Guest Post - 5 Key Features and Considerations When Selecting a Modern Home Design

Designing a modern family home is an exciting process, but it also comes with its own list of challenges. There are a lot of decisions that need to be made, and many homeowners simply don’t know where to begin when planning home design. To help you out, we’re listing five things to keep in mind when selecting a modern family home design.

Take an intentional approach to floor planning

First and foremost, when planning a modern family home design, it’s important that you take an intentional approach, especially when it comes to floor plan. Organized, well-thought-out, and logical room layouts are hallmarks of modern family home design. This is opposed to traditional family home design whose floor plans aren’t as intentional.

For instance, in a traditional home design, the rooms’ shape may be irregular. While some rooms may be connected logically, others may end up being located in awkward positions (e.g. laundry room close to nursery/kids’ room, powder room not being connected to either a bedroom or a bathroom).

Instead of using the rooms to simply fill in the gaps in your floor plan, be intentional with each and every room. You can do this by factoring in your family’s needs, creating balance between space and style as well as making sure that every inch is used efficiently.

Implement adequate storage solutions for a clutter-free home

Speaking of putting every nook and cranny to good use, another important characteristic of modern family homes is the abundance of storage space. This is a must-have for most modern families, and a prerequisite for a tidy and clutter-free home.

To keep your home well-organized, functional, and easy to maintain on a daily basis, aim to introduce storage solutions that correspond to the room’s style, design, and color scheme. Freestanding, vertical, built-in, or modular? It’s up to you to decide.

As for the decor, it’s important that you accessorize sparingly if you want to maintain that contemporary vibe. Think about it this way: If it doesn’t add value to the room’s design or hold any sentimental value, you’re better off storing it instead of putting it on display.

Take advantage of custom building design opportunities

One of the biggest perks of opting for a modern family home design are the endless customization opportunities. Being able to build a home according to a custom plan allows more room for both creativity and flexibility which is why these homes are such an attractive option for homeowners around the globe and particularly in Australia.

This may not come as a surprise since Aussies are a house-proud nation, and while they’re in love with all things DIY and renovation, when it comes to building their homes, they’ll often turn to a reputable building designer in Sydney to help them with the construction process and ensure their finished project is beautiful and functional. By breaking down the process into actionable steps, builders make the process seamless and simple for their clients. That way, all that’s left for homeowners to do is to figure out the features that matter most to them.

Simplify your design

Customizing your modern family home design is the best way to create a home that’ll fit your individual needs, and aesthetics play a vital role in the design process. Modern family homes appear to be rather simple in design, often embracing minimalist interiors that boast sleek lines, streamlined furnishings, and of course, a neutral color palette.

The key to creating such interiors lies in simplifying the approach to both design and decor. To do that, try to minimize any additions that feel unnecessary, incorporate aesthetically pleasing elements, add homely touches to warm up a neutral palette, and most importantly – aim for cohesiveness. Ideally, the overall look will be pleasing to the eye while allowing for complete comfort and efficiency for everyday living.

Consider including different eco-friendly features

Last but not least, another thing worth mentioning when it comes to building modern houses is that they are focused on minimizing environmental footprint. Energy usage is something that many homeowners are actively working on reducing, and builders and architects are taking notes.

As a result, many modern family home designs are centered around increasing energy-efficiency, and this is usually achieved by implementing a variety of eco-friendly features. These include installing sustainable flooring (e.g. bamboo), using recycled materials in the building process, and maximizing natural light.

Additionally, homeowners should consider going solar as well as making smaller, yet equally effective green investments such as choosing LEDs over traditional bulbs and purchasing efficient, Energy Star certified appliances over conventional ones.

Wrapping up

Choosing a modern family home can be challenging – you need to find a place that meets your requirements, fits into your budget, and is situated in an ideal location.

While this is something that’s easier said than done, if you keep in mind these key considerations, you’ll manage to design a modern family house that ticks all the right boxes and build a home you’ll love coming back to.
About the author: Mike Johnston is an avid blogging enthusiast and experienced freelance writer. He’s a regular contributor to numerous online publications where he writes about real estate, construction, home improvement, and interior design.

