” for stand up cocktail parties utilizing areas of the home both indoors and out depending on the size of the event.
Gretchen L. Palmer, Allied ASID
PHG Development
The Southwest is known for very diverse floor plans, how do the layouts affect your decorating decisions, especially for the kitchen and pantries?
It may be cliché, but kitchens are truly the heart of the home. No matter how large or small your kitchen is, it will inevitably be the favored spot to gather. One of the primary keys to successful entertaining in any kitchen layout is to have multiple places where people can stand, sit, and interact. Finding that magic balance between having adequate space to not feel crowded, but also intimate enough to make everyone feel a part of something special, is key.
As for the pantry, I prefer one that is conveniently located, yet slightly removed from the main kitchen area, especially when entertaining. Being able to grab that extra supply of treats is much easier when you don’t have to move your guests out of the way to open a door or cabinet.
Tell me about the fabrics and furnishings you select for your clients when emphasizing and complementing indoor – outdoor entertaining.
Let it flow! Select furniture and fabrics for both the interior and exterior that complement each other, keeping the overall style and look balanced. If your style is more traditional, stay with those same lines when selecting outdoor furnishings, likewise if you prefer a clean, contemporary look, opt for similar exterior furnishings. At the same time, shake it up…don’t be afraid to add a few pieces that are unique and unexpected, make your guests want to explore. As for fabrics, remember that sun can fade the color on intense fabrics. I typically recommend a neutral background fabrics punctuated with colored accents. If you want to make the indoor/outdoor area appear seamless, add vibrant landscape plants and flowers and bring those colors inside in your pillows and accessories.
When designing a space that is to function as an effective entertaining space, it’s all about the specialty features. What do you recommend for frequent hosting?
A built-in or movable bar is great. Not only is it a place to congregate, it can be easily themed for any party or event. If there is room, include a kitchen island, and better yet, a fireplace. A TV can serve as a backdrop for a sporting event, or a movie night. But one of the most important features is lighting. It doesn’t have to be fancy, often just adding dimmers to overhead fixtures and putting a small table lamp on a counter, and it can make your space feel inviting, adding festivity and life!
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