Designing a functional home involves more than just choosing furniture and room layouts. You must also think about who will use the space, what they need from it and how to best accommodate those needs. A functional home provides comfort for relaxing and also gives a stress free environment. Things like worrying about the mortgage payment or if you have home appliance extended warranty is all part of the home owning process. Making your home comfortable and functional will reduce the stress of all the other adult worries.
One way to make your home more functional is to create designated spaces for items. These spaces can be as simple as a shoe rack or a hanger for coats and hats.
1. Designate Spaces
A functional home is based around having designated spaces for certain activities. For example, you want to have a place for putting on shoes, a separate area for hats and coats, a spot for leaving bags or umbrellas, etc.
Having designated storage spaces is also helpful. This way, things are not thrown in haphazardly and you can easily find what you need when you need it.
Make sure that every space is used for its intended purpose. If you have dead spaces like nooks or the top of staircases, clean them up and turn them into something useful such as a window seat, a tiny office or a reading nook. This will give your home more functionality as everything has its own spot and you don’t have to look for things all over the house.
2. Create Storage Spaces
Storage spaces are high up on most homeowners’ lists. They keep items like dirty shoes, pet leashes, and purses from cluttering the entire house and are a must for keeping your home functional.
Make the most of every nook and cranny in your home with clever storage solutions. For example, a small shoe rack keeps footwear off the hallway floor, making it easy to walk with bare feet.
When designing storage spaces, triple measure the inside areas of closets, cabinets, and other storage pieces to ensure they fit well and don’t create dead space with gaps or overlaps. This will help your home stay organized and make it easier to find things later on. Consider grouping similar-size items together, such as rolls of kitchen papers and wraps, in decorative storage pieces that blend with the room.
3. Think About the Future
Whether you have children, run an at-home business or pursue hobbies and passions that span generations, it’s important to think about your lifestyle needs when creating a functional home. That way, you can build a home that can grow with your family and will continue to work well even as your circumstances change. Double duty furniture, smart storage solutions, and movable walls are all great ways to create a home that can adapt as your lifestyle changes.
In the future, homes will continue to evolve beyond living spaces that simply provide a space for family members to relax and unwind. They will also serve as supportive environments that actively contribute to the health and wellbeing of their inhabitants. For example, they may include spaces for meditation, immersive nature views, or rooms dedicated to crafting hobbies.
4. Make It Easy to Move Around
A functional home is a place that makes it easy for family members to move through the spaces. It may take a little work, but with the right tips, you can create a place that improves daily routines while keeping family members comfortable.
Storage and seating options are key in creating a functional home. Look for furniture that serves multiple purposes, like a futon or ottoman with hidden storage. Also consider adding smart technology to make daily tasks easier, such as connecting appliances and devices to a central hub or using voice-activated assistants.
An entryway bench is a great way to store shoes, coats, and hats, while an umbrella stand keeps those items easily accessible when it’s time to head outdoors. This simple addition makes it easy to leave and return without having to search the house for something you need.
5. Make It Stylish
The goal of functional design is to marry form and function. It’s about understanding how you and your family use each space and finding ways to improve that functionality in a way that also pleases the eye.
This includes choosing furniture with both style and practicality. You may want to invest in furniture that can withstand stains and tears from your kids or pets, or you might choose items with removable covers.
You might also look into storage solutions that make it easy to move furniture around. Shelves that double as desks are useful in bedrooms and home offices, while items like nightstand-desk combos save floor space. Lastly, clever lighting can define each room and emphasize your home’s style. This will allow your functional home to truly shine.
