The world is filled with good home designs, but unfortunately, it is also replete with bad designs as well. During the surge of the housing market no matter how poorly a home was designed, it still sold. Since the collapse, however, architects, homeowners and homebuilders have become more conscious of the elements of home design that really matter. Consider these elements of a well-designed home:
Individualized and Useful
The number one purpose of a home is not to make an investment or keep up with the Joneses. It is to create an individualized space for a family to live in and utilize on a daily basis. A well-designed home can improve people’s lives and serve a family’s needs. However, what works for one family may not work for another. Adaptability is also key. If a home is only designed for one stage of life, its occupants will be forced to move on when it no longer serves their needs.
Additionally, a well-designed home will utilize as many green options as necessary. This could include solar panels, energy efficient appliances, and design features that minimize the amount of energy needed to heat or cool the space. Windows placed in strategic places can allow the maximum amount of sunlight to stream in to help heat the home. Choosing doors from eco-friendly door companies that have received Energy Star Certification for some of their products can mean savings for homeowners as well as the environment. These doors can be an excellent addition to any energy efficient home.
Great Layout
Perhaps the most obvious part of a well-designed home is its layout. If a layout is dysfunctional, there is little hope that the materials and equipment used to make the home will be enough to make up for the deficiency. Common design errors include the following:
· An inside stairway that faces an entrance
· A hallway that faces the entrance
· Dining room at the center of the home
· Adjoining bedrooms
· Inconvenient guest bathroom
Visually Pleasing
Some houses just don’t quite look right. Something about them is slightly askew, and it may be difficult to pinpoint the deficiency. These homes usually lack visual harmony. Using rhythm, massing, scale and texture to create harmony, architects and designers can create fantastic homes that are visually appealing as well. A great home will also use only the amount of material necessary for aesthetics and practicality, and use appropriate construction systems that work with the home’s site.
Inviting Entrances
The entrance to a home or room is incredibly important in design. A great door will match the décor of the house, introduce a visitor to the home with an inviting feel, and still maintain the privacy and safety of the family. The addition of a hand-crafted door can add personality and life to any home, so long as it fits the style and décor. French, Craftsman, Dutch, Mediterranean and rustic doors are all available to help create the best introduction for your home and the rooms within it.
The most essential elements to a well-designed home are clear and hinge on one idea: function, rather than style, should drive the design. A home with this idea as its design foundation is likely to be a success.
