There’s no place like home, but also, there’s also no place as fantastic as a well-designed home. Coming home to a bright, well-planned home that blends aesthetics and practicality can be instantly relaxing.
When you’re thinking of designing your home, keep the future in mind. Do you have a growing family? Do you have aging parents? Do you work from home, or will you be retiring soon? Brainstorm, involve your family, and hire a good architect that will see your design and vision come to life.
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This article explores a variety of custom features that you can incorporate into your home.
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1. Ample Lighting
One of the most important aspects to consider is natural lighting. Natural lighting has the power to transform the room’s appeal. Using skylights or large windows allows more natural light to flood in and thus reduces the need to use artificial lights. The abundance of natural light also uplifts your mood, reduces stress levels, and improves your circadian rhythm.
Carefully choose the type of artificial light you’ll use in your home. Think of using energy-saving bulbs. Keep in mind the room’s intended use. You may want brighter lights in the kitchen, and dimmer switches in the bedroom. Strive for a good balance between natural and artificial lights.
2. Smart Storage
Even if you’re a minimalist, there are certain things that you’ll need to store. A well-designed home will provide smart storage solutions, thus reducing clutter. Your items will be organized and accessible.
Think of built-in cabinets, walk-in closets, walk-in pantries, and shelving. Keep items seldom used on higher shelves. Kitchen islands are also great for storing items within reach. If you have a growing family, you’ll need extra storage space for toys, books, and other items.
You’ll never go wrong with having ample storage. During the design process, make sure you include enough space for smart storage systems.
3. Energy Efficiency
Consider energy-efficient solutions that’ll save you considerable money in the long run. These could be using solar-powered electricity and installing solar water heating panels. Use double-glazed windows to prevent heat loss.
If you live in an area that experiences high temperatures, you can have a cool roof. This type of roof is designed to reflect the sunlight and reduce the heat that’s absorbed into the building. About 12% of the energy used in American homes is for air conditioning, so a cool roof will further reduce your expenses.
Install smart appliances for security, lighting, and climate control that you can customize according to your usage. These appliances can be operated remotely, so you don’t have to rush home to switch off the lights or adjust the thermostat. If you have kids or elderly parents, you can keep an eye on them from a distance, which will give you peace of mind.
4. Quality Materials
When you’re sourcing materials, think about having them for the next 15 to 20 years. The kitchen is one of the most frequented rooms in the house, so you want to get it right from the get-go. Granite is widely popular for countertops as about 62% of millennial home buyers choose granite or stone countertops, based on a study by the National Association of Home Builders. You can design a modern kitchen with stone countertops and complement them with wooden elements.
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Carefully choose roofing materials and flooring materials that are long-lasting and resilient. You want materials that can be easily cleaned and maintained, especially if you have pets and a young family. Most companies provide a 3- to 10-year warranty, according to Home Guide. Using high-quality materials and finishes gives a home a sense of craftsmanship and increases its overall worth.
For your home to be both aesthetically beautiful and highly functional, it’ll require a lot of planning and time. To make your ideas a reality, do extensive research and assemble a talented team. By incorporating the above features and more, you’ll truly have a well-designed home that meets your current needs and also caters to your future requirements.
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