Interior Remodeling for the Modern Host or Hostess
If you love entertaining, your home’s layout and style play a big role in the experience your guests have. With the right design, your living space can make hosting easier — and more fun — for you. At MainStreet Design Build, we’ve put together a few interior remodeling tips to help you create a space that fits your lifestyle and the way you love to host.
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Remodeling the Kitchen Layout to Elevate Your Hosting Experience
The kitchen really is the heart of the home — especially if you love hosting. Some of the best memories come from sharing good food and laughter around the table, long after the night has ended. To make moments like that happen, you need a kitchen that works as hard as you do.
Holiday gatherings and dinner parties run so much smoother in a well-designed kitchen. A stylish, efficient remodel helps you cook with ease and makes the whole experience better for your guests. Here are a few tips to help you improve your kitchen’s flow and functionality.
Optimize Walkways for Guest-Friendly Functionality
Make sure your kitchen walkways are 36–38 inches wide so multiple people can move around without feeling cramped. Wider walkways mean you can cook without bumping into anyone — even while carrying that freshly baked soufflé — and guests can come and go to chat with you without creating traffic jams.
Define Functional Kitchen Zones
Keep your kitchen flowing smoothly by separating cooking, prep, and entertaining areas. This helps avoid crowding — especially if there’s more than one chef in the kitchen — and lets everyone work together more easily. Designating a bar and dining area also encourages guests to help themselves and find a comfortable spot to relax.
Declutter with Appliance Garages
Your toaster and coffeemaker don’t need to be on display all day. Built-in appliance garages keep them tucked away, giving your kitchen a clean, clutter-free look that’s always ready for guests.
Upgrade to Dual Ovens and Dishwashers
Make hosting easier with dual appliances. Double ovens let you bake, roast, and broil multiple dishes at once, while two dishwashers make cleanup a breeze — so you can relax and enjoy the after-party.
Design the Perfect Outdoor Kitchen for Entertaining
Picture this: you’re sipping chilled champagne on a summer afternoon, the smell of hickory-smoked steak fills the air, and your friends and family are relaxing nearby. A thoughtfully designed outdoor kitchen helps you soak up Michigan’s summer days and autumn sunsets — and makes hosting effortless.
Whether you’re planning a remodel or building from scratch, here’s how to create an outdoor kitchen that’s as stylish as it is functional.
Incorporate a Custom Bar Area
A built-in bar keeps the dining room and indoor kitchen free of traffic by letting everyone grab a drink outside — or be served in style. It’s perfect for summer cocktails, cold drinks by the pool, or warm toddies and hot chocolate in the fall. Adding a bar to your outdoor kitchen creates an easygoing spot for mingling and keeping the party going.
Add a Smoker for Flavorful Outdoor Cooking
Give your guests an unforgettable experience with a dedicated smoker or outdoor cooking station. It’s the perfect way to experiment with slow-cooked meats, mouthwatering aromas, and bold flavors. Add a built-in smoker to your remodeled outdoor space, and your gatherings will quickly become everyone’s favorite invite.
Include a Fire Pit for Cozy Gatherings
A fire pit lets you keep the party going long after the weather cools down. It brings warmth, a cozy glow, and the perfect excuse to toast marshmallows, swap stories, and enjoy the stars. Adding one to your backyard remodel creates an inviting centerpiece that makes every gathering feel special.
Seamless Interior to Exterior Design Integration
Think of your outdoor kitchen as the perfect link between your indoor and outdoor living spaces. With MainStreet Design Build’s design and construction experts, you can create a space that complements your home’s style and makes entertaining feel effortless.
Design the Perfect Outdoor Kitchen for Entertaining
Picture this: you’re sipping chilled champagne on a summer afternoon, the smell of hickory-smoked steak fills the air, and your friends and family are relaxing nearby. A thoughtfully designed outdoor kitchen helps you soak up Michigan’s summer days and autumn sunsets — and makes hosting effortless.
Whether you’re planning a remodel or building from scratch, here’s how to create an outdoor kitchen that’s as stylish as it is functional.
Incorporate a Custom Bar Area
A built-in bar keeps the dining room and indoor kitchen free of traffic by letting everyone grab a drink outside — or be served in style. It’s perfect for summer cocktails, cold drinks by the pool, or warm toddies and hot chocolate in the fall. Adding a bar to your outdoor kitchen creates an easygoing spot for mingling and keeping the party going.
Add a Smoker for Flavorful Outdoor Cooking
Give your guests an unforgettable experience with a dedicated smoker or outdoor cooking station. It’s the perfect way to experiment with slow-cooked meats, mouthwatering aromas, and bold flavors. Add a built-in smoker to your remodeled outdoor space, and your gatherings will quickly become everyone’s favorite invite.
Include a Fire Pit for Cozy Gatherings
A fire pit lets you keep the party going long after the weather cools down. It brings warmth, a cozy glow, and the perfect excuse to toast marshmallows, swap stories, and enjoy the stars. Adding one to your backyard remodel creates an inviting centerpiece that makes every gathering feel special.
Seamless Interior to Exterior Design Integration
Think of your outdoor kitchen as the perfect link between your indoor and outdoor living spaces. With MainStreet Design Build’s design and construction experts, you can create a space that complements your home’s style and makes entertaining feel effortless.
