If being isolated in your home these past few weeks has you thinking about your next home or maybe even your forever home. This article is for you! My home needs to be decluttered and the closets need to be cleaned out, but I also know that my next house needs more storage, a bigger backyard and to NOT be located on a busy street. There’s probably many things you know about your next home too because you experience the things that aren’t working in your home right now.
That’s why it’s time for a Forever Home Quiz, where there’s no wrong answers. As you’re going about your new daily routine be mindful of your actions and notice if any changes to your space would make your life easier. Is it not having to run up and down steps all day? Is it wishing you had a home office or a play room? Or maybe it’s wishing the windows weren’t opposite the TV causing so much glare? Whatever the case, the following exercise is less about how the home looks and more about how the home functions. It’s easy to make a house look pretty (buy new furniture; add a few coats of paint) but if it’s not laid out well, more than just your eyes will suffer. I believe a home needs to be efficient, promote productivity, and function like a well-oiled machine. Houses are not one-size fits all, they’re a huge investment in both time and money, and should be designed in a thoughtful way that reflects your family and your lifestyle.
Let’s start in the kitchen, it’s the epicenter of the home and I find it’s where I’ve been spending all of my time. Either cooking or cleaning or home-schooling… it gets non-stop action. Below are the top questions I like to ask my clients when we begin a new home design. Once you have an understanding of your kitchen needs, start thinking of the surrounding spaces and eventually the rest of your home.
This gourmet kitchen is perfect for a home chef, while white cabinets are always classic and timeless.
1- How often are you in the kitchen? Do you cook or bake? How much kitchen do you really need?
2- Do you want an island? If so, do you want anything on the island, like the sink? Or do you prefer to keep it clean for eating and spreading out for activities?
3- Is the kitchen open to the rest of the house or more separate? Do you need a formal dining room, breakfast nook, and island seating? How often will it get used?
4- Will you have a separate pantry or is it part of the kitchen cabinets? How about a butler’s pantry?
5- Do you grill outside? Does the kitchen need access to a patio? Will the patio be covered or screened-in?
This kitchen / living room / dining room is open to the 2nd floor above, creating a bright and open home.
6- Any other spaces that need to be near the kitchen? Laundry room? Mud room? Garage? Powder Room? Drop zone for keys and bags? Utility storage?
7- Do you want a fireplace? Any vaulted ceilings or double height spaces? Do you like large windows?
8- Is your master suite on the main floor? Do you want a separate tub and shower in the master bathroom? Do you prefer separate vanities? Do you want the master closet to open to the bath rooom? Do you want the master closet to connect to the laundry room?
9- Is there potential for someone to be living with you in the future? Parents, Grandparents, Adult Children?
10- Do you have pets? Like to entertain? Work from home? Have a large family? Any kids?
This open concept home features sliding barn doors to either open-up or close-off the adjacent study.
11- Any health concerns, like allergies or special accessibility needs now or in the future?
12- Are sustainability and green features important? Solar panels? Natural light? Energy efficiency?
13- Do you have a favorite architectural style for the exterior and/or interior?
14- Where is the home located… in the city, the suburbs, or the country? Any views or natural land features? Do you like being outside?
15- Any special features not mentioned above that make your forever-home unique?
This black and white kitchen hides the refrigerator in the pantry for a crisp and clean look.
Once you get an idea of how your home will function best, look at sample floor plans for layout ideas. Keep what you love and forget the rest.
Do this for every area of your home and don’t worry about putting it all together. Making a cohesive plan that works is my job as your architect!
The most important thing for you is to have fun and enjoy the process!