The Pre-Design Phase / Design Research

Floorplan Research

Floor plan research involves thinking through how you can create a functional, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing layout for your home. It's a fun exercise too, thinking about how you'll actually be using the home that you're building. Your architect, designers, and contractors will be a wealth of knowledge about the details of laying out your home, but you'll be amazed how much more helpful their expertise will be if you've put in the time to think at a high level about your floor plan and how you plan to use your home.

If you're renovating, you'll also need to consider the constraints of your current home's structure and how to work within those, or whether to make more substantial changes. For example, you might think about whether it's worth moving load-bearing walls to create a more open plan or whether you can achieve your goals through smaller adjustments.

You'll want to take into consideration factors like room sizes, traffic flow, and furniture placement, as well as how that might change in the future.

In this section, we will discuss the key elements of successful floor planning and provide tips to help you design a space that meets your needs and preferences.

Understand Your Needs and Lifestyle

Begin by evaluating your lifestyle and determining the features and spaces that are most important to you. Consider factors such as:

  • The number of bedrooms and bathrooms
  • The need for a home office, playroom, or hobby space
  • The size and layout of the kitchen, dining, and living areas
  • The importance of outdoor living spaces, like porches or patios
  • The need for storage and utility spaces, such as a garage, basement, or attic

Room Sizes and Proportions

When designing your floor plan, consider the size and proportions of each room. Ensure that each space is large enough to accommodate its intended function and the furniture that will be placed in it. Also, consider the size of the rooms in relation to one another and the overall scale of the home. Avoid creating spaces that are disproportionately large or small compared to the rest of the house.

Traffic Flow and Circulation

Think about the flow of movement throughout your home, from room to room and between different levels. Design your floor plan to minimize the need for long hallways and ensure that rooms are easily accessible from one another. Consider the placement of key spaces, like the kitchen, living room, and bedrooms, in relation to one another to facilitate smooth and efficient circulation.

Room Relationships and Adjacencies

Consider the relationships between different rooms and design your floor plan to maximize efficiency and convenience. For example, placing the kitchen near the dining and living areas can create a cohesive and functional living space. Similarly, having the laundry room near the bedrooms can make it easier to transport clothes and linens.

Room Orientation and Views

Take advantage of natural light and views by thoughtfully positioning rooms in relation to the sun's path and the surrounding landscape. Place living areas and bedrooms where they can benefit from natural light, and design spaces like the kitchen and bathrooms with access to pleasant views, if possible.

Flexibility and Adaptability

Design your floor plan with flexibility in mind, creating spaces that can be easily adapted or repurposed as your needs change. For example, consider designing a room that can function as a guest bedroom, home office, or playroom, depending on your changing needs.

Balance and Symmetry

A well-designed floor plan should have a sense of balance and symmetry, with rooms and spaces that are proportionate and harmonious. This can be achieved through the thoughtful arrangement of rooms, the use of consistent design elements, and the incorporation of architectural features that add visual interest and create a sense of unity.

By following these guidelines and working closely with your architect or designer, you can create a floor plan that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. A well-designed floor plan will enhance your living experience and contribute to the long-term value of your home.

Questions to answer

  • What are the essential features and spaces you need in your home, based on your lifestyle and priorities?

  • How will you design your floor plan to optimize traffic flow and circulation between rooms and different levels of your home?

  • Which room relationships and adjacencies should you consider when designing your floor plan to maximize efficiency and convenience?

  • How can you strategically position rooms in your floor plan to take advantage of natural light and desirable views?

  • In what ways can you incorporate flexibility and adaptability into your floor plan to accommodate changing needs over time?

  • How can you ensure that the room sizes and proportions in your floor plan are well-balanced and meet the functional requirements of each space?

Next
Interior Design