Vintage furniture is making a comeback in 2020/2021

The retro furniture trend is becoming more popular, thanks to nostalgia!

With environmental issues being a hot subject in the media these days, demand for sustainable furniture and accessories is on the rise. Promoting healthy environmental behavior within the home has progressed beyond discussions about pesticides and food, and now includes artifacts, fabrics, and paints. As the industry explores new manufacturing technology and encourages sustainability, the Millennial generation's increasing interest in antique furniture and decor is paving the way.

There are a few reasons why vintage furniture is becoming a go-to option for many people when remodeling their homes, and because this trend is only predicted to intensify in the future, we've compiled our thoughts on the vintage furniture trend's future.

Environmental issues are being addressed.

We've seen swift furniture take over the business landscape over the last couple of decades. Disposable flatpacks eventually filtered into our lives, offering easy and worry-free alternatives to our evolving lifestyle requirements.

With the increase of versatility, it's easy to think about furniture as a temporary alternative - functional items designed to last a few years before being discarded.

However, the environmental pressures that this mentality has generated over time are mounting. We should no longer turn our backs and pretend that this is a long-term strategy.

The sources of the ingredients used in the manufacturing process is also being investigated. While environmentally friendly processes and recycled materials may increase the cost of furniture, shoppers seem to be willing to pay brands for their responsible behavior.

Vintage is environmentally friendly.

Yet, no matter how hard we try to do the right thing to use only environmentally friendly goods and processes, new technologies continue to fuel the consumerist beast.

Choosing antique, on the other hand, means using what is still available. It entails paying tribute to the craftsmanship of the past and accepting consistency that has stood the test of time.

We are not only recycled, but we are also keeping our hands on furniture that will last for decades, putting less strain on landfills.

Personal expression is aided by vintage products.

Our personal aesthetics began to disappear as mass-produced furniture shaped the business landscape. But we had no idea how uniform our homes had been until we opened our doors to social media.

Vintage furniture can be a valuable partner in the war against monotony. These pieces are not only uncommon (and occasionally sometimes one-of-a-kind), but they also make for personalization and innovation. You can transform a drab thrift find into a collectible with a little paint or a basic upholstery work.

It’s all about the story and the relationship

Every piece of vintage furniture has a story to tell. Discovering the object's fascinating past adds to the excitement and helps one admire it even more. Exploring the motives for our insatiable need for stories can be a depressing journey, but one thing is certain: we will continue to favor home decorating styles that emphasize realism and imperfection. For example, Biedermeier furniture and interior design are considered the first major flowering of chic bourgeois taste in interior design today. Biedermeier is a style that spans the spectrum from austere to opulent, but it is never grandiose in its celebration of comfort, domestic intimacy, and usefulness.

Vintage evokes a sense of peace and coziness.

We feel at ease in our homes as we see worn parts of patina and tiny bruises. They offer ease and understanding of the inevitable deterioration of objects by reminding us that nothing is too fragile.

Cookie-cutter interiors quickly lose their appeal, but homes that require time to unravel by layering antiques with modern items retain their appeal because they look timeless, original, and highly personal.

It is beneficial to one's financial situation.

Vintage and antique items will range in price from a penny to a fortune, depending on what you're searching for and how careful and committed you are in your quest. But one thing is certain: they retain their importance and the excellent efficiency of their construction.

Guest Post - Top Mistakes to Avoid When Building Your Own Home

Finding the right residence can be tricky. Often houses on the market don’t have everything you’re looking for, which is why building your dream home can be so appealing. However, you want the project to be done right. Here are some common mistakes people make when building their own homes. 

1. Choosing the Wrong Homebuilder

You want to find the right person for the job. Remember, they are responsible for all aspects of the project. You want to find someone who is communicative and responsive. You also want to make sure they understand your vision clearly. That’s why it’s vital to check reviews online before choosing a builder and compare multiple contractors to ensure you’re getting the best deal. 

Once you narrow down your choices, you should interview them to get answers to all your important questions.

