BA Torrey designed this inviting space, featuring a curvaceous, oversized sofa that echoes the curved border of a rug from the Marion Dorn collection by Edward Fields. Bright-yellow chairs in a corner window offer another nook for guests to gather. Photography by Douglas Friedman.
Some homes are just tailor-made for entertaining. But beyond an open floor plan, a kitchen with plenty of space for prepping and serving, and conversation-starting views, the most entertaining-friendly interiors share a few traits. Sofas and chairs that are conducive to conversation, plenty of tables and other surfaces to rest a drink or a plate, and flattering lighting are just some of the ways that a thoughtful interior design can lead to a space ideal for gathering, whether it’s an intimate dinner or a buzzy open house.
A color palette that’s warm and inviting is also key to setting the tone. “You can create moods, moments, romance, even drama with color,” says interior designer and color consultant Martin Kesselman. He adds that a color palette that reinforces the vision of any given space is just as important as having furniture and accessories that set the tone for any gathering.
“I believe when life gives you lemons, you should make lemonade…and try to find someone whose life has given them vodka, and have a party.”—Ron White
Take a look some of our favorite ideas for outfitting interiors that are sure to be the most coveted invites in town.
The Noona upholstered piece, designed by Antonia Citterio for B&B Italia, has plenty of luxurious seating with modular armrests and pillows that can be moved and rearranged to create smaller conversation groupings. There’s room at the table for everyone at this live-edge dining table in designer Allison Babcock’s Sag Harbor home. Guests can also mingle nearby on a rich sectional from B&B Italia. Photography by Keith Scott MortonA thoughtful host knows to offer plenty of places to set a drink or a plate. The Ronin side table by Holly Hunt is just big enough to perch a wine glass, and doubles as a sculpture.Flower power at its finest. “I always love arrangements in colors that accent the décor, but it’s also fun to do something show-stopping as a conversation starter,” says Elizabeth Ryan of Elizabeth Ryan Floral Design. Pass around a tray of martinis in style with Liaigre’s Silla trays. They’re made of brass enameled with hues of blue, violet, and green, and accented with silver, copper, and gold.A soothing room designed by Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz of BNO Design features plenty of places for guests to linger, from an arcing sofa, to inviting armchairs and a tete-a-tete that also serves as an ottoman. A kitchen tailor-made for hosting. The f53 kitchen system from Florense offers myriad versatility and customization to create the perfect configuration.The open floor plan of this TriBeCa loft designed by Judy Dunne of Butter & Eggs offers an ideal layout for gatherings both large and small. A B&B Italia Sofa and armchairs by Vladimir Kagan flank an oversized leather ottoman, while a generously scaled glass-topped dining table sets the stage for a dinner party to remember.Keep a wine collection at the perfect temperature for serving with this 24-inch wine column from Fisher & Paykel. The slim profile is deceptive: It holds 91 bottles at a precise temperature setting. Bellying up to the bar is all the more stylish when the wall features Hip 2B Square tiles from Artistic Tile. Indoor/outdoor entertaining is effortless in this Malibu kitchen by BauTeam German Kitchen Tailors where it’s hard to tell where inside ends and outside begins. The bar area is outfitted with a Miele wine cooler and Plum wine server. Scents make perfect sense when the sweet-smelling source is as elegant as the L’Oeuf fragrance diffuser by Trudon. Inspired by an ancient “cabinet of curiosities,” the egg-shaped reed diffuser perches on a turned wooden stand.A sunny spot in the kitchen is always a welcome setting. This kitchen features a pillow-strewn banquette and cabinetry and millwork by St. Charles. This elevated family room designed by Catherine Ebert has it all, from a ping pong table to an enormous electric-blue sofa perfect for binge-watching.Table tennis never looked so good. Tiffany&Co’s reclaimed walnut wood paddles are decked out in leather in that very iconic shade of blue. A kitchen in a Herne Bay, New Zealand townhouse truly brings the outside in. The designers at Oil Booth Architecture created a retractable glass backsplash behind the cooktop that opens onto the shady courtyard. The layout allows for a party host to never be far from their guests enjoying the outdoor space. Appliances from Fisher & Paykel are hidden behind timber cabinetry for a minimalist look.A sleek wine dispenser from Décor holds four bottles at the ideal temperature, ready to fill a glass. It’s available in stainless steel or graphite to fit any kitchen.Good glassware never goes out of style. Case in point: Lobmeyr’s Commodore decanter and glasses, originally designed by architect Oswald Haerdtl in 1954. A stylish home bar is a must for anyone who loves to entertain. Designer Jarvis Wong found a midcentury bar for his client that would make Mrs. Maisel jealous. You’ll find plenty of ways to use Poggenpohl’s clever +STAGE unit. For starters, it could serve as a bar, a breakfast cupboard, or a coffee and tea station. When the party’s over, it’s good to know that all those serving pieces have a home. St. Charles cabinetry has customized storage to keep it all organized. Sometimes the view is entertainment enough. Rocky Rochon took this into account when he designed this glass-encased penthouse, and kept the setting subdued with B&B Italia seating, a minimalist fireplace, and a modern, understated dining table and chairs. Take some cues from the hospitality industry to create a space that will be welcoming to guests. The décor at the Hotel The Mitsui Kiyoto is inspired by a modern take on the traditional Japanese tearoom. Each of the 161 guest rooms, as well as the public rooms, feature carefully chosen natural materials and earthy color palettes.This Japanese tea kettle will spark conversation as it steeps tea leaves. The cast iron pot is forged by hand by Japanese craftsmen in the workshops of Iwachu, which has been operating since 1902. Available through Rikumo.Go ahead and add one more couple to the dinner-party guest list. The generously sized Diplomat dining table by Holly Hunt is a contemporary reimagining of a classic, 20th century design. Playing the part of the sommelier is a breeze with Smeg’s fully integrated wine cooler, which includes a drawer featuring all the necessary tools. Small enough to be moved anywhere it’s needed; Holly Hunt’s Dover side table is unobtrusive yet quietly stunning. It is made using the ancient technique of scagliola, which used plaster to replicate marble in architecture and ornamental work. A hostess gift that will earn you repeat invitations: The cast gold bronze candle holder artist Osanna Visconti created for Diptyque. Transform a living room into a party room with Eggersmann’s built-in wall and shelving systems. Clever mechanisms will reveal the television, electric fireplace, and built-in bar when they’re needed.
