There is a lot that goes into designing and building your dream home. You want to create a beautiful and serene abode for relaxation and to get away from the hustles and bustles of your day-to-day undertakings.
As the place you will call home for many years to come, you want to get it right in every aspect, from the roof to the floors and even the fittings. All these elements fall under the floor plan design.
Floor Plans and Why they are Important
A floor plan is the space outline or overview of your house in a scaled two dimensional drawing representation, showing circulation and connection of different spaces. You must get it right with the floor plan because of its impact on the overall design and functionality of your home.
Having, or not having a good floor plan in place can make or break the final look and functionality of your new home. Thus, it is paramount that you take some time and think about your inspiration and needs, to come up with a floor plan that suits you and your family’s needs and lifestyle.
How to gain professional insights for FREE, no strings attached
Unsure about your next building project? Get expert advice, no strings attached! Take advantage of our FREE consultation at SQM Architects. We’re here to answer your queries and bring clarity to your vision. With our transparent process and reputable track record, your project is in capable hands.
Custom vs. Stock floor plans: A Comparison
Before you settle on one of the eye-catching modern floor plans, think about your requirements and the amount of money at your disposal. One of the decisions you must make is whether to settle for a stock or a custom floor plan.
A stock floor plan is more of a contemporary design characterized by walls separating different rooms. Normal spaces and measurements are also typical of this type of floor plan. Each room can be designed or colored differently as the walls partition the rooms from one another.
On the other hand, a custom plan allows you to integrate your creative ideas and an opportunity for your imagination to flourish. It allows you to design a plan that resonates with your lifestyle, preferences, and needs for the perfect dream home.
Benefits of a custom floor plan for your home
A custom floor plan allows you to work with your architect to integrate features and other additions that echo your style and individual inclination. With custom plans, you can create a tailored design to meet your specific interests and goals.
Here, you are free to bring your creativity into play and create a floor plan with a personalized touch from scratch. You are free to choose the sizes, materials, fittings, colors, and other features to your liking.
The Elements of the Ideal Floor Plan
Utilise the property effectively
Look at the space available and think of the best way to utilise it for the best results. A good floor plan should work seamlessly with the available space. Where do you place windows or balconies for breathtaking views? or how do you maximize the amount of light in your house?
If you have some extra space, how best can you utilise it? Remember, the goal is not to work with a large space, but to work best with the available space.
Accessibility
A good floor plan should allow easy movement and flow from one room to the other. The rooms should be easily accessible from the stairs, with a well-worked link to other parts of the house. No one should feel frustrated about moving from one room to another.
The functionality of the rooms
Every room should be designed to serve a purpose. Therefore, think about the function of each room and any future adjustments that may need to be done. Also, it is necessary to consider which rooms are best positioned close to one another for optimal functionality. For instance, a kitchen is more functional when adjacent to the living or dining room as opposed to a bedroom or a bathroom.
Lighting and energy efficiency
A well-lit room is more functional and exudes a lively vibe than a dark room. Therefore, a good floor plan should consider letting sufficient natural light into the rooms. Whether you need to design the windows facing a certain direction or add extra windows for more lighting, think about maximizing the light in your new home.
Lifestyle
Your way of life should inspire the floor plan design of your home. Are you an outdoor enthusiast, a pet lover, a writer, or an athlete? Asking yourself such a question can help you determine the type of spaces you need for your floor plan. An athlete may need a gym, just as a pet lover may need ample outdoor space to play catch and bond with their fluffy companions.
Thinking about your way of life can help you make suitable adjustments to your floor plan to align with your lifestyle needs.
A touch of outdoors
A good floor plan should provide you with an easy link to nature. Whether it is through the large windows for the perfect view or an outdoor garden to grow and care for plants, it is essential to connect with the outdoors.
Storage
Storage space is of utmost importance in any floor space design. Some outdoor possessions may need to be secured out of weather where some can be incorporated into the landscape. Also, to better manage the space available, it is important to have designated storage spaces to avoid creating unwanted clusters in the house. Think about a walk-in robe, kitchen pantry, linen cabinet, services cabinet, under stair storage, garden shed, roof storage access, or an extra storage room at the far end of the corridor.
A Specialist for your Victorian home floor plan: SQM Architects
To succeed in any construction project, it is necessary to have a plan so as to attain the desired goals. A good floor plan is vital if you want a flawless building experience and the perfect dream house. The question is though, “Where do you start?”
Worry not if you are new in the construction and property market in and around Victoria. SQM Architects are established professionals in the industry offering free consultations and are ready to help you realise your dream home.
SQM Architects are your trusted partners in matters of construction, including site analysis, designing a custom floor plan, as well as implementing the final construction blueprints. So, if you are a homeowner looking for dedicated and proven experts in and around Victoria, look no further than SQM architects. Feel free to call us today and book a free consultation.
How to gain professional insights for FREE, no strings attached
Unsure about your next building project? Get expert advice, no strings attached! Take advantage of our FREE consultation at SQM Architects. We’re here to answer your queries and bring clarity to your vision. With our transparent process and reputable track record, your project is in capable hands.
About the Author
Sammi Lian, the founder of SQM Architects, has dedicated over 15 years of her career to the architectural industry. She works diligently with property developers, builders, investors, and homeowners, using her skills and knowledge to facilitate their building design needs.