5 Considerations for Your Floor Plan You Wish You’d Come Across Sooner
As an interior designer, I’m often brought into a project after the floor plan has been designed by an architect. Having evaluated dozens of such plans over the years, I have learned what works and what most certainly doesn’t work. Here are my top 5 floor plan tips for both functionality and flexibility in your home.
#1: Inviting Indoor-Outdoor Living Spaces
Bringing in lots of natural light and pleasing views to the interior are absolutely essential. I love the new sliding glass doors that can completely make an exterior wall disappear! They work in your living space as well as bedrooms. Also, having some sort of private patio outside of each bedroom and office, no matter how small, makes a wonderful impact.
#2: Practical, Adaptable Multi-Purpose Areas
I have been seeing more and more multi function rooms in today’s floor plans. Some include: a child’s playroom that will later convert into a teen hangout lounge, a guest suite which will someday house aging parents, and even library/offices that double as dining rooms. When doing your floor plan, think 20 years into the future and of all the possibilities that your family may need to accommodate.
#3: Intentional Focal Point from the Front Door
Picture yourself standing at the front entrance to your future house. What do you see? Is is a grand rounded staircase with custom iron balusters? Is it a view through a foyer into a larger living space with a window at its focal point? Plan for something dramatic and special which will create lasting memories for your guests.
#4: Plenty of Well-Thought Privacy Throughout
Probably the most common floor plan mistake I see is a too-open living/dining-kitchen space. These can be enormous spaces so think about the acoustics, the mess on the kitchen counters, the kid’s toys strewn about. A few strategically placed partial height walls, or floating bookcases can help divide up a large room into more useable intimate spaces. Also, everyone wants a single story house these days but it’s not always feasible. Consider bedroom, playroom, laundry and office placement very carefully in a multi story house.
#5: Ideal Laundry Room & Bathroom Placement
Speaking of dirty laundry, if your primary bedroom is on one floor and your kids rooms on another, consider installing two laundry areas. Nobody wants to haul a laundry basket up the stairs (just ask my son!) For bathrooms, ideally each bedroom has its own, if possible. And never ever try to combine your powder bath with a bedroom’s bath. I had that in an old house of mine and hated it!
Planning your new house or remodel can be super overwhelming. Best to get an interior designer on board at the floor plan stage. We do this all the time. We also offer a stand-alone service called Floor Plan Reviews. Just go HERE and find out how we can help you.
Ready for a custom floor plan that leaves you speechless (in the best way)? Contact us and we’d be delighted to help!
Until next time,
