How much space you require now, versus what you may need in the future can be very different. From the arrival of children, to elderly parents moving in or temporary guests visiting from abroad – including that extra bedroom may be the best thing you ever do. Whilst you’re at it, consider adding additional and flexible living spaces. One home-owner’s study may be another’s theatre room or office – the important thing is that you’ve got the space to work with.
Aspect is an important factor to consider when building as it can enhance your enjoyment of the home and boost its future value. No matter where you’re building in Australia, north or north-east facing properties are generally considered most desirable, because they’ve got the best chance of letting in sunlight.
Try and face your main living spaces, such as the lounge, dining room, kitchen and backyard towards the north. You may also consider adding more windows or extending existing ones on the north side to make the most of available light. If you can’t avoid facing south, think about installing north-oriented skylights and choosing light-coloured wall paint and light-enhancing carpet to keep things bright.
Trends are always changing, so stick to design principles that are forever fashionable. These include high-ceilings, neutral wall colours, abundant natural light and balanced proportions. When upsizing or upgrading your home, these cornerstones of good design should be front of mind.
That’s not to say your home can’t reflect your natural personality and uniqueness – just channel this into your styling, including furniture and accessories, which can more easily be updated as trends and taste change.
Choosing high-quality finishes and appliances can make your life easier in the long run, since more durable products will likely last longer. If you need to prioritise where to invest, think about heavy-use areas such as in your kitchen and bathroom. These spaces are a good place to start when installing durable, low-maintenance products and finishes.
When it comes to great homes, it’s often the little things that add up to make it a truly awesome place to live. So, when building yours, think about the comfort and convenience you can include in the design that will help make life’s daily grind all the easier. We’re talking about things like garage access from inside your home, a walk-in pantry, extra-large sliding doors into the backyard, automation technology to turn on your lights – they might not seem important now, but you’ll be thankful for them, every day.
A thoughtfully designed outdoor space provides endless opportunities for entertaining as well as peaceful moments in nature. Think about your garden as an extension of your living space and opt for decked and covered areas so that you can enjoy being outdoors all year round.
The information contained in this article is intended to be of a general nature only. It has been prepared without taking into account any person’s objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this information, Fairhaven Homes recommends that you consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances and that you seek independent legal, financial, and taxation advice before acting on any information in this article.
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