The Art of Entertaining Spaces

Season Four, Episode Six | Transcript

From First Flip to Full-Time Design

Amie and Kory began their journey into home renovation almost by accident, purchasing a short-sale home across the street with more determination than experience. What started as curiosity soon turned into a thriving business focused on renovating older homes and designing for modern living.

Their work blends respect for historic architecture with an understanding of how today’s families use their homes, favoring open plans, creative reuse of space, and modern amenities that support gatherings large and small.

Turning Homes into Gathering Spaces

The Hannas’ approach centers on creating multi-use entertaining spaces whether it's for a family residence or short-term rental.

For their Airbnb projects, the main floor is one open layout with the kitchen, dining area, and living space flowing together. Smaller bedrooms and minimal storage allow the focus to remain on connection and comfort.

Their must-haves include:

• A half bath on the main floor for guests.
• Large kitchen islands that double as dining and serving zones.
• Open sight lines so people can interact across spaces.
• Furnishings and lighting that create warmth and cohesion.

The goal is flexible rooms that easily transition from daily living to hosting events.

Rethinking the Dining Room

Formal dining rooms are quickly becoming a thing of the past. Homeowners typically prefer open floor plans that connect the kitchen to casual dining areas and living rooms.

The Hannas note that their friends, mostly in their 30s, rarely use traditional dining rooms. Instead, they’re transforming them into bar areas, game lounges, or social zones with built-in cabinetry, beverage centers, and TVs.

That said, they predict a hybrid future: homeowners may still want a designated dining space, but one that feels flexible and less formal, an evolution rather than an elimination.

Basement Bars, Game Rooms & Family Spaces

Finished basements are emerging as major entertaining zones.

Nine-foot basement pours are now common, allowing builders to create bright, comfortable lower levels with bars, guest rooms, and media spaces.

Popular features include:

• Wet bars and built-ins for entertaining.
• Home theaters and gaming areas.
• Kid-friendly study zones tucked between recreation areas.
• Durable flooring and layered lighting for comfort and style.

These lower level areas provide versatility and help families carve out separate spaces for both adults and children.

Creating Connection in Historic Homes

Older homes, especially in St. Louis’ South City, were built with smaller, segmented rooms like parlors, formal dining rooms, and narrow kitchens. The Hannas specialize in reimagining these layouts while preserving character.

Common updates include:

• Combining small rooms to create open floor plans.
• Adding half baths or laundry areas to the main level.
• Introducing light, natural materials to make spaces feel larger.
• Preserving brick walls and wood trim for authenticity.

Working within historic tax credit requirements often limits layout changes, so creativity is key. When permitted, they remove interior walls to open up sight lines and improve flow.

Design Meets Function: The “Messy Kitchen”

One trend gaining momentum in both new homes and renovations is the messy kitchen or back kitchen. This hidden prep area keeps the main kitchen pristine for entertaining.

Features include:

• A second sink and dishwasher for easy cleanup.
• Storage for small appliances and dishes.
• Pocket or cabinet-style doors that conceal the space during events.

These functional additions allow homeowners to entertain with ease while maintaining a spotless kitchen for gathering.

Bringing the Indoors Out

Outdoor living dominates homeowner wish lists. Covered decks, patios, and screened porches extend entertaining space and encourage year-round use.

The Hannas’ personal home features a covered deck with a metal roof, a large sectional, and a full outdoor dining setup directly connected to the kitchen.

Outdoor design priorities include:

• Seamless flow from kitchen to patio.
• Weather-resistant furniture and flooring.
• Dining and lounging zones under covered areas.
• Outdoor lighting and fireplaces for evening comfort.

Even smaller city homes benefit from compact patios, fire pits, or rooftop terraces that create cozy social spaces.

Emerging Trends in Entertaining Design

From large family homes to urban renovations, the team sees several design shifts shaping how people gather:

• Second-floor loft living areas for kids or guests.
• Dual TV or seating zones to accommodate different activities.
• Convertible offices or hobby rooms for flexible living.
• Entryway drop zones defined by tile or beams instead of walls.

The emphasis is on functional design and creating spaces that are lived in, not just looked at.

Finding Balance in Design & Budget

Amie and Korey reveal the key to their partnership: balancing design ambition with financial reality. Amie leads on aesthetics; Korey manages costs. Their compromise? Creative problem-solving.

By balancing material choices they achieve high-end looks without exceeding budgets. This collaboration mirrors the builder-client relationship in custom home projects: thoughtful trade-offs make great design attainable.

A Personal Touch: Storytelling Through Design

For their Airbnb projects, the Hannas bring personality into every detail. Their favorite property displays before-and-after photos of the renovation, turned into large art pieces throughout the home.

Each image tells a story, connecting guests to the history and transformation of the space, proof that great design can be both meaningful and marketable.

Entertaining spaces are where memories are made. Whether you’re renovating an older home, building new, or designing a short-term rental, the key is flexibility, creativity, and flow.

Balancing thoughtful design and practical features creates spaces that invite people in and make them want to stay.

Show notes include photos from Amie and Korey’s Airbnb projects, links to Hanna Kitchen Co., and additional resources for designing great rooms, hearth rooms, and entertainment-ready homes.