While designing a home is an exciting creative process, it’s certainly a big undertaking. Where do you start? How do you make sure you get it right? Whether you’re starting from scratch or renovating an existing space, there are several elements to consider. From deciding which type of property will work best for your needs, your budget, the layout and size of the home, and whether you want any extra storage space or workspace to thinking about the materials you’ll use, aesthetic considerations and energy efficiency.
Creating a home you love can be done if you take the time to plan ahead during the design stage. To help you create a home that meets your requirements, in this article, we will outline eight key points to consider when designing your ideal living space.
1. Your Budget
Before you start designing your home, it’s important to determine your budget. Your budget will affect the subsequent decisions that need to be made. Determining your budget will help you decide which type of property will work best for your lifestyle needs and the layout and size of the home.
2. The type of property
In addition to your budget, it's important to make some decisions about what type of home will best suit your family, you should consider:
• Where do you want to live?
• How many people will be living in the house?
When designing a home with multiple users in mind, think about how each person will use the space differently: do they need privacy? Are they looking for quiet time or social interaction? Consider these factors when deciding where certain rooms should be located within the house.
Once these questions are answered, you can come up with some design ideas for how best to use your available space and meet the individual needs of all in the family.
If you have a clear idea of what you want and how much you can spend, this will make it easier for your builder or architect to give advice and make suggestions
3. The layout and size of the home
When thinking about the layout and size of your home design, an important thing to consider is what will work best for your lifestyle needs. Do you have a lot of people coming over? Are there pets in the house? Do you like to host parties, or do you prefer a quiet night at home?
If you're a big entertainer, then it's probably best that your kitchen is open plan so everyone can see each other while cooking or cleaning up after dinner. If not, perhaps an enclosed kitchen might suit better as this gives privacy and security for those times when guests aren't around.
Do you want a single-storey home or a multi-storey home? Consider the number of bedrooms and bathrooms and the size of them, not forgetting the number of windows which will have a bearing on how much natural light pours into certain areas of the home.
Drawing your floor plans to scale will help make sure that everything fits together as planned and that all of your rooms are in proportion with each other. Consider the dimensions of your home and how much space it will take up. You’ll likely need permission from local authorities, so don't forget this step!
4. Extra space for storage or workspace
Do you need a garage, a shed, or a workshop? Do you need extra storage space for tools, equipment, or supplies?
As families are getting bigger and more and more people are working from home, it is becoming increasingly important to consider extra storage and workspace when designing a home. With the lack of space in urban areas, it is essential to make the most of what is available. By incorporating extra storage options or a well-organised workspace into your design, you can ensure that your home remains functional for all family members. This will not only help you remain organised but also keep your living spaces looking neat and stylish.
5. Energy Efficiency
Taking the time to consider energy efficiency when designing your home can be a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and save money on energy bills. By looking for ways to reduce energy consumption, such as using energy-efficient appliances, double or triple-glazed windows and insulation, you can make sure that your home is as efficient as possible.
Not only will this benefit the environment but it will also help to keep more money in your pocket.
6. Materials used
During the home design process, take careful consideration into the materials you will use for construction. Choosing quality materials is key to having a safe and beautiful home.
Not only should you think about the cost of materials, but also their durability and environmental impact. Durable materials will ensure that your home lasts for years to come and is resistant to wear and tear. Additionally, choosing eco-friendly materials can help contribute to a sustainable future.
7. Aesthetic considerations
Think about the aesthetics of the home as a whole, and how you want it to look and feel. Consider the colour scheme, the style of the furniture, and the type of flooring you want that will blend in with the overall character of the house.
If you're working with a designer, make sure to communicate your vision clearly and listen to their advice. They can provide helpful insight into creating a stunning and functional space.
8. Noise reduction and flexibility
Not only can noise be annoying, but it can also be very disruptive especially if you’re working from home. If it's not something you can control, it can be very frustrating.
In your design, take into account ways to reduce the amount of noise coming in from outside and inside your house such as soundproofing materials or double glazing. If there are rooms that could be used by future occupants (like children), consider soundproofing them as well.
Think about how you can create flexibility within the design for any future needs such as being able to easily add on another bedroom later.
Conclusion
Designing a home is a journey that should be enjoyed. With careful consideration and planning, you can create a home that meets your needs and reflects your style. Take your time to consider these eight key points above when designing your home and you’ll be well on your way to creating a beautiful and functional space.