Designing a home floor plan is more than just picking a general interior layout. It’s a personal journey to creating the perfect space for you and your family. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been living in your home for years, it’s important to consider all of your needs and wants when deciding on a home floor plan. Here are a few tips to help get you started:
1. Start with a purpose. How will your floor plan be used? If you are planning to entertain often, you may wish to make a larger kitchen or have two living areas side-by-side. If cozy and comfortable is your primary goal, you may look for something with more intimate gathering spaces. Determine the purpose of the space first to ensure you plan accordingly.
2. Make a list of all the must-haves. What elements do you need in your new floor plan? Lay out everyday activities that could influence this list like the way you will cook, entertain, and spend family time. Remember to factor in things like storage, a designated laundry area, and any special necessities you may have like a study or home office. Also, consider any accessibility features you may need for your family or guests.
3. Consider future needs. Are you looking to buy a forever home or one that will serve you for the next 5-10 years? Even if you’re not looking to buy for the long-term, planning to account for the future can save you from needing to move or renovate down the road.
4. Evaluate the space you have. When creating a home floor plan, it’s important to get an accurate measurement of your home and its limitations. Are there any walls or special built-ins that should remain or can be used in a different way? Are there structural issues to consider like load bearing walls or staircases? How can you maximize the available space?
5. Think outside the box. Design a floor plan that works for you. Don’t be afraid to incorporate unique elements that reflect your personal style. Make sure you are filling your home with things that bring joy and make it your own.
6. Take advantage of the space you have. Create an efficient layout that includes rooms of all sizes. A convenient kitchen island, pocket doors, or built-in bookshelves are a few ways to maximize the space.
7. Don’t forget the outdoor space. While outdoor space is often an afterthought, it’s an important piece that should be integrated into the home floor plan. If you have a backyard, consider what elements will bring you joy and make the most of the space with furniture, planters, and outdoor dining areas.
Decorating your home floor plan is fun, but don’t forget the importance of function. Take time to consider the way you and your family interact with your home on a daily basis to ensure the plan you’ll be investing in truly meets all of your needs. Invest in the best quality flooring as per your budget, walk around to check if the flooring feels comfortable to the feet and also how it has been installed commercially, or DIY style. Get creative with wallpapers and textured paint that instantly uplifts the whole atmosphere of the home, or if budget is your concern use options like tile cladding, wooden cladding or cork cladding.
As part of the home floor plan, consider home accessories, paintings and basic furniture pieces like sofas, chairs, tables, etc. Catch a glimpse of the style you want, whether it is traditional, modern, contemporary, or any other kind. If you have a small space, try to keep it open with minimal furniture and by using furniture pieces with multifunctionality. Take advantage of wall space with shelves and storage solutions. Keeping mirrors in different rooms can also help in creating the illusion of a more spacious home floor plan.
Choose a colour palette to give your home floor plan a scheme that ties the style together. Take into consideration the furniture you have, the accessories, and the wall coverings. Select light hues to make the area look open and inviting and choose bright colours to add a splash of art and style to a given space. Don’t forget the window treatments, art pieces, carpets and area rugs, and accent pieces like lamps and throws.
The flooring should be chosen carefully to ensure it is properly suited to your home in terms of style, space, and size. Hardwood floors are generally considered to be the most popular choice, but there are also options like tile, cork, bamboo, laminate, and linoleum. Consider the pattern that each type of flooring can bring to your home and choose one that will add dimension and character.
Your home is an extension of you, a place of comfort where memories are made. When you design a home floor plan, make sure it reflects what you value, what makes you smile, and what fits your lifestyle. Let your personality be seen in the home floor plan and enjoy the moments you will share with your family.