Designing your Dream Home

10 Tips for Building a Functional and Stylish Space

When dreaming up a custom home design you need to think like a professional interior designer!

Here are my top ten tips to consider for creating a functional and stylish home:

1. List out your family’s daily needs and routines before finalizing a floor plan! Ask yourself questions like:
   What spaces will receive the most foot traffic? Which entrance to your home will be utilized most often?
   

2. Consider the stage of life you are in now and make decisions that might also align with the stage of life you’ll be in ten years from now.
   You may have little kids right now so consider what materials will be safe and comfortable for their childhood that will also still look nice and hold up over the years as they grow older and trends change. Consider the characteristics of each material, such as its strength, resistance to wear and tear, and cleaning requirements.
   

3. Make sure you have enough storage to search your family.
   Incorporate sufficient storage solutions to keep the space organized and free of clutter. (I’m all about a clutter-free space, just ask my husband and kids. 😉 ) Customized built-in cabinets, shelves, and closets can maximize storage capacity while maintaining a clean and stylish look.
   

4. Lighting (natural & artificial) sets the tone for your home.
   Make sure you have a combination of natural and artificial lighting. This helps to create an inviting and functional space. Maximize natural light with well-placed windows or skylights (the direction of your house make a difference here), and use a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting to enhance functionality and ambiance.
   

5. Use color to enhance the functionality and aesthetics of your space.
   Select a cohesive color palette that reflects your style and creates the desired atmosphere. Consider the psychological effects of colors and how they can impact the mood of the space.
   

6. Design is in the details!
   Pay attention to the small details that can elevate the overall look and functionality of the space. These details include selections like hardware, trim, moldings, and finishes, which add a layer of sophistication and completeness to the design.
   

7. Know the difference between open and private areas within the home.
   Finding the right balance between open and private areas within the space is important. Designate private zones for relaxation or focused work, while keeping open areas for socializing and flexibility.
   

8. To enhance functionality and convenience, consider incorprating the use of technology.
   Plan for the integration of technology . Consider wiring for sound systems, smart home automation, or built-in charging stations to accommodate modern lifestyle needs.
   

9. Pay attention to scale and proportion ensuring that your furniture and accessories are appropriately sized for the room they will be utilized in.
   It’s often tempting to simply shop the big box stores and grab whats on their shelves but this will only work for certain items. Decide where you’ll invest in more professionally designed items that keep scale, function, AND style in mind. Your space will look more more high end when you keep a balance.
   

10. Show your personality!
    Add your personal touch to the space through decor and accessories. Incorporate artwork, plants, textiles, and other decorative elements that reflect your style and add visual interest.

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