THE NEW YEAR BRINGS A NEW WAY OF THINKING…

From Commodore Homes

INTRODUCTION:

With the beginning of a new year, comes new ideas, inspiration and a sense of excitement. So we’ve put together a few things that you may not have considered before.

“Design your dream home from

another point of view.”

WHAT WE’LL COVER: • Insights into 2015.• How times have changed.• How to create a combination of

open plan and walled-off rooms.

1. OUR INSIGHT:

With families wanting more from their homes and trends adapting to keep up, think about what you want from your new space. This year, it’s time to focus on you, not on what’s in fashion!

2.TIMES ARE CHANGING

For a long time now open-plan living has been highly sought after, but is it really the best design for you and your family?  More and more buyers are returning to times of yesteryear, with walled-off rooms that have their own individual purpose, but why?

3.WHY WALLED-OFF ROOMS?

• Many children are staying in family homes for longer – the need for separate spaces for different generations is growing.

• People are now seeking out more privacy, as well as peace and quiet.

• Huge open space can be costly when it comes to heating and cooling.

• Technology is on the rise, open plan is soon to become a battle between devices.

• Separate rooms allow you to focus on one element with less going on around you.

4.OPEN-PLAN BENEFITS…

• More natural light.• The ability to keep an eye on

children.• Incredible entertaining space.• Makes multi-tasking more

manageable.

5.MAKE A PLAN

Before you start planning, write a list of your priorities, considering your future use of the house too.  Do you enjoy cosy, intimate spaces? Do you spend a lot of time together as a family? Have you all got different bedtimes?

“If you have a young family or constantly have

people over, you may

struggle to get everything done if you

choose a room-based layout.”

6.THE PERFECT MIX…

Some great ways to combine both open-plan and room-based design is to have a separate activity room as well as the kitchen, living and dining area, adding a butler’s pantry and laundry, and keeping different generation areas at opposing ends of the home, making your space a retreat. 

7.IN NEED OF A BUTLER?

If you aren’t a particularly tidy family, adding in a butler’s pantry, laundry and even a porch can de-clutter the living space and keep mess hidden from guests.  This will allow you to hold everything behind closed doors, while still achieving that spacious feeling from open-plan living. 

8.LITTLE ADDITIONS…

You don’t have to re-design your whole home, it can be simple to make additions to already existing spaces, making them more suited to your family. If you love cooking and conversing, add a booth or sliding bar to make the walled-off space far more sociable. 

9.A PLACE TO ESCAPE

Having areas you can escape to when it all gets a bit much will mean you can enjoy family time with less friction.  Add in invisible double doors, they will make a room seem spacious and open, but give you the chance to enjoy privacy when friends come over. Make other areas of your home more useful by adding cubbyholes for kids and nooks under windows on landings. An outdoor area in your shower space could be perfect for relaxing, or a bathroom ledge, which will add flair while also being a usable space.

SUMMARY:

Although times are reverting back to past designs, it doesn’t mean you are taking a step backwards. Choose a home that suits your family and lifestyle and there’s no need to compromise.

http://www.commodorehomes.com.au/