Can your front yard be transformed into Private Outdoor Living? Can the garage or bedroom you’re using today be tomorrow’s organized Home Office? Is an In-Law Suite needed because of your changing life style? We can help you use some simple “architectural design strategies” for your next home renovation that will evolve as your lifestyle changes.
“Architectural design strategies” will be used by your Architect to transform your home into a functional and beautiful space for you now, yet has the designed-in flexibility to allow new uses as your lifestyle moves forward. The next generation home remodels made by homeowners today are typically smarter, more efficient and more focused on good living, rather than designed merely to impress, according to a recent AIA article. The goal is to work with your floor plan and make better use your existing space. The promise is you can live more fully in your existing house, if you plan ahead and use the architectural services of a good Architect.
DESIGNLine Architects, LLC has identified three Architectural design strategies we’d like to share with anyone who is considering a modification to their floor plan.
Curb Appeal. The first thing homebuyers, family and friends will look at when they visit your home is your front yard, the color of your home, the landscaping, and the walkways. You only have one chance to make a first impression.
Relationship of Inside to Outside. Consider aligning the elements of the Outdoor and Indoor Kitchen. This will simplify the plumbing and electrical connections.
Consider the View. What is your view from each outdoor space? You most likely cannot alter the view, but you can maximize a good one, or minimize a bad one. Also consider views of key plants from inside.
Functionality and Beauty. Herb planters are an easy way to add beauty and functionality to the space. Well positioned low voltage yard lights, colorful outdoor candles, and lanterns add a sense of festivity, and light up the more remote corners of the yard.
Music sets the Mood. A set of outdoor speakers can be used alone or as part of a larger entertainment system. A small fountain in the background lends some soft water sounds to the rest of the yard.
Consider Location Carefully. Size and location are two main factors to address when adding a Home Office. Consider how many people will use your office space. Will you have client meetings?
Small Space Design. The corner of a room is probably the most effective way to re-design your floor plan to have an office with minimal cost or disruption.
Private Location. Consider a quiet, out of the way location for your Home Office like the attic, basement or enclosed porch.
As people live longer and healthier lives, more families are finding it beneficial to provide a special space for aging parents by combining households.
Before Starting Remodel. Open and honest discussion with your parent and other family members is an essential first step before remodeling. This will help define the areas you need to change.
Safety and Comfort. Universal design or ADA-compliant living is one in which the occupant can use everything in the home safely without assistance. Floor plan design features may include one-story living, no-step entryways, wide doorways, extra floor space, floors and bathroom features with no-slip surfaces, improved lighting and details such as lever door handles.
Think Creatively. In addition to a bedroom, bathroom and closets, the In-Law Suite could include a kitchenette, laundry, living and dining area. You could renovate the floor plan of a garage, bedroom, attic, office, basement, back porch, even a barn or freestanding cottage on your property. Consider the help of an Architect to check the local zoning ordinances first before designing the house plans.
Ask your Architect to draw a 3-dimensional hand-sketch that will allow you to visualize your architectural design ideas. It will also help your contractor prepare an early cost estimate to verify your budget goals.