Each custom home is unique because people are unique. Your custom home is an expression of the decisions you make, your priorities and your preferences. Providing lifestyle information best informs architects how to design. Here are a few prompts to consider when beginning your custom home project.
What, for each person, are the ingredients that make a perfect day? Do you prefer wide open spaces, or cozy little nooks? Do you prefer expansive, distant views, or close views of your garden out the kitchen window? Do you love to entertain company, or do you prefer solitude at the end of the day? How do you rejuvenate? A book? TV? A bath? Nature?
What do you have to do on a daily basis? Get up, clean up, dress, eat, become informed, gain inspiration. What impedes you, annoys you, frustrates you? What is your approach to dining? Do you enjoy the preparation of meals for its own sake? Do you have animals, play sports, work out, have hobbies? Do you have special furniture, artwork, antiques, or collectables? These are the types of questions to ask for making smart design decisions that will enhance your lifestyle.
Homes are typically described in terms of the number of bedrooms, the number of bathrooms, and the square footage. These are quantitative measures, not qualitative, and not very good indicators of how well a home will enhance your quality of life. A well-designed home can eliminate obstacles in the way of accomplishing your goals. Your home is a built environment that simultaneously protects you from, and connects you to, the natural environment and each other. It can enhance your health, safety, and sense of well-being.
Changes in the world may affect your home design decisions. Technology, pandemics, material innovations, and workplace dynamics can profoundly influence decisions for your home. Do you enjoy wearing slippers and warm clothing or light-weight clothing when at home? Do you travel enough to want or need to manage your home systems remotely?Do you work from home? Architectural Digest, Maine Home and Design, and other avenues for ideas are valuable resources to investigate.
Consider present, near future, and long-term time frames. With a little forethought, a well-designed home that takes into account your needs over time can serve you well for many years through life’s transitions. Who do you need to accommodate in your home now? Will that dynamic change? How frequently do you have over-night visitors? Do budget considerations require a multi-phased project?
Considering these topics is a great starting point for conversation that will help lead to smart design decisions. We look forward to partnering with you on your next project.