theconnectionsnj.com HOME & DESIGN PAGE 58 908.766.2006 www.trueleafkitchens.com 134 S. Finley Ave., Basking Ridge truly transform the way you live Remodeling your home with entertaining and holiday hosting in mind can transform your living space into a warm and inviting haven for family and friends. Here are some remodeling ideas that can make your home everyone’s favorite place to be together: • Open Concept Living Area: Consider knocking down walls to create an open-concept living area. This design promotes better flow and connectivity between the kitchen, dining room, and living room, making it easier for guests to mingle. • Gourmet Kitchen Upgrades: The kitchen is often the heart of holiday gatherings. Invest in modern appliances, ample countertop space, and a spacious island with seating. Consider adding a wine cooler, double ovens and a coffee station. A well-designed kitchen facilitates cooking and socializing simultaneously. • Dining Room Expansion: Extend your dining room to accommodate larger gatherings. Invest in a larger dining table or consider a built-in banquet-style seating arrangement to maximize seating capacity and create a cozy seating option in the kitchen. • Home Bar/Beverage Station: Create a dedicated bar area or beverage station. Stock it with a variety of drinks, glassware, and bar-themed decor. Customize it with attractive shelves and a stylish mosaic tile, ledgestone, or mirrored backsplash. A well-designed bar area can become a focal point for socializing. • Guest Suite: Ensure comfortable accommodations for overnight guests by adding a guest bedroom and bathroom. Choose soothing wall art and quality bedding to create a welcoming retreat. • Smart Home Integration: Invest in smart home technology that enhances the entertainment experience. Install a sound system with multi-room audio, smart lighting, and a home theater setup for movie nights or watching holiday classics. • Holiday Decor Storage: Plan for ample storage space to keep holiday decorations stowed away when not in use. Consider a dedicated closet or storage room to keep your decorations organized and easy to access. • Curb Appeal: Boost your home’s curb appeal with landscaping upgrades, outdoor lighting, and an inviting entryway. A welcoming exterior sets the tone for memorable gatherings. • Accessibility: Ensure your home is accessible to all guests, including those with mobility challenges. Install handrails, ramps, and proper lighting to accommodate everyone. • Personal Touches: Incorporate personal touches into your decor to reflect your family’s traditions and personality. Display family photos, set up a holiday-themed gallery wall, or showcase cherished heirlooms. By incorporating these remodeling ideas, you can create a home that is not only visually appealing but also functional and accommodating for entertaining and hosting family during the holidays, ensuring memorable gatherings for years to come! Now is the time to start the design process so that your home is ready for next year’s holiday celebrations. Make an appointment with a TrueLeaf Kitchen’s designer by calling 908-766-2006, visiting their showroom at 134 S. Finley Ave. or visiting their website at trueleafkitchens.com. Home for the Holidays By Eileen Barna HOME IMPROVEMENT
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