Expand Your Home with Outdoor Spaces That Welcome and Wow
Another great way to blend indoor comfort with the outdoors is by adding an outdoor room. Homeowners today love extending their living space so they can entertain year-round — without worrying about bugs, blazing sun, or chilly winds. With the right addition or renovation, you can create a guest-friendly space that feels like a true extension of your home.
Add a Front Yard Patio for Social Connection
A stylish front yard patio invites casual conversations and community connection. It enhances curb appeal while creating an intentional, welcoming space for drinks with neighbors or watching kids play.
Create a Private Backyard Escape with a Screened Patio
A backyard patio creates a peaceful spot to relax or entertain guests in comfort. Add screened windows, and you’ll stay protected from bugs and the elements — letting you enjoy the space and host friends well beyond summer.
Invest in a Four-Season Sunroom Addition
A sunroom fills your home with natural light and panoramic views — all while keeping you comfortable in a climate-controlled space. It’s the perfect spot to entertain, read, or just relax while staying connected to nature. With the right design, you can enjoy your property’s best views and still have the privacy and shelter you need.
Design Cohesion Inside and Out
Your outdoor additions should feel like a natural extension of your home’s architecture and style. With the right design solutions, you can overcome layout challenges and create a space that’s both beautiful and functional — one that elevates the way you live every day.
Get a Luxurious Half Bathroom Addition Designed with Your Guests in Mind
A thoughtfully designed half-bath near your main living areas makes life easier every day — and keeps guests comfortable when they visit. It’s convenient whether you’re hosting a big party or just having a friend stop by, and it’s the perfect spot for guests to freshen up without wandering through your home.
Plus, a half-bath is one of the smartest modest remodels you can do to boost your home’s value. Here are a few tips to make yours stylish and functional:
Create a Statement with Bold Interior Design
Half-baths are the perfect place to get creative with design — bold choices shine in a small space while still tying into your home’s overall style. If your home has a coastal feel, you might go nautical with navy walls and brass accents. This is your chance to play with a unique color palette, eye-catching lighting, or statement tilework to give guests a bathroom they’ll remember.
Add Biophilic Touches for Comfort and Calm
Bring in natural elements to give your space a spa-like vibe, whatever your style may be. Small touches — like stone finishes, wood accents, or even a single potted plant — instantly make a bathroom feel calm and inviting. These nature-inspired details create a soothing, retreat-like space your guests will love.
Ensure Function with Built-In Storage
Help guests feel completely at home by adding sleek, built-in cabinetry or shelving for toiletries, towels, and extra toilet paper. A clutter-free half-bath means no one has to hunt for the essentials — and everyone can relax.
Remodel Your Guest Bathroom into a Five-Star Retreat
If you love hosting, it pays to be ready for anything — even the occasional overnight guest. A well-designed guest bath makes a lasting impression and adds a touch of luxury to their stay. If you already have one, this is the perfect time to refresh it with high-end touches that show off your hospitality and style. Plus, a guest bathroom upgrade is one of the best ways to boost your home’s value.
Choose Durable, Elegant Finishes
High-traffic guest bathrooms demand stylish yet resilient surfaces.
- For tile flooring, porcelain and granite are excellent choices thanks to their durability, water resistance, and easy upkeep..
- For countertops, quartz and granite countertops both offer a wide range of colors and patterns to fit your style. Quartz is naturally non-porous and low-maintenance, while granite offers one-of-a-kind beauty but does need occasional sealing.
- For bathroom fixtures, brushed nickel and matte black are excellent choices — both resist fingerprints and water spots.
Improve Layout for Comfort and Functionality
Take a look at your guest bath’s layout — does it feel a little cramped, or could the fixtures be better placed? Here are a few simple upgrades to help your space flow better and feel more inviting.
- Use a floating vanity and shelves to create a lighter, more streamlined look.
- A walk-in shower with a glass enclosure adds a modern touch, making the room feel more spacious.
- A custom corner sink can be a clever way to use otherwise wasted space while adding charm to your guest bath.
Incorporate Spa-Like Luxuries
Turn your guest bath into a true retreat with thoughtful, hotel-inspired touches. Heated towel racks, premium soaps, and soft, plush towels make visitors feel pampered, while decorative mirrors or framed art add personality and style to the space.
Prioritize Ventilation and Comfort
Ventilation is easy to overlook, but it’s key to keeping your guest bath comfortable and your finishes looking great. A quiet, high-efficiency exhaust fan helps prevent foggy mirrors, stops moisture from building up, and keeps the space smelling fresh and inviting.
Ready to Remodel for the Way You Host? Let’s Talk!
Hosting isn’t just about throwing a party — it’s about creating lasting memories with the people you care about most.
Your home should reflect how you love to connect, whether that’s a lively celebration or a cozy dinner with friends. Picture a kitchen remodel that makes cooking easier, a sunroom where everyone gathers for a winter nightcap, or even a beautifully upgraded half-bath that surprises and delights your guests. Whatever your vision, we’re here to help you design a home that makes entertaining effortless and unforgettable.
Our in-house design and remodeling experts are ready to bring your ideas to life, all with unmatched precision and personal care. Ready to get started? Schedule your consultation today let’s collaborate on a space that welcomes, impresses, and truly reflects you.