Today I will talk about how we design houses that meet the needs and preferences of the residents. This is a topic that I’m very passionate about, because I believe that our living spaces have a huge impact on our well-being and happiness.
So, how do we design houses that suit your lifestyles and personalities? Well, there are many factors to consider, but I think the most important one is functionality. Functionality means how well a house serves its purpose and fulfills its functions. For example, a functional house should have enough space for storage, comfortable furniture, good lighting, ventilation, heating and cooling systems, etc.
But functionality is not just about practicality. It’s also about aesthetics and creativity. A functional house should also reflect the style and taste of the residents, and make them feel at home. A functional house should also have some elements of surprise and delight, such as a cozy reading nook, a colorful accent wall, a hidden storage compartment, etc.
You might be wondering how to communicate your vision to the architect. After all, he is the one who will turn your ideas into reality. Here are some tips to help you get started
Tip #1
Needs and Preferences
First of all, think about your needs and preferences. What are the essential functions and features of your house? What kind of lifestyle do you have and what activities do you enjoy doing at home? For instance, maybe you work from home and need a dedicated office space. Or maybe you have kids and need a playroom for them. Or maybe you love gardening and need a greenhouse or a patio. Whatever your needs are, make a list of them and prioritize them.
Next, think about your style and taste. What kind of aesthetic do you like for your house? Do you prefer a minimalist or a maximalist approach? Do you like bright or muted colors? Do you like modern or traditional architecture? These questions will help you define your style and mood for your house. You can also look for inspiration online or in magazines and collect images that appeal to you. You can create a mood board or a Pinterest board to organize your visual references.
Share your needs, preferences, and inspirations with them and explain why they are important to you. Listen to their feedback and suggestions and be open to compromise if necessary. Remember that they are professionals who have the expertise and experience to help you achieve your goals. Trust them and work with them as a team.
Tip # 2
Layout
A layout is the arrangement of rooms and spaces in your house, and it’s very important for making your house functional and comfortable. Here are some things you should think about when planning your layout:
Balance and flow: You want to have a layout that creates a sense of harmony and movement in your house. That means avoiding extremes, such as having too many or too few rooms, having rooms that are too big or too small, having rooms that are isolated or crowded, etc. You want to have a layout that suits your needs and lifestyle, and that makes sense for the size and shape of your house.
Orientation and light: You want to have a layout that takes advantage of the natural light and temperature of your location. That means considering the direction of your house, and how it affects the amount and quality of sunlight and heat you get throughout the year. For example, you might want to have more windows on the south side of your house to get more sunlight and warmth in the winter. You also want to think about how the orientation of your house affects the views and privacy of your rooms.
A good layout can make a big difference in how you enjoy your house, so it’s worth spending some time and effort on it
Tip # 3
Material
Choose your materials wisely. The materials you use for your house design can also affect its functionality. You want to choose materials that are durable, easy to maintain, eco-friendly, and suitable for your climate and location. For example, you might want to use wood for your flooring if you live in a cold area, or use stone for your walls if you live in a hot area. You also want to choose materials that match your style and taste, and create a harmonious look for your house.
- Do some research before you meet with your architect. Look for examples of houses that use the materials you like, and try to understand why they work well in those situations. For instance, if you like wood for your flooring, find out what kind of wood it is, how it is treated, and how it reacts to different weather conditions. This will help you explain your choices better and avoid misunderstandings.
- Be specific about what you want and why. Don’t just say “I want wood for my flooring”, but say “I want oak wood for my flooring because it is warm, cozy, and easy to clean”. This will help your architect understand your vision and suggest the best options for you.
- Listen to your architect’s advice and feedback. Your architect is a professional who knows a lot about materials and their properties. He or she might have some suggestions or alternatives that you haven’t considered before, or point out some potential issues or drawbacks that you might not be aware of. For example, your architect might tell you that wood is not a good choice for your walls if you live in a humid area, because it can rot or warp over time. Or he or she might suggest using stone instead, because it is more resistant to moisture and heat. Be open-minded and respectful of your architect’s opinions, and try to find a compromise that works for both of you.
- Choose materials that match your style and taste, but also create a harmonious look for your house. You don’t want to use materials that clash with each other or with the surroundings of your house. For example, if you live in a modern urban area, you might not want to use rustic materials like brick or stone for your house, because they might look out of place or outdated. Or if you live in a natural setting, you might not want to use flashy materials like metal or glass for your house, because they might look too artificial or cold. You want to choose materials that reflect your personality and preferences, but also blend well with the environment and the architecture of your house
Tip # 4
Personalize
One of the most fun and creative parts of designing your house is adding some personal touches to it. Personal touches are those little details that make your house feel like home and show off your style and taste. They can also make your house more functional and comfortable for you and your guests. Here are some ideas on how to add some personal touches to your house design.
- Artwork: Artwork is a great way to add some color, texture, and interest to your walls. You can choose artwork that matches your theme, mood, or personality. You can also mix and match different types of artwork, such as paintings, prints, posters, sculptures, etc. You can display them in frames, on shelves, or hang them from the ceiling. You can also create your own artwork by painting, drawing, or collaging something that inspires you.
- Photos: Photos are another way to add some personal touches to your house design. Photos can capture your memories, emotions, and relationships with your loved ones. You can display them in albums, frames, or collages. You can also use them as wall art by printing them on canvas, wood, or metal. You can also create a photo wall by arranging them in a grid, a shape, or a random pattern.
- Plants: Plants are a natural and beautiful way to add some personal touches to your house design. Plants can purify the air, reduce stress, and improve your mood. You can choose plants that suit your climate, light level, and maintenance needs. You can also choose plants that have some meaning or symbolism for you. You can display them in pots, baskets, vases, or terrariums. You can also hang them from the ceiling, the wall, or the window.
- Rugs: Rugs are a cozy and stylish way to add some personal touches to your house design. Rugs can define your space, add some warmth, and create some contrast. You can choose rugs that match your color scheme, theme, or mood. You can also mix and match different patterns, textures, and sizes of rugs. You can place them under your furniture, on the floor, or on the wall.
- Pillows: Pillows are a soft and comfy way to add some personal touches to your house design. Pillows can add some color, texture, and comfort to your sofa, bed, or chair. You can choose pillows that match your theme, mood, or personality. You can also mix and match different shapes, sizes, and fabrics of pillows. You can also make your own pillows by sewing, knitting, or crocheting them.
- Candles: Candles are a romantic and relaxing way to add some personal touches to your house design. Candles can create some ambiance, mood lighting, and fragrance to your room. You can choose candles that match your theme, mood, or personality. You can also mix and match different colors, shapes, and scents of candles. You can display them in holders, jars, lanterns, or trays.
These are some of the tips that I use when I design houses that meet the needs and preferences of the residents. I hope you find them useful and inspiring. Let me know what you think in the comments below