We see A LOT of floor plans. Between all of the new construction plans we work with and seeing hundreds of clients’ existing floor plans, we get a lot of exposure to different plans. We have had the fortunate experience of working with many different architects who all approach projects and layouts differently. If you are building or remodeling a home, these 5 floor plan considerations will help guide you in the right direction.

#1: Connect Indoor and Outdoor Living Spaces

We love considering the outdoor spaces part of the living space of a home. We are big fans of large windows that show off a beautiful pool or gorgeous live oak trees. We make our spaces feel more expansive and luxurious when we incorporate the outdoors.

Consider large patio doors that you can open up when you entertain. Make sure you consider where your patio doors will be located. We do lots of grilling in Texas, so think through the path from the kitchen to the outdoor grill. An outdoor pass-through window to the kitchen is also a great option for easily moving food back and forth from the outdoor area to the kitchen.

#2: Create Practical Multi-Purpose Spaces

We love a good multi-purpose space – it helps homeowners get the most bang for their buck. If you only have guests twice a year, then maybe you put a murphy bed in your guest room which can also flex into a home gym or home office.

Are your children grown and gone and you can only talk them into visiting once a year? Make their room a flex space for your favorite hobbies or your home office.

#3: Welcome Guests with a Focal Point

Delight your guests as they enter your home. Be intentional about the focal point from the front door. If you have a killer view of Lake Austin, then make sure they walk in and are focused on the beautiful lake view. Do you have a favorite piece of art that you want front and center? Make space for it in a prominent area when your guests walk through the door.

#4: Plan for Privacy Throughout

Even those of you who love an open concept can agree that there needs to be some well-planned privacy throughout. You really want spaces you can retreat to that offer some privacy, especially if you have children. We love a conversation lounge, maybe in an intimate closed space that has 4 chairs where you can take your glass of wine and have some good adult conversation.

Maybe you are still growing your family and want a nursery near the main bedroom, while keeping the older children's rooms on the second level. Think through the scenarios where you need privacy.

Another privacy tip to consider is your mail drop area. This is an area you really want to keep out of sight. The last thing you want your guests seeing is your stacks of mail, and let's be honest — you don't want to be seeing those either.

#5: Locate Your Laundry Room Thoughtfully

We love a laundry room off of the primary bedroom closet. Our clients that have this set up love it, as well. It is super convenient to do laundry when you have the washer and dryer just a few steps from your hamper.

If all of your bedrooms are upstairs, make sure your laundry room is also upstairs. If you have the primary bedroom downstairs, but the others up, consider putting a laundry room on each level. Many of our clients have older children who do their own laundry (I can't wait for that day) and love their children having their own laundry upstairs.

If you don't have laundry facilities on the 2nd story, we'd at least recommend a laundry chute where laundry can easily be sent down to the main laundry room through a chute.

Designing a Floor Plan that Works for You

We understand floor plans can be overwhelming. Creating functional layouts is what we do, and we love helping our clients with this complex puzzle. We do our best to make the process simple, fun and unique to your personal needs through each of our service options.

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Until next time,
Wendi

5 Tips for Creating a Functional, Flexible Custom Floor Plan