Your regret-free home project starts with a solid, yet flexible, plan.
The hallmark of a dated home, aside from cringe-worthy finishes and furnishings, is often the floor plan. We are grateful that the days of designing “for the moment” are behind us. Today’s homeowner wants to design for longevity, aging in place, caring for the older generation, and raising the younger one.
In case you are wondering, yes, that is a tall order for one floor plan to meet, but it’s also entirely possible. While there are many considerations to make when creating a floor plan, here are three elements that we feel are crucial to making your new build or remodel stand the test of time.
1. INDOOR-OUTDOOR SPACES
Outdoor spaces make the home feel more luxurious and, for approximately half the year in many climates, drastically increase the square footage of usable space. However, this doesn’t mean throwing a random patio in the backyard and calling it an outdoor living room will suffice.
Today’s floor plans include a feeling of transition-free living from indoor to outdoor. This is accomplished through large windows, multiple patio doors, or even completely retractable or folding glass doors. This is also done by adding outdoor spaces to both the front and back of the home, rather than one or the other.
Modern Farmhouse Plan with Indoor / Outdoor Living from Architectural Designs
2. MULTI-GENERATIONAL SPACES
Whether you are raising the generation above or below yours, doing so requires special floor plan considerations. Mother-in-law suites, which are perfect for your in-laws, frequent guests, or that adult child who needs to save money, are incredibly dynamic spaces.
When not used in the more traditional sense, they also make for great, luxurious home offices, complete with an ensuite bathroom and kitchenette.
Spacious Design With Mother-in-Law Suite from Architectural Designs
3. MULTI-PURPOSE SPACES
Similar to the mother-in-law-suite, but requiring less space, multi-purpose (or flex) spaces are quite nearly a necessity. The bedroom nearest your main living areas can become a home office, guest room, playroom, school room, crafting space, or a combination of a couple of these.
We suggest using the bedroom nearest the kitchen / living areas of your home because that space will likely be shared and should be more easily accessible.
Northwest House Plan with Flex Room from Architectural Designs
DESIGN TREND
Natural hard surfaces.
DESIGN TIP
Consider each room.
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