If you’re planning to build, the first step is to find the perfect home design. Something that will suit your lifestyle now as well as in the future. Naturally, people always think about the size of the home, the layout and the price, but try to consider design elements that will deliver long-term benefits and savings.
Living in Perth, we’re blessed with endless days of sunshine. Officially, Perth is the sunniest capital city in the world. We’re also known for our coastal sea breezes and balmy summer nights. It’s crucial that you consider these natural cost-saving elements when choosing a home design.
To help you narrow down a design that’s perfect for you, let’s look at the 6 essential home design ideas for Perth homebuyers.
1. Design a home that uses natural heating and light
Designing a home that incorporates passive heating will lower your long-term power bills. You’ll not only let natural heat and light into your home, you’ll also be able to trap that heat so your home stays warmer for longer.
The orientation of your block plays a big part in achieving passive heating. Ideally, you’ll want to position your main living areas and windows facing north. In winter, those windows will let in much-needed heat from the sun. Choosing a builder that can customise your home and help you achieve passive heating will pay dividends in the long run.
2. Home design that blends indoor/outdoor living
Living in Perth, with its beautiful climate, it makes sense to have a usable outdoor area. Not just a place to entertain now and then, but a functional space that can be used daily. To help connect the indoor and outdoor areas you can incorporate large windows or folding glass doors.
You’ll want your outdoor zone to flow through from the kitchen and living areas – this will give your home the feeling of more space. Considering everything that the world’s been through in the last couple of years and the time we’ve had to spend at home, creating more liveable space is a big advantage.
3. Design a space to work from home
It’s a fact that more and more people are working from home, so if you fit into that category, consider incorporating a dedicated working space. It doesn’t mean you have to convert the spare bedroom into a full-time study, instead talk to your builder about a dedicated study nook.
Today’s technology is smaller and slimmer, so you don’t need a huge amount of space to work. Also, Wi-Fi means you’re not chained to a particular area, so look at all options to add a small study area – preferably somewhere that doesn’t feel locked away and has access to natural light. It’ll make for a happier workday.
4. Incorporate zones in your design
As mentioned in the introduction, the ideal home is something that will suit you now and in the future. Whether that’s growing from a young couple to a family or the other way around with kids leaving home, it’s wise to think about areas that can adapt as you grow.
While the open-plan design is still the preferred choice for living, dining and kitchen areas, it’s good to create spaces for everyone to escape to. If you have kids or are planning to have kids, look at home designs with dedicated kid’s zones. It’s a zone that can be a play area while the kids are young and convert to a study area when they get older.
Remember, you don’t only have to rely on solid walls to create a zone. Once the house is built you can bring in non-permanent walls that can be shifted to open or close off spaces as needed.
5. Designs that connect with nature
Whether it’s the result of tech taking over our lives or the thought of impending lockdowns, the need to build a home that’s connected with nature has never been stronger. Some builders have noticed this trend and have designed homes with nature in mind.
A usable outdoor area is a great way to satisfy your need for nature. Somewhere you can comfortably use day and night for family dinners or events. Windows are also a great way to connect with nature. If you don’t have the option of floor to ceiling windows you can also think about bringing nature-based décor into the home.
6. A kitchen that’s designed for today’s living
If you’ve been undecided whether to build or buy established, the kitchen may be your deciding factor. Anyone who has done the rounds at home opens will have seen a whole range of kitchens – many of which look tired and outdated.
Building a new home allows you to get the kitchen you’ve always dreamed of. Enough space to move, a scullery to store all your bench appliances (and hide the dirty dishes when guests pop in) and energy-efficient white goods throughout.
If you want to discover more about the perfect home design, talk to the team at Blueprint Homes.
Blueprint Homes is WA’s most awarded builder for customer service having been presented 16 service awards between the HIA and MBA.
Contact Blueprint Homes today and find your dream home.
