How To Plan a Functional Home Redesign
In 2023, the search for ‘Funky house décor’ was up by 695% on Pinterest. While we appreciate the effort to make our homes look great, have you ever wondered how those architects weave their magic to create homes that are both a visual treat and a practical paradise? Well, wonder no more! We're about to spill the beans on the secrets that architects sprinkle over blueprints to make homes tick all the right boxes.
Before you're elbow-deep in a renovation project, constructing your dream abode, or just indulging in a little bit of home-design daydreaming, read our tips for a highly functional home design because, let's face it, your home should be as fabulous as you are!
Turning the backyard into the ultimate functional retreat
Have you ever heard of a she shed? It's a place where functionality meets flair, and it gives your backyard a serious upgrade. A she shed is an outdoor space with stylish shelving adorned with your favorite photos, accolades, or those quirky decorations you've been hoarding. It has a cozy armchair, a plush couch, or a hammock and lots and lots of plants.
Functionality doesn't mean all play and no work. Need a spot to unleash your productivity? Throw in a desk, a chair, or your own version of a workspace. Your she shed isn't just a sanctuary for relaxation; it's also the perfect spot to channel your inner workaholic. Turning your backyard shed into a haven of style and functionality is like affordably extending your home. Functionality is easier when you have more space!
A functional kitchen and bathroom
These spaces aren't just where you cook up a storm or freshen up; they're the heartbeat of functionality. Think about it – your day probably kicks off with a trip to the bathroom and wraps up with some culinary wizardry in the kitchen. So, let's talk about why these two areas deserve a spot on the priority list when designing your dream abode.
First up, the kitchen – the command center of your culinary adventures. It's not just about slapping some cabinets and a countertop together; it's about creating a symphony of functionality. Ever heard of the "kitchen triangle"? That's the magical arrangement of the sink, fridge, and stove that keeps your cooking dance smooth and efficient.
Now, let's sprinkle in a few pro tips. Adequate storage – because who wants pots and pans cluttering up the countertops? Durable materials – because your kitchen should be able to handle the heat, literally. And good lighting – because you don't want to mistake salt for sugar when you're whipping up your world-famous cookies.
Next on the hit list – the bathroom. Architects aren't just picking out fancy tiles; they're crafting a space that balances functionality with tranquility. Fixtures, storage solutions, and the layout – it's all in the mix. Ensure the materials you pick are easy to clean and allow enough room to move. No one wants to feel cramped when they are preparing themselves for the day!
Consider your daily routine, quirks, and lifestyle choices
Designing a home isn't a one-size-fits-all gig. What makes your neighbor's heart sing might not even be a blip on your radar. Do you need a quiet, zen-like space where you can conquer deadlines and have Zoom meetings without the background noise? Are you a master chef in the making? Do you have a tribe of little adventurers running around?
Designing for your lifestyle isn't just about lovely Art Deco aesthetics; it's about crafting a space that makes your day-to-day life a breeze. It's about making sure your home supports the crazy, beautiful chaos that is your life. Adaptable spaces? Check. Versatile layouts? Double-check. The goal is to make sure every nook and cranny is designed to make your life comfy, efficient, and downright enjoyable.
Always design a flex space
Now, you might be wondering, what in the world is a flex space? It's a room or area that can shape-shift and adapt to whatever life throws at it. So, imagine this scenario: you've got a home office where you're conquering deadlines during the day, but come nighttime, it transforms into the ultimate guest room, ready to host. That is the magic of a flex space.
Why are flex spaces important? Well, it's simple – life changes. Your needs change, your family grows, and suddenly that spare room you used to ignore becomes the epicenter of your home universe. Remote work is on the rise, kids are growing up faster than you can keep track, and you need a space that can roll with the punches.
Architects are catching on. They're not just sketching up four walls and a roof; they're weaving in flex spaces like threads in a tapestry. These spaces add a dash of versatility and a sprinkle of adaptability to your home, making it a place to live and a space that grows with you.
Creating the open floor plan
When you have a seamless dance from the kitchen to the living room, all without hitting a single obstacle, life is good. Open floor plans turn your living space into a dynamic, flexible arena by ditching those pesky walls and doors.
Ever wonder why homes with open floor plans feel like a breath of fresh air? It's not just because they look spacious – it's because they are. By letting natural light waltz through every nook and cranny, these designs make your home feel like it's stretching out and soaking in all that sunlight.
Open floor plans are primed for functionality. Need to keep an eye on the little rascals while you're whipping up a gourmet meal? Open floor plan to the rescue.
Looking for a little more inspiration?
Kevin Francis Design is more than just your home of luxurious wool and bamboo silk rugs. We have a passion for transformative design and development, and our site is a resource for your inspiration. Add us to your bookmark list and check in regularly to see what's new in our continually updated home design and ideas resource. We're here to help you ensure your home is your favorite place.
