8 Essential Tips for Designing a Home
Did you know that 2020 saw approximately 1.38 million new houses built in the USA?
Designing a custom home is something that many people dream of. While you may think you need advanced architectural knowledge to do so, there are many steps you can take today. By simply putting pen to paper, you begin the journey of custom home design.
From your first ballpark ideas, to breaking ground, to your housewarming party, building a house is hugely rewarding. However, to ensure your project is a success, you need to familiarize yourself with the process.
If you want to cut through the technical jargon and start designing a home from the ground up, our helpful guide can point you in the right direction. Read on to get started with our top 8 tips for home design.
- Start Simple
Every journey starts with a single step. With this in mind, start simple with your home design.
Use both online and real-life resources as inspiration for your perfect home. These days, there is a wealth of material available at your fingertips. There are loan calculators available should your redesign go over budget, as well as Pinterest Boards and Facebook Groups to draw inspiration from. There are websites with DIY tutorials and step-by-step walkthroughs, and virtual design programs. The possibilities are vast and far-reaching. Use multiple sources to pick and choose your favorite aspects.
Once you have a rough idea in mind, it’s time to start formulating a basic design. As soon as you put pen to paper, the journey has begun. Brainstorm and make as many sketches as you need – this will give you a jumping-off point once you start consulting with a professional designer.
- Plan Around Your Future
Whatever your current needs are, you should also ensure your future home can accommodate your future needs.
Do you have young children or plan on starting a family in the next few years? Then make sure your home design is fit for a growing family. If you have aging parents or an extended family you would like to host, consider incorporating extra space into the floorplan.
These days, working remotely is becoming more and more common. If you’re hoping to transition from an office job to owning your own business, a flexible space could become your home office in years to come.
- Make the Lot Work For You
Part of the beauty of designing your own house is being able to make the most of the land you own.
Consider the layout, size, and best features of your lot. If you are in an area with great views or an impressive naturescape, this will inform the orientation of your design. Similarly, take advantage of natural features like woodland or waterways.
Imagine waking up to the sound of a trickling stream every morning, or living room access to a green area for your kids to play in. When you build your own home, you have complete control over a residential design that complements its surroundings.
- Prioritize Function
Working with your professional building designer, brainstorm to formulate a flowing, functional layout for your home.
How will your design work to accommodate family life? Incorporating features such as open-plan areas or double-height ceilings can completely transform the functionality of your living space. The flow of a building can bring families together and set the tone for a harmonious home life.
The positioning of sleeping areas relative to high traffic areas is an important aspect of home design. Communal spaces should be placed tactically for maximum serenity around the home. Equally, simple things such as bathroom placement need to be considered, too.
- Utilize Light
Light, natural and artificial, has a strong effect on mood and ambiance. That’s why it plays such a crucial role in home design.
Adding skylights and large windows allows you to maximize natural light and save on energy bills, while also improving your mood and frame of mind. A well-positioned window could see you enjoying your breakfast as you bask in the warmth of a summer sunrise.
You can also use artificial lighting to your advantage. Think bright LED spotlights for your kitchen and food preparation areas, alongside dimming sconces in the bedroom and relaxation zones. Don’t underestimate the impact of tasteful lighting in the home.
- Future-Proof Your Surroundings
Technology is moving at a fantastic pace these days. Therefore, you must future-proof your design.
If you’re wondering how to design a home that stays relevant well into the future, then you must research modern and efficient everyday solutions. For example, install low-flow toilets, energy-efficient heaters, and accommodate for smart technologies.
It’s also a great idea to implement extra conduits when wiring electrics. This will give you the opportunity to add new outlets or features in the future. Plus, you’re guaranteeing better resale value should you choose to move on for whatever reason.
- Plan Your Arrangement
Furniture may seem like an afterthought when designing and building a new home. However, it can be wise to think about furnishings and moveables during the early stages of design.
This is because although most designers include furniture on their floorplans, these are usually little more than diagrammatic representations of everyday items like sofas and beds. These drawings are unlikely to bear much resemblance to furniture you actually want.
A well-thought-out design can accommodate niche items like corner sofas and fold-out beds in a way a generic plan never could. Designing your open-plan spaces around furniture ideas will ensure the best possible fit.
- Remember: Homes Get Messy
It’s worth remembering that even the most well thought out home design is built to be lived in.
It can be hard to look past the pristine environments on display when we look at architectural and design magazines. But real life involves mess and clutter sometimes. That’s why it’s so important to remember the sanitary representations we see in the media can be misleading.
A well-designed and streamlined home should have strength of character enough to shine through the everyday chaos of life, especially with kids on board.
What You Need to Know When Designing a Home
designing a home is a fulfilling process that takes both time and presence of mind. But knowing where to start, it’s your journey to embark upon.
Our helpful guide shows you a few great ways to kickstart your home design project. So stop wondering how to design a home, and start planning today.
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