When you envision your new home, the design process can start with key questions about your lifestyle. Our Design Team offers some sage advice in the form of a series of questions. As you consider each set of questions, it will be clear what your must-haves are that will truly make your home customized and meet your needs for years to come. Let us know what you learn about your priorities.
Digging Deep to Inform Design Decisions
Basic Needs
How many people will live here? Are they permanent or occasional occupants? Are there special needs associated with any of them?
Is this a primary or secondary home? Considerations such as climate control and storage will come into play depending on the answer.
Entertaining
What type of kitchen do I want? Do I want one that can accommodate friends and family while I cook? What type of space will I need for food storage, dishes, glassware, utensils, cooking equipment, cleaning supplies, garbage? Do I have specific appliances in mind?
Do I want a formal dining room? If not, do I want a bar or breakfast nook area and a family style table in the kitchen?
Will I entertain here? In what numbers? Assess as carefully as possible as the answer may very well determine the layout of the kitchen, dining and living areas.
Family Space vs Guests
How many guest rooms? Where do I want them in proximity to the family bedrooms? Does this affect the placement of bathrooms?
How many bathrooms do I need? How many will be shared? Are there any special features or equipment needed/desired such as a freestanding tub, sauna, designer shower, grab bars, extra outlets in the cabinetry, special lighting, ventilation, or child friendly storage and faucets?
Technology and Privacy
Do I want a home office and/or a device docking and charging station? What electrical equipment will be required and where will it be located? Do I need increased electrical sources and Internet access? Where do I want a docking charging station?
Do I want this office close to or far from the daily activity of the house? Will I be working from home? Do I want desk space in common rooms for other computer activities?
Do I want a media room(s)? Where/how, does my family use computers and TVs? Note: Docking/charging stations are most often located in the kitchen, media room, and bedrooms.
Everyday Activities Considered Create Easy Living
Where do I want the laundry room located? Does my home generate enough laundry to consider multiple washing machines? On what level would I like it (them)? Be sure to consider the space needed for an ironing board, air-drying fine washables and hand washing of certain garments as well as laundry room supplies storage.
What are my storage requirements? YBH strongly suggests you assess on a room-by-room basis while also considering special needs such as sports equipment, crafts, sewing, or other hobbies.
Will I have pets? Will I want direct access to a yard or a mudroom? Where will pets be fed? Where will items such as litter boxes go?