Here are some questions to get you started:

• Can you give me references from your recent buyers and occupants?

• Do you have a financing plan established?

• Are there any options in the floor plan?

• Can appliances be up- or downgraded? 

2. Picking the Wrong Location

Before you start construction, familiarize yourself with the surrounding area. Walk around the town and take pictures to get a better sense of the community, and be sure to visit at different times of the day to get a broader perspective. Also, consider other aspects of the site, such as the slope of the land, sun exposure and views. 

3. Choosing the Wrong Material 

When considering interior features for your home, it may be tempting to go for higher-end material, like granite countertops or wood floors. However, these can be more expensive. Before making any purchases, consider how often you will use it, how durable it is and how easy it is to clean.

Also, keep in mind the importance of your home’s exterior foundation when deciding which materials to use. Consider using precast concrete for its durability and weather resistance. 

4. Not Doing Your Research

When building a home, you want to know what your vision is. Browse magazines, visit home improvement stores and attend open houses to get inspiration. Create a list of features you want in your dream home. 

You can get tips from your designer, but you have the final say. Doing some research can help you make more confident decisions. 

Figuring out what interior design ideas you like can be tricky. Here are some features to consider adding to your new home:

• Steam shower

• Impact-rated windows 

• Outdoor theater

• Stair shelves

5.  Not Being Realistic

You want your space to be comfortable for you. However, be practical about the costs and time expectations. Before starting the project, create a budget and try to stick to it, and be realistic about how long the process will take. It can take about six months to build your home with no delays. Also, be aware of any building restrictions or zoning laws that may limit what features you can add to your property. 

Things to Consider When Building Your Dream Home

You want your dream home to have all your desired features. Building your own house allows you to get more of what you want. However, you need to do some research before diving into the project. Keep these common mistakes in mind when creating your ideal abode.

Author bio: Rose Morrison is the managing editor of Renovated, where she offers advice on home renovation, maintenance, and organization.

Ways To Update Your Outdated Kitchen

Due to the pandemic, the kitchen has now become a place to entertain guests as well as prepare food. Whether it’s two people getting together for a date or a larger gathering of friends, a kitchen’s seating area can easily become crowded, which is why it should always look its best. Here are a few ways to update your outdated kitchen that will give you a fresh look and a welcoming and spacious feel.

Appliances

Look at your appliances. What message do they convey? Stainless steel is a classic, ever-popular look that makes a kitchen feel modern. Consider the condition and appearances of your current appliances and determine if any of them need an upgrade.

Flooring

When it comes to flooring, you have lots of options. A lot of older kitchens have linoleum or tiling. When exploring options, look at laminate and vinyl planking. These flooring materials have come a long way. Both are water-resistant.

You can get them in patterns that look like hardwood, which is always a classic look. They come in an array of colors and are easy to clean and maintain. Changing the flooring to laminate can be done in a day and can significantly alter your kitchen’s look.

Cabinetry

Many older kitchens are filled with cabinetry both on the walls and below the counters. The issue with abundant storage space is that we continue to fill it with things we don’t need or rarely use.

If you remove the cabinets and install open shelving instead, you’ll have more storage space. Additionally, if you paint the walls a fresh, light color, your kitchen will look and feel much larger.

Seating

When selecting seating, match your choice with the rest of your kitchen’s theme. Link your kitchen’s theme to the seating by using matching colors or patterns. Additionally, you want your guests to feel cozy and comfortable, so make sure your seating is comfortable, as well.

Countertops

A fresh countertop is another change that can update your kitchen. You have lots of options. If you’re willing to spend to get new and quality materials that fit your overall look, great. If you have a smaller budget but love the look of quartz, there are DIY options where you put epoxy over your existing countertops to create a whole new look.

Lighting

Consider if you’d like soft light, fluorescent, or something else. Many bulbs and fixtures work to save energy, which is great. You can also install dimmers to give you more illumination while cooking and less when you’re visiting with your guests.

There are many individual and useful ways to update your outdated kitchen. Each will get you closer to an overall look that will enhance your space the way you want. Start with your desired theme and go from there.