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Remodeling | Barry
Novisel
Barry Novisel is
a Design & Sales Consultant with Action Builders Co. Inc. A
Graduate of the Maryland Design Institute, he began his career
in the Washington D.C. area in Interior Design. Hired by Action
Builders in 2003, he provides Residential Design consultation
and Construction Management services. To reach Barry, call
724-514-7299.
Year-Round
Entertaining
Thinking back over
the years and remembering all of the holiday gatherings I
shared, I realize how much family means to me. I often reflect
on how warm and cozy these gatherings make me feel. Then, one
day, I recognized that what made it "cozy" were too
many people crammed into too small a space. I remember thinking
that it sure was swell of Uncle Ned to agree to eat at the
kiddie table because there wasn’t enough space in the dining
room. And how could I ever forget the time the Thanksgiving
gravy wound up all over my sweater because of a collision with
my Aunt Betty?
Although these
stories are fun to tell over and over again, they sure weren’t
funny when they happened. I had considered a few ways to
rearrange my furniture to seat more guests, but it never worked
out very well. What I really needed was more space.
Thus, when my
brother decided to design and build his house, we sat down
together and worked through many floor plans. We considered not
just how many guests he wanted to entertain, but also the way he
wanted to interact with his guests. A very formal entry foyer
was a must for all occasions, not just the holidays. We included
in the plan a smaller, more intimate entry off a breezeway near
the garage for close family and friends. I often use this
configuration because only close friends and relatives know
about this entrance, thus you have a clue about who is on the
other side as soon as you hear the knock.
Now that everybody’s
in the house, we need somewhere to put all the coats. A
centrally located walk-in-closet next to the study is the
perfect solution. At this point, it’s off to the great room
for a drink at the wet bar and some hors d’euvre. The next
design element is a must have, a butler’s pantry. Situated
between the kitchen and dining areas, the butler’s pantry is a
great place to set up hors d’euvre and serve almost anything
that guests serve themselves. This keeps the kitchen area free
of congestion and allows time to prepare the dining room for the
meal.
The layout of the
kitchen should definitely be unique for someone who plans to
entertain often. A successful kitchen plan includes space for
gathering. Why is it that no matter how large a home, guests
always find their way to the kitchen? I believe it’s all the
activity and the atmosphere. The aroma is wonderful too. At some
point, probably all of your guests will come into the kitchen at
least once, so plan to seat at least a quarter of your typical
guest list. Always place the seating area away from cooking and
food preparation centers for safety.
Kitchen appliance
selection is another important consideration when you’re
planning to accommodate a large number of guests. How you intend
to use your ovens in combination with other amenities, such as
warming drawers, is crucial to timing a hot meal for your
guests. Other items to include in a kitchen of this caliber
should contain an over-sized range top for large pots and pans,
a prep sink, and two dishwashers for easy clean up.
An ideal kitchen
and areas for entertaining are essential, but the circulation
paths providing room connectivity is the key. The challenge here
is segregating formal areas from informal areas. Some
fundamental principles are: allow for two-way traffic by
enlarging doorways and halls. Many people believe that a hallway
is a waste of space, which is why it should be made wide enough
to become its own space with its own character. Consider a small
seating area with two chairs and a small table near a bathroom
where guests may have to wait. This eliminates traffic and
congestion. Never situate a room with only one way in and out if
this room is to serve your guests. Last, but not least, the most
important thing to remember is the holidays only come around
once a year, but you’ll be ready anytime. I’m sure you’ll
enjoy a home designed with these conveniences all year around. |
'Tis
the Season
