Consider needs vs. desires in home design

A good house has a certain feel to it. From the first impression made upon approaching the front entrance to settling into a cozy chair for conversation with friends, the entire house works together to create an ambience of comfort and ease of living. It may appear that the furnishings and finishes are the secret behind this feeling, but even the most beautifully decorated home will feel uncomfortable if the home is poorly designed.

Planning a good home begins with analyzing the construction site. A view of nearby woods or water features should be captured; a view of the neighbor’s hot tub might be best avoided (depending on the neighbors).

After analyzing the site features, begin a detailed priority list of “needs” (four bedrooms, large laundry room) versus “wants” (separate media room, room to store fully decorated Christmas tree) and “don’t wants” (view of neighbor’s hot tub). Make notes of any special pieces of furniture that require extra room or that may require design challenges.

After completing this initial analysis, put down the sketch pad and hire a competent residential designer to make sense of everything. If a contractor has already been selected, bring everyone together for a kickoff meeting to discuss time frame, budget and overall goals. Working as a team with input from all players will produce the most successful project.

Now, the fun of designing the home begins. Unfortunately, this process can sometimes be very stressful for the homeowner. Many homeowners find it difficult to grasp what a two-dimensional drawing will look like in real life and they feel somewhat confused as the project progresses, not sure they are getting what they want. To begin thinking in three dimensions, it can be helpful to measure existing rooms, ceilings heights, countertops, etc., to get a sense of size and volume.

The following information is helpful when reviewing plans. Use it to analyze the strength of the design and never hesitate to ask the designer to make changes to improve the plan.

• A good floor plan should have a simple pleasing geometry about it. A floor plan that looks confusing on paper is going to feel confusing when built. Avoid zigzag halls and rooms that come to a sharp point. If the designer intended to be elaborate and/or unique throughout the plan, these features might be acceptable. However, if the only unique thing about the plan is the hall, pass on it.

• Good flow is important in a floor plan. Circulation paths should skirt the edges of rooms rather than pass directly through them. Ensure room sequence makes sense. A visitor walking through the home should feel comfortable, not confused.

• Determine if private and public spaces are well-delineated. If the master bedroom is directly visible from the main living space, it may be best to relocate it. Passing through a small hall or alcove strengthens the sense of privacy.

• Thoughtfully placed windows and doors greatly enhance a home. Sometimes, the exterior of the house may dictate window placement so that window openings line up with or between exterior elements such as columns. Ensure that any large feature windows are located in large rooms so that the light and views associated with them can be enjoyed. Windows placed on at least two exterior walls of the room will allow greater variety of light into the room and the result will be a more pleasing space.

Door placement alters how a person views or uses a room. Too many doors in one room are distracting and waste valuable wall space. Powder room doors should be discreetly located so views of the toilet are not visible from public spaces such as dining areas. If the powder room is located directly off the main entry hall, check to see that the toilet bowl does not greet guests as they enter.

• Look for connections between inside and outside spaces. A wall of doors that opens to create an indoor/outdoor space will provide the opportunity to increase living space when the weather is nice. An herb garden located right outside the kitchen door might be desirable for the home chef.

• Check the exterior elevations (the drawings of the exterior of the house) on all sides to look for attention to detail such as the windows lining up between floors. If the windows and doors on the back of the home seem carelessly placed, the overall design may need some work.

There is no single plan that fits everyone. Each family has its own needs and desires. However, with careful thought and attention during the design process, the result will be a home that enhances the life of the family within and offers that “certain feeling” that only comes from a well-designed home.

Susie Wieland is an architect specializing in residential design and the owner Wieland Studio LLC.

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