When designing or remodeling your dream home, many people focus on what it will look like – gorgeous countertops, stylish furniture, beautiful lighting. But the most important aspect of your home is how well it functions for you and your family. That’s why careful planning and thoughtful design decisions are crucial from the beginning. Here are six musts to create the well-functioning home of your dreams.
1. Think Through the Floor Plan Carefully
A floor plan that supports your family’s daily life is the foundation of a well-functioning home.
- Be practical and prioritize the spaces that matter most. For example, if you want your family to be together most of the time or you like to entertain, consider an open concept living and kitchen area.
- Think about your family’s daily habits and needs. Do your kids need a place to drop off backpacks and sports gear? Do you need office space to work from home? Do you like to host gatherings? Let these routines determine your floor plan.
- Make essential spaces like laundry rooms, home offices, and playrooms easily accessible to the kitchen and main living area.
Learn More: The Benefits of Open Concept Living: Is it Right for You?
2. Make Every Inch Count
Square footage is expensive, so be intentional and strategic about your spaces.
- Create multi-functional rooms that serve more than one purpose. For example, a guest bedroom that doubles as a home office or gym. Built-in or convertible furniture, like a Murphy bed, can make a room even more efficient.
- Calculate room sizes carefully. Visit model homes and get room dimensions to determine the sizes you need. Since very little time is spent in most bedrooms, making them too large adds unnecessary costs to building and furnishing them. Smaller bedrooms and a larger living room may be more practical.
- Take advantage of nooks and awkward spots. With some creative thinking and thoughtful innovation, you can make use of those awkward square footage spaces. For example, most windows can become cozy window seats with storage underneath. The nook under the stairs could be a reading bench or extra storage. And that small space by the kitchen could become a coffee bar or wine cabinet.
Learn More: Maximize Custom Home Square Footage
3. Include Creative Storage Solutions
An often-overlooked step in designing a well-functioning home is ensuring that everything has a designated place. Having plenty of storage in the kitchen, bathrooms, and main living areas will help you stay organized and reduce clutter. This makes each room more visually appealing – and more functional.
Creative and thoughtful storage solutions will help keep your home clutter-free and tidy. Design storage with specific purposes in mind – cleaning tools, small appliances, backpacks, pet supplies, seasonal decorations, etc.
4. Plan for the Future
Think long-term when planning how you’ll use the spaces in your home. A playroom today could easily transition into a study or game room down the road. You may want your bedroom close to the living room and kitchen so your house always feels well laid out and comfortable. Make your home accessible to everyone with a first-floor bedroom, curbless showers, and wider doorways. These design choices allow your home to grow and evolve with your family.
Learn More: Designing Spaces That Grow With Your Family
5. Incorporate Intentional Lighting Design
Lighting design is one of the most overlooked yet impactful features of a well-functioning home. A mix of natural and artificial lighting is essential. Place windows to allow sunlight throughout the day, but include plenty of overhead, task, and accent lighting to keep rooms comfortable after sunset.
6. Choose Timeless Finishes
The finishes you choose will define your home’s personality – but they also determine how well it ages.
- Trends come and go, but timeless design provides long-lasting appeal. So, select classic materials for more permanent elements, such as flooring, tile, and countertops. Save the trendier choices for non-permanent elements, such as light fixtures, hardware, paint colors, and textiles.
- It’s also a good idea to go neutral with foundational selections like flooring, countertops, tile, and cabinets. Then add your own personality in the finishing layers like furnishings, rugs, art, and window coverings since these are easier and less costly to change over time.
- Choose durable materials that will hold their value longer and can handle real-life messes.
A well-functioning home is the result of careful planning, thoughtful design, and intentional choices. Whether you’re building a custom home or remodeling an existing space, incorporating these six musts will ensure your home meets your family’s needs today and in the years to come. Contact us today to start designing the well-functioning home of your dreams.
Learn More: The Gerard Construction Difference: What Sets Us Apart