Home Remodeling Ideas to Make Your Wisconsin Home Awesome for Entertaining
February 24, 2020
If there’s one thing Wisconsinites love (besides football and cheese), it’s entertaining. Whether it’s Sunday roast with the family or Friday night charcuterie and wine with friends, we have a knack for making any gathering into a true party.
But, what if your home doesn’t quite cater to your talent for entertaining? We did some research and have assembled the following list of kitchen and living room remodeling ideas for the hosts and hostesses with the most(est … es).
Pull up a chair … and start planning your next shindig.
1. For the Sunday Roast Host, a Double Island Kitchen
First, can we say … cabinet #goals? When you stop gushing over the amazing cabinetry and farmhouse-chic lighting, you’ll notice that this kitchen has an optimal seating arrangement for big Sunday gatherings. Beer dip and Bloody Marys can be enjoyed at the wide double island, and cocktail hour can seamlessly blend into a more formal dinner hour thanks to an adjoining dining area. We love the use of a large trestle table, which makes the space feel warm, inviting, and a touch traditional without being too stuffy.
2. For the Fish Fry Legend, a Separate Stovetop Kitchen Remodel
Can you think of anything better than a fresh plate of perch with a side of rye and onion? Us either. But, if you’re a home fish fry pro, you know that the best perch plate (and many other amazing dishes like brats and sauerkraut) comes with offensive smells. For optimal guest comfort, consider putting your stove on its own wall and counter away from your sink, prep area, and especially far from any seating areas with upholstered fabrics. We also love the separate sinks, which would make cleanup and prep easier than ever.
3. For the Packers Game Host, an Open Concept Kitchen + Living Room Stunner
This long open-concept layout allows for the home chef, diners, and loungers to all do what they want while keeping an eye on the score and holding a conversation. The addition of an in-island sink and oven make it easy for you (the chef) to prepare an amazing meal for guests to enjoy in the attached dining area. Best yet, a large skylight offers lots of natural light without casting extra glare on the TV.
4. For the Besties Who Brunch, an Inset Dining Area
This remodeling idea blends the best of both worlds: private spaces and open concept areas. In this layout, an inset dining room gives the illusion of a separate space while allowing natural light and ambient noises to travel in from the living space. It’s also easy to move from formal dinner to catching up on your besties’ favorite Netflix show, (or the latest from FOX 11’s Amy Hanten) thanks to interconnected spaces.
5. For the Hors D’oeuvres Champ, a Living Space with Wet Bar
If an open concept is just too open but you hate the idea of running back and forth from the kitchen to your guests, a living space with integrated minibar may be your drink of choice (apart from a brandy Old Fashioned sweet). This concept includes a mini oven for baking up your famous baked cheese curds and a fireplace, which makes this entertaining space extra cozy while adding a focal point.
How to Host Friends and Family at Home … Without Busting Your Bank Account
There’s a few different ways to make your home remodeling dreams a reality.
- Home equity loan: this type of loan lets you use a portion of your home’s equity to finance a new project—or anything else you want. It has a set term with fixed monthly payments, and you get the full amount up-front.
- Home equity line of credit (HELOC): this is another method of using the equity you’ve built up in your home, but in this case, you borrow money, pay off the principal, your credit revolves, and you can use the money once again. Yes, it works like a credit card! Confused about the difference between home equity loans and HELOCs? Read this.
- U Choose loan: this is a “do whatever you want” kind of loan. It’s unsecured, has a fast approval process, and hooks you up with up to $30,000** with rates as low as 7.99%* APR.
If you’re ready to make a move on any of these financial products or have more questions about what’s the best for you, our Member Advisors are on-call and ready to help. Prefer to talk in-person? No problem! Just stop in at one of our conveniently-located branches in Kaukauna (North and South), Little Chute, Grand Chute, Wrightstown, and De Pere.
Are you a hardcore fan of the green and gold? Get die-hard décor ideas for your Packers-themed rec room.
*APR current as of 10-15-18 and subject to change. Rates, terms and conditions vary based on credit qualifications from as low as 7.99% APR to 15.99% APR. Min. offered term is 36-months and Max. is 48-months, however pre-payment penalties do not apply. Personal loan rate does not apply to open ended lines of credit or credit plans. Membership eligibility and $5 deposit required. Repayment/total cost of loan example: $10,000 loan taken at 7.99% for 36M equals a $313.32 payment per month for 3 years, $11,279.45 in total repayments or $1,279.45 in interest/cost of the loan. A $10,000 loan taken at 15.99% APR for 48M equals a $283.35 payment per month for 4 years, $13,600.92 in total repayments or $3,600.92 in interest/cost of the loan.
**Conditions vary based on your account history and credit qualifications. $30,000 = best terms available, not all who apply will qualify for the $30,000 amount. All loans subject to approval.