Style Stories | A Space To Entertain

Darren has a broad portfolio, having studied fine art & graphic design, originally working in advertising and owning his own graphic design company. After succumbing to his true passion, Darren now operates his own interior design studio and has been a judge on numerous seasons of The Block.

Impress your guests: Creating a stylish, effortless entertaining space

When creating the perfect entertaining space, style and functionality are key, and can easily be achieved by adding a few new pieces to the home that compliment your existing decor. From sophisticated rugs and flooring to stunning mood lighting, there are many ways to impress your guests and enjoy the space you live in. Here are some of my top tips on how to create a stylish yet effortless entertaining space this season.

PURPOSE

Whether you prefer to entertain outside by the barbeque or indoors with wine and cheese, it’s important to establish where you like to charm your guests and assign a purpose to these spaces. After all, a space without a purpose can feel odd. That’s why having a reason for these zones - whether it be standing to converse or sitting to dine or lounge - is paramount. It’s also the first consideration I make when creating an entertaining space, as it lays the groundwork for the rest of your design considerations.

AMENITY

No matter which space you use to impress visitors to your home, each will require different features for them to function appropriately. From bar fridges to tables and chairs, the style of your amenities is just as important as their functionality when creating an entertaining area, so think carefully about what your space requires to work well.

AMBIENCE

Creating the ultimate entertaining space is about setting the right mood which can be achieved through a mixture of people, space, décor, and the feelings they evoke. To create the perfect ambience in your entertaining area, pay close attention to the inclusions in the room, including furnishings, plants, accessories, and floorings. Wool rugs, for example, including Carpet Court’s Colombo range will induce feelings of comfort and warmth, making your home feel safe and inviting.

LIGHT

The best entertainers set a mood, and a vital element to establishing a specific mood is through lighting. Dimmer lights, spotlights, festoon lights, LED strips and pool lights are all important additions when creating your entertaining space. They are particularly great for putting the spotlight on sculptural elements in the home, both indoors and out. Obviously, lighting serves an important functional purpose too. You will need clear lighting to see whilst preparing food and drinks, and enough light to comfortably dine by. Adorning your home with lights such as festoon lights, lanterns or fairy lights is a beautiful way to create some magic in an entertaining space.

TAKE IT OUTDOORS

When entertaining outdoors, comfy seating, a barbecue, outdoor speakers for your favourite chill-out playlist and a bar trolley for nearby refreshments are essential. A practical and stylish outdoor rug will not only complete your outdoor setting, it will also protect bare feet from hot surfaces like pavement and tiles in the sun. For a stylish and resilient outdoor flooring option, try Carpet Court’s Terrace range of weather-proof rugs, made from resilient and easily cleaned synthetic polypropylene fibres.

Darren Palmer’s top three must-haves to include in an entertaining space:

DINNERWARE

A complete set of bowls, plates, and platters are a hosting essential that will make any entertaining space look put together. They also lend themselves well to tablescaping - the act of artfully mixing and matching a range of patterned or colorful dinnerware. The trend is making waves on social media, and when it is done well, it can really enhance your entertaining space and improve your dinner party credentials.

EXTRA SEATING

Accommodating several guests means getting creative with your seating. Keeping spare chairs that are only used in company is a waste of storage space, so instead opt for decorative or stackable stools, slim benches, and multifunctional furniture.

DURABLE FLOORING

Whether you’re hosting a small group or large gathering, accidents are inevitable. That’s why it’s essential to have a durable flooring solution or low-maintenance rug in your entertaining space. It’s much easier to clean red wine off a hardwood floor than carpeting, but softer flooring will help prevent broken dishware when a guest drops a plate. So find what will work best for your space.