Did you know that 14% of Americans, around 40 million people, will move homes in the next year?
Will you and your family be among them? If so, you have a lot of things to consider before selecting your next residence.
What’s the best home layout design for your family? If you’re building or a new home, do you know how to design a floor plan that fits your needs?
Whether you’re looking for an existing home or building an addition, here are key points to remember for the best floor plans.
1. Suits Your Lifestyle
Do you enjoy solitude and privacy? Or do you like entertaining company every weekend?
When looking at floor plan ideas, consider what the space will look like full of people. Do you host family gatherings during the holidays? Will your parents be visiting for a month or two over the summer?
How accessible is the guest bathroom? Will visitors have to pass through a private space like a bedroom to reach it? What about the patio or other common areas: are they tucked away, or easy to reach?
2. Practical for Your Family
You may love the idea of an open staircase, loft, or glass shower enclosure. And if it’s just you (or you and your spouse), those layout designs might be fine.
But what if you have small children or aging pets?
Before you fall in love with a modern, open layout, make sure it’s safe and practical for your family and pets.
3. Doesn’t Waste Space
The best floor plans utilize space without wasting it. Even a few wasted inches in one room can make a big difference in another.
Are the walkways wider than they need to be? Is that wide open living room going to look empty even with all your furniture in it?
When it comes to layout, too much space can be as problematic as not enough space.
4. Considers Existing Infrastructure
It’s always possible to renovate, but some projects might be more trouble than they’re worth.
If you want to move the guest bathroom to the other side of the house, is there already plumbing in place? If you want to mount a TV on the living room wall, will your family have to pass in front of it while you’re watching a show?
When planning changes, consider what’s already there and what you have to work with. Depending on the layout, it might be possible to add a partition wall to section off a smaller space.
5. Has Enough Storage Space
A final (and often overlooked) consideration is the amount of storage space.
Those modern open floor plans are beautiful, but where will you keep your stuff? Is there enough closet space for your sporting equipment, winter clothes, or children’s toys?
Make sure the floor plan includes adequate storage space for your belongings. Otherwise, you’ll end with a garage full of clutter.
The Best Floor Plans: Now You Know
Ultimately, the best floor plans are the ones that work best for your family and your lifestyle.
Whether you’re seeking solitude or hope to entertain every weekend, your floor plan design should reflect your goals.
Speaking of goals, is your kitchen due for an update? Check out our recent post for fresh inspiration.