Moving to Florida or considering a move here?
It’s probably smart to expect house guests.
Inevitably, college roommates, in-laws or a reunion of some sort will find their way south to your new custom Florida home. Once you move, you and yours also will strike up new friendships at school, work or play, and before you know it, pizza parties, sleepovers and cookouts will be happening at your address.
But entertaining inside and out is a lot easier when you plan for it. And you can do that while selecting your ICI Homes floorplan and customizing it with the help of our design pros.
Think beyond your lot, too. For example, have a parking plan. There’s no need to tick off new neighbors with frequent flotillas of vehicles blocking nearby lawns and driveways.
Read on for more entertainment-friendly ideas for your new Florida home.
Outdoor living space
If you and your household are social types, living in the Sunshine State’s year-round temperate climate might convince you to take many of your get-togethers outdoors.
Pools, summer kitchens and awesome back porches offer versatile gathering spaces whose surroundings can be especially evocative thanks to native plantings and landscaping.
Your only limits are your budget and lot size. But that’s why you take advantage of ICI Homes’ no-cost customization meeting that’s available to every potential customer.
Sit down with one of our talented floorplan designers and share your concerns and needs. They’ll help you select a floorplan, tweak one you like (often at no cost), or customize a plan. Their guidance helps you get the features you want, such as extra space for a goofy-golf putting green, or that rose garden you’ve always wanted.
A cabana bathroom
You can never have too many bathrooms when entertaining. An interior powder room where guests can duck in for discreet pit stops, is always welcome.
But we’ll do you one better in a Florida home with outdoor living spaces: a cabana bathroom. (Also called a pool bath)
This is a full bathroom with interior and exterior access, usually at the back of the house. It’s a must if you have a pool or outdoor spa. People in wet bathing suits don’t have to track through the house to reach the powder room, and once the watery fun is done, they can jump right in the shower.
The cabana bathroom also can replace the powder room or supplement it as the bathroom adjacent to a guest bedroom.
Kitchen island with bar stool seating
It’s a classic kitchen component that’s endlessly useful when entertaining, and it doesn’t have to be huge to contribute.
What you do want, however, is an eat-in counter top on one end that accommodates buffet spreads, plus several bar stools or chairs.
Whether you’re pouring drinks or prepping appetizers, the kitchen is where everyone ends up. The island provides a landing place for host gifts, snacks, and guests who don’t mind helping out or entertaining the cook.
Give them a seat and they’ll stay out of your way!
Ready for your new custom Florida home? Start the conversation here.