Deigning a forever home is a deeply personal journey that balances future needs with present lifestyle. This post will guide you through the most important considerations to keep in mind before breaking ground or beginning a renovation. This will encourage a long-term, thoughtful approach to the design process so that you can create a home that will support your lifestyle now and in the years to come.
Location, Lifestyle, & Long-Term Vision
Of course, location is a hugely important factor. You want to choose somewhere that is a good fit for your lifestyle now while also thinking ahead to the future. Think about key elements like proximity to work and schools, local amenities, noise levels, and future development plans. You do not want to live somewhere that is inconvenient, so you need to take your time to find the ideal location for your forever home.
Prioritising Accessibility & Future Flexibility
It is not always easy to think way ahead into the future, but you should consider accessibility and future flexibility with your future home. Think about things that would make life easier for you as you grow older, such as ground-floor bathrooms and step-free access. You should also have a home that is flexible so that you can make changes if required later, so that you do not have to move or pay for huge renovations.
Creating a Layout That Grows with You
You should also carefully consider the layout of your forever home and opt for a design that can grow with you and easily be changed as you go through different stages of life. An open plan design is smart as this gives you much greater flexibility with the option of creating different zones, such as a home office space, play area, relaxation space, etc.
Storage That Lasts: Built-In Solutions That Work
Homeowners often underestimate the importance of sufficient storage, which can make life challenging as you acquire more possessions over the years (especially if you have kids!). Therefore, you should consider built-in storage solutions that will give you ample storage space while maximising floor space.
Quality Over Quantity: Investing in the Right Materials
If you plan on living in this property forever (or at least the next 10+ years), you should always invest in high-quality materials. Cutting corners by opting for cheaper materials could lead to damage and costly replacements down the line.
Energy Efficiency & Smart Home Features for the Future
Energy efficiency is another key consideration, especially with the rising cost of energy. Features like solar panels, ground pumps, and eco-friendly appliances can slash your long-term costs and reduce your impact. Smart home features can also enhance convenience at home, such as video doorbells, smart thermostats, and smart lighting.
These are the main areas to focus on when designing your forever home. By focusing on these areas, you can design a home that will suit your lifestyle and needs both now and in the future.
