At this point, you must have project goals and a vision of your future home. You must have a list of the specific features that you would like to have. You’re a few steps closer to that final home design plan.
But before you get there, you have to check if the home you imagined supports your lifestyle. Your final home design must make life easier and better for you too.
In this blog, you’re going to assess how you live your life and cross-check it with your initial design choices. You’re going to test your vision. You're going to find out what will and will not work for you.
Be your own design detective
Your job as a design detective it to understand your lifestyle. Try to make sense out of the things you do.
Also, pinpoint the things that make life difficult for you in your current home. Ask yourself, which tasks are inconvenient to do? What activities are done smooth? What things at home make you feel frustrated?
Then, do a little research to gain ideas on how to solve it and make your life better.
To be honest, these are what architects and designers do. Here in Superdraft, we try to know our clients and study how they currently live and use their space. We look for ways on how to enhance their home.
Examine your life right now.
Study, research, learn and watch how you and your family currently live.
What works now? What could work better?
Here's how you do it:
Look back to your vision of your future home. Identify which of those design ideas will make your next home more convenient.
Think about the other houses you've lived in before. It could be your parent's house, your university dorm, or your first apartment. Recall the things you've loved and you're willing to have in your future home again.
Think about the other places you've spent some time in. It could be your friend's house, a holiday hotel, cafe, restaurant, library, or the office. You might find something interesting in those places.
Take note of all those things and or state what you love about them. Indicate how these can make your life easier and your home more beautiful. Don't forget to say where in your home you'll like to have each one. Label whether they are your 'must-haves' (priority) or 'nice-to-haves' (likes).
Of course, there are things that you hate and want to avoid. Take note of these things too.
Then, use these ideas to polish your vision of your future home. Check against your goals as homeowners and make sure everything fits like a puzzle!
Collect your ideas. Use words, pictures, or videos.
Use these to communicate, to show others what you want.
Undergo this process and you’ll know what will make your future home better than the previous ones. You’ll create a space that suits your needs and functions well.
It is important to be logical and honest with yourself when doing this step. There are instances when a room can function even without your 'must-haves'. Sometimes, your biggest 'no-nos' are the things you never knew you needed.
Knowing what’s practical and sentimental
Based on our experience, people like design when it's practical or sentimental to them.
Practical designs make tasks seamless and end the homeowner's frustrations when doing it. (e.g. increasing the bench height to make an ergonomic laundry or connecting the carpark to the kitchen)
Sentimental designs or elements strike the homeowner's emotions. These are familiar to them and make them feel more relaxed. (e.g. wanting to replicate a spa bathroom or using a nostalgic piece of furniture or artwork)
Both are important in designing a space that reflects your personality and style. But, you need to know when to let go of things that don't serve you. If things won't bring great meaning or function in your home, rethink why they need to be there.
Don't get us wrong — we're not against using nostalgic pieces. We respect it when you decide to use yours in your new home. It's yours.
Yet, there are times when holding on to stuff is a constraint. At this point, you must set your priorities straight. You'll have to choose what you want vs the most practical thing to do. Compromise when needed. Anything between can be the best choice for you.
Also, don’t be afraid of practicality, as long as it’s stylish.
Make it perfect for the location
Your home should support you while living your life. To support you better, you need to design based on your climate and location.
This is the industry’s standard now. These homes cut the cost of your energy bills as it uses the natural elements (sun and breeze) to warm and cool your home throughout the year.
READ THE COMPLETE HOW TO DESIGN YOUR HOME GUIDES
How to Overcome the Stress, Fear, and Anxiety When Building
How to Find Clarity From Multiple Design Choices
How to Assess Which Home Design Works for You (and What Doesn’t)
How to Design Your Home to Suit the Location
How to Finalise Your Home Layout
How to Bring Volume and Life in Your Home Design
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