When it comes to custom homebuilding in Austin and the Texas Hill Country, today’s luxury homeowners want more than just beautiful design — they want spaces that bring people together. Whether it’s game-day with neighbors, a milestone birthday dinner, or a casual Friday night around the firepit, entertaining at home is a hallmark of the Austin lifestyle.
At TrueLux Fine Homes, we’ve seen firsthand how the right floorplan features can elevate these moments. From sweeping indoor-outdoor transitions to thoughtful catering kitchens, these details aren’t just trending — they’re redefining how Austin entertains.
Tucked just behind the main kitchen, the catering kitchen offers a functional, discreet space to prep, plate, and clean up — all while the main kitchen remains clean and guest-ready. Often outfitted with a second dishwasher, a prep sink, warming drawers, a wine fridge, and plenty of storage, this behind-the-scenes space makes hosting large or small events feel effortless.
It’s the ultimate blend of hospitality and practicality — and it's fast becoming a must-have feature in Austin luxury homes.
“Our clients love the ability to entertain seamlessly while keeping the main kitchen pristine,” says Casey Locke, Client Liaison at TrueLux. “It’s one of the most requested features for busy households and frequent hosts.”
Austin’s climate is ideal for open-air entertaining nearly year-round. Multi-panel sliding glass doors — often stretching 15 to 25 feet wide — are a dramatic and functional centerpiece. These doors connect the great room to an outdoor terrace or pool deck with a single effortless glide, creating an expansive sense of space and natural light.
“The feeling of openness these doors create is unmatched,” says Logan Locke, Project Manager. “We’re designing homes where the boundary between inside and out practically disappears.”
And for homes perched on hilltops or nestled into scenic lots, it’s the perfect way to frame the landscape — and the lifestyle.
Gone are the days of uncovered patios that bake in the sun. Today’s luxury homes often include deep, covered terraces with tongue-and-groove ceilings, inset lighting, fans, and even built-in heaters for chillier months. Many are equipped with full outdoor kitchens, gas fireplaces, and integrated speaker systems — creating a true extension of the home.
These spaces are ideal for hosting year-round, offering shelter from the Texas sun while creating the perfect backdrop for any gathering.
“The best entertaining spaces don’t just look beautiful — they function beautifully,” says Toby Locke, Founder of TrueLux Fine Homes. “We design every square foot with intention, especially in areas where memories are made.”
No longer confined to underground cellars, modern wine grottos are becoming focal points of luxury interiors. Think floor-to-ceiling glass enclosures, backlit bottle displays, and climate control — all tucked into dining rooms, hallways, or just off the kitchen. For wine lovers and casual collectors alike, these spaces serve as both a design statement and an entertaining asset. These grottos are more than storage — they’re conversation pieces.
With open-concept floorplans, many homeowners opt for both a casual eat-in kitchen space and a formal dining area — often connected visually through consistent flooring, lighting, or millwork. This dual-zone approach gives flexibility depending on the occasion, allowing hosts to scale up or down without compromising style.
It’s a solution that supports everyday family life while still being event-ready.
For longer-term guests, a dedicated wing or detached casita provides privacy while still keeping everyone under one roof. These spaces often include a small living area, kitchenette, and ensuite bath — perfect for entertaining visiting family, close friends, or even a private chef.
It’s hospitality, elevated — and designed with comfort in mind for everyone under your roof.
At TrueLux, we design for more than just curb appeal — we design for the life lived inside. Our team takes the time to understand how each client entertains, celebrates, and connects with the people who matter most.
Because when your home is built with intention, the entertaining comes naturally.
Considering a custom build or major remodel designed with hosting in mind? Let’s talk about how TrueLux can craft a home where your best moments happen — one unforgettable gathering at a time.
What’s the most underrated feature for entertaining at home?
The catering kitchen, hands down. Most people don’t realize how much stress it removes until they’ve used one. It keeps prep and cleanup tucked away, so the main kitchen stays guest-ready even in the middle of a dinner party.
Are you seeing a shift in what “outdoor living” means for luxury homeowners?
Absolutely. A few years ago, a grill and some patio furniture might’ve been enough. Now it’s full outdoor kitchens, misting systems, built-in speakers, motorized screens — all designed for comfort across every season. Covered terraces have become outdoor great rooms.
What role does architecture play in entertaining?
A huge one. Entertaining starts with how the space flows. You want natural gathering points, easy access between kitchen and patio, and clear visual lines. We use features like 20-foot sliding doors and extended sightlines to create connection — without crowding.
What’s trending right now in entertaining spaces that surprised you?
The return of the formal dining room — but with a twist. It’s not stuffy anymore. Clients want a designated space for holidays and dinner parties, but they're integrating it with the rest of the floorplan through lighting, millwork, or glass-enclosed wine displays.
Any advice for someone designing a home with entertaining in mind?
Think about how you host now — and how you want to host. Do you prefer intimate dinners or big family celebrations? Are you outside most of the year? Start with real lifestyle needs, and build from there. Function first. The beauty always follows.
What makes entertaining in Austin different from other cities?
The landscape, the weather, and the culture. Austinites love casual gatherings that feel elevated but relaxed — and the architecture reflects that. We design homes where the doors are open, music is on, and the firepit’s going whether it’s 50 or 95 degrees outside.