Whether or not you consider yourself a bit of a designer, all of us provides ideas and input into the design process about how your infill home will ‘look and feel’…its floor plans, finishings, and exterior character. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
Floor Plans First, Then Exterior
With the cost of infill land, you want to maximize the use of it. Your land size, orientation, and configuration will affect the entrances, layout, window locations, size, garage location, and the overall general aspects of the design for your home. List or sketch out ideas and share these with your Designer. The Designer will convert these to drawings and budgetary estimates for your approval, prior to submitting for the Development and Building Permits.
Use Positive & Negative Space Wisely.
Infill design allows you to be creative. Use of space is very important. A cohesive sense and combination of form and function makes your space both attractive and usable. Effectively use positive and negative space – positive space is where the actual objects are (bathtub, lighting) while negative space is the empty space around and in between everything else, often highlighting and showcasing everything next to it. And don’t forget to ask your Designer about different ideas and uses of colour and texture.
Good Design Adds Higher Resale value
Often resale value is a consideration when designing your home. Not only is the design for aesthetic reasons but also for functional and financial. You might be surprised to learn which design ideas are more beneficial in helping your home stand out and add value to your home
- Be energy efficient. Windows, doors, insulation, LED lights, heating, ventilation…even solar.
- Kitchen Is king – you’ll get no better bang for your buck than in the kitchen.
- When It comes to storage, more the better. There is no such thing as too much storage.
- Add curb appeal – first impressions count. Select trees, shrubs, plants that are suitable to the climate and are low maintenance.
Conclusion:
By paying attention to these details, you can create a home that looks modern and stylish while also ensuring that it will increase its value over time.