The Pre-Design Phase / Design Research

Inspiration & Ideas

We've been talking about this in the preceding sections, but now lets get a little more specific about generating ideas for your home. Gathering inspiration and ideas helps you visualize the end result, identify your preferences, and communicate your vision to your architect or builder. The more inspiration you collect, the better equipped you'll be to create a home that reflects your unique style and meets your functional needs.

It's worth considering other practical elements such as building regulations, maintenance, sustainability, and energy efficiency during the inspiration phase to avoid choosing designs that are not feasible in the long term.

As always, you can use an EcoHome project to help get you started, or take a look below for more ideas.

Home Design Magazines

Browse through home design magazines to find ideas for architectural styles, interior design, landscaping, and more. Magazines can be an excellent source of inspiration, showcasing the latest trends and timeless design principles.

Online Platforms

Use websites like Pinterest, Houzz, or Instagram to explore and save design ideas. These platforms make it easy to search for specific styles or features, and you can create boards or collections to organize your favorite images.

Home Design Shows and Videos

Watch home design shows on television or online streaming platforms to get ideas and learn about new products, materials, and design techniques. Some popular home design shows include HGTV's "Fixer Upper," "Property Brothers," and "Love It or List It," but keep in mind that these shows may not accurately reflect real-life costs or timing.

Architecture and Design Blogs

Follow architecture and design blogs to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and innovations in the industry. Blogs offer in-depth articles, interviews, and project highlights, providing a wealth of information and inspiration.

Model Homes and Home Tours

Visit model homes, open houses, or home tours in your area to get a firsthand look at different design elements and layouts. Observing how others have designed their homes can spark ideas and help you identify your preferences. Pay attention to the little details while visiting model homes or watching design shows, as it's often the small touches that make a house feel like a home.

Consult with Designers or Architects

Meet with a professional designer or architect to discuss your ideas and gather expert advice. They can provide valuable insights, recommend materials and products, and help you refine your vision.

Creating a Design Board or Mood Board

A design board or mood board is a visual representation of your design ideas, including images, color swatches, materials, and other elements that represent your desired aesthetic. Creating a design board can help you:

  • Organize and refine your ideas
  • Identify patterns and preferences in your design choices
  • Communicate your vision to your architect or builder
  • Make decisions about colors, materials, and finishes

You can create a physical design board using magazine clippings, fabric samples, and paint swatches, or you can use digital tools like Pinterest to create a virtual design board. Once you have made some decisions and have your mood board, we recommend you use our tools to help you refine what you are looking for and start to build something that is unique for you and your family.

As you gather inspiration and ideas, keep in mind your budget, priorities, and the specific requirements of your site. Be open to compromise and adjustments to ensure your home is both beautiful and functional.

Questions to answer

  • What are some key elements or features you've discovered through your research that you would like to incorporate into your home design?

  • Are there any particular architectural styles or design trends that have caught your attention? How do they align with your personal preferences and lifestyle?

  • Have you identified any recurring themes or patterns in your design choices that reflect your unique style and taste?

  • How can you use a design board or mood board to organize and refine your ideas, and to communicate your vision to your architect or builder effectively?

  • In what ways have visiting model homes, open houses, or home tours helped you gain a better understanding of design elements and layouts that you prefer?

  • How can consulting with professional designers or architects provide valuable insights and help refine your vision for your home?

  • How will you balance your design inspirations and ideas with your budget, priorities, and site-specific requirements to create a beautiful and functional home?

Next
Creating a Preliminary Budget