When it comes to designing a home, more and more people are thinking beyond just bedrooms and bathrooms. They’re looking for homes that reflect how they truly live—and that often includes entertaining. Whether it’s hosting game nights with friends, throwing backyard cookouts, or simply enjoying weekend movie marathons with family, having a home that’s built for entertaining can make all the difference. At W.L. Martin Home Designs, we’ve noticed a clear trend: people want spaces that are both beautiful and functional for gatherings. Fortunately, many of our house plans are designed with entertainment in mind.
Why Entertainment Spaces Matter More Than Ever
According to a 2024 survey by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), 67% of homebuyers ranked an open-concept kitchen and living area as a top priority when searching for a new home. Additionally, about 48% of homebuyers stated they specifically look for a home with dedicated entertainment space—whether that’s a media room, game room, or expansive outdoor living area. As lifestyles shift toward more home-based leisure, developers and homeowners alike are seeking plans that embrace these priorities.
Open-Concept Living: The Heart of Entertaining
One of the standout features in many of our home plans is the open-concept layout. By removing unnecessary walls and creating a seamless flow between the kitchen, dining, and living areas, these spaces become ideal for entertaining. Guests can mingle freely, conversations continue from one room to the next, and the host can stay connected while preparing food or drinks.
Plans such as The Willowcrest and The Ashland Ridge highlight this design approach with kitchens that open into large family rooms and dining spaces. Oversized kitchen islands, ample counter space, and walk-in pantries also make these designs ideal for dinner parties or holiday meals.
Outdoor Living with Purpose
Another area where W.L. Martin Home Designs shines is in the integration of outdoor entertainment spaces. Covered patios, screened porches, and even outdoor kitchens are becoming essential parts of modern home design. Whether it’s a summer barbecue or a quiet evening with friends under the stars, these features extend your living space in all the right ways.
Our Cypress Springs plan includes a rear covered porch with room for a full outdoor dining set and grill station. And with clever positioning off the main living area, it feels like a natural extension of the home—perfect for indoor-outdoor entertaining.
Bonus Rooms and Flex Spaces
Versatility is key when it comes to entertainment. That’s why many of our home plans include bonus rooms or flex spaces that can adapt to your needs. These rooms are perfect as game rooms, home theaters, or even bars. The Maplebrooke plan, for example, features an upstairs bonus room that could easily be outfitted with a pool table, projector screen, or cozy seating for sports nights.
Having an extra space that can be tailored for entertainment gives homeowners the freedom to personalize their living experience, whether they’re big on hosting or just enjoy an occasional get-together.
Smaller Homes, Big on Hospitality
It’s not just large homes that can be entertainment-ready. In fact, many of our plans under 2,000 square feet are designed to maximize usable space. The Elmwood Cottage, coming in at just under 1,500 square feet, makes excellent use of an open layout, kitchen island seating, and a connected rear porch—all without feeling cramped.
This is particularly appealing to developers and buyers in urban or suburban markets, where space may be at a premium, but lifestyle needs haven’t changed.
Designing Homes that Reflect Modern Living
At W.L. Martin Home Designs, we understand that home is more than a place to sleep—it’s a place to live, connect, and celebrate. That’s why so many of our plans feature the kinds of amenities today’s buyers are looking for. From smart layouts and open concepts to flexible rooms and inviting outdoor spaces, our designs support how people actually use their homes.
If you’re a developer searching for house plans that will attract modern buyers—or someone dreaming about your own perfect entertainment-ready space—explore our collection of thoughtfully crafted home designs. Whether you’re building small or going all out, we’ve got plans that bring people together.
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