Designing your own home is an exciting journey. Some things to take into consideration include size, how long you plan to live in the home, whether your family will be growing or shrinking in the near future, and your lifestyle. Luckily we have some tips to help you design the perfect home for your family.  

Design for the future 

When you’re exploring home design concepts, it’s important to think ahead. Remember that you aren’t just building a home for who you are now, your home will also need to be suitable for future iterations of yourself. It can be tough, but don’t get too carried away by the excitement of owning your own home that you forget to plan for what you’ll want and need down the line. Choose a design that you can grow into with a little extra wriggle room so you can accommodate for your future lifestyle. 

Think about the floor plan 

Everyone has their own unique style when it comes to their homes. When you’re deciding on the layout you will need to consider whether your family would prefer an open plan layout or a more traditional layout where there are defined room separations. Think about your current furniture or furniture you plan to buy and how it will sit in the home too to make sure it will all fit in. 

Families with younger children tend to prefer to have all of the private spaces (such as bedrooms and bathrooms) in the home grouped together whereas those with teenagers often spread out the bedrooms for privacy. 

If you still need more inspiration, why not explore our floor plans? 

Are you an entertainer? 

Many floor plans are centred around the concept that you will be hosting and entertaining guests therefore the plans are set to accommodate them from the moment they step through the door. A wide foyer leading into an open plan living and dining area with indoor-outdoor flow would be the perfect environment for entertaining guests.  

However, if your family are more private and would prefer for your entire home to not be on display when you have guests over then you may opt for a formal living room situated near your front door. This way your visitors can immediately sit down and feel comfortable while maintaining privacy to the rest of your home. 

Single or double story? 

Many people enjoy the quietness of single story homes due to the lack of foot traffic overhead. Single story floor plans tend to group shared areas such as the kitchen and living area in the centre of the home while the bedrooms and bathrooms are located adjacent or in ‘wings’ of the house. Double story homes give you the benefit of having a view while also ensuring that each family member has their own space and privacy. 

Keep in mind that the size and shape of your land will also play a role in determining whether a single or double story home. 

Functionality & Accessibility

When it comes to the layout you will want to consider the functionality and accessibility of your home. Consider whether you have friends or family members who require extra space to maneuver such as those who use wheelchairs or require easier access with less stairs, or whether you have kids that need extra-wide hallways to run around in.  

Outdoor space

Your floor plan will most likely include an outdoor living area so when you are designing this space it’s important to consider how much your family will actually use it. Whether you’re planning an outdoor dining area, a pool, or a large garden keep in mind that you will have to maintain it. Ensure that you want the additional responsibility of looking after outdoor amenities and features along with your indoor space. 

Based throughout New Zealand, Trenz Homes prides ourselves on delivering quality local know-how and excellent service. Contact your local Trenz Homes team to talk with us about your new home.