Designing a new home or transforming it with a new addition is a process of harmonising the right elements. Design pitfalls hamper this synergy of elements. We have to know which sentiments to embrace and which to discard to create a space that brings happiness. A serene abode that celebrates light and space does not utilise creativity only but also thoughtful foresight. So, we are taking you through some of the principle designing and planning mistakes you or your contractor could make.

Not considering room placement

You don’t want to be greeted with the sound of a busy street every morning when you wake up or open your bedroom windows to unsightly views. Nor do you want your bathroom in a busy intersection of the house. Floor plan mistakes can seriously shrink a home’s value. Bedrooms, especially the master bedroom, should be discreetly tucked away in the most serene location of the house, looking out to greener views. They should not be close to the kitchen or the living room that can get busy and noisy. A bedroom should not open into the living room or the kitchen.

Your garage should be within easy reach of the kitchen door; unless you don’t mind hauling your groceries across one end to the next. The family bathroom should be located in a more private area, while a guest bathroom/WC should be easily accessible by the entertaining area, without having to go up the stairs or down a long hallway.

The shape of the home/land

Do not start with a square. To make the best use of the land you have, you need to reconsider its shape. Sometimes, instead of trying to fit in a perfectly square or rectangular layout, reimagine your home with differently-proportioned and shaped rooms. Crescent-shaped rooms, angular roofs, H-shaped houses, and modern edges can redefine home design.

Utilisation of material

You do not want a high density of material for a singular structure. It can look mismatched and distracting. At the same time, you will be limiting aesthetic and design elements by sticking to only one or two materials. Some materials like wood, glass, and stone are complementary, but how you utilise them and the proportions affect a structure’s beauty. The same goes for the interior; a well-balanced theme is much more effective.

Too many or too few hallways

Hallways have their purpose. They are useful transitional spaces. You need hallways to separate areas of the house and position rooms away from direct view. They are also responsible for separating the master bedroom from the great room. However, too many of these can feel too boxy and obstruct natural lighting. You will also waste valuable floor area by dedicating most of it to hallways.

Incorrect placement of rooms

When designing a house, most focus on the visual representation on paper rather than considering the rooms in their natural environment. Some rooms need better natural light, and some need better placement. Don’t assume that a house plan you see on the internet or a magazine will suit your lifestyle. If a family member has a disability or a bad back, you don’t want to put their rooms upstairs. Bringing your family to the table when deciding on a floor plan can open up new ideas. Living rooms and kitchens should be bright, and you have to consider sightlines from the entryway/foyer.

Not considering storage space

Without storage space, your home can turn into a visible clutter accumulator. It is a common mistake not to factor storage in when designing a home. You need at least a utility room or in-built cupboards and closets to keep things tidy. Reserve a part of the garage or add a bit more square footage to it for storage.

Not enough windows/ventilation

One of the biggest home design mistakes to avoid is not considering how natural light and ventilation get into the living areas. You can make windows a feature in the design by incorporating floor-to-ceiling windows you can open. Picture windows can go in places where openings are not possible or safe to bring in more light. Your kitchen, living room, and bathroom greatly benefit from south-facing windows.

Disregarding size and placement of furniture

Do not buy the grandest table you see or the largest dresser on sale. If furniture sizes are not proportional to the room sizes, they will instantly make a room’s functional space smaller. So, if you have an antique dining table you really cannot part with, you should design your dining room with the table’s size in mind, and the entrances should be large enough to accommodate large furniture. Using your existing furniture to determine living space size is more economical.

Designing the perfect home needs not just professional input but also your personal vision. Designing and building your home from scratch can be an exciting prospect, and one without faux pas will give you lasting joy. GS Brown Construction offers superior craftsmanship and a client-oriented service for homes that make happy families.

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Published by GS Brown Team

A family run business building high quality new homes in Scotland, with Excellence as Standard since 1970. We have built our reputation on high quality housing and go to great lengths to ensure every one of our properties is not only a comfortable home but also a valuable investment. Our houses are planned for modern day living, with energy efficiency and quality finishings being major factors at the design stage.

Author: GS Brown Team

A family run business building high quality new homes in Scotland, with Excellence as Standard since 1970. We have built our reputation on high quality housing and go to great lengths to ensure every one of our properties is not only a comfortable home but also a valuable investment. Our houses are planned for modern day living, with energy efficiency and quality finishings being major factors at the design stage.