What’s my style?
This is the first question to ask when beginning the design journey for your house. What does this have to do with floor plans and detailed sections? Quite a lot. Each wall placement and ceiling height lends to the overall style of a space. If you’re drawn to cozy nooks and hideaways, a vaulted great room might not be on your list of wants. If you want a clean, contemporary edge, traditional window placements won’t give you that feel. So what is your style?
It can be tricky to pinpoint this when you wade through Pinterest or Houzz boards, each image blending into the next. Your preferences can end up seeming like an abstract idea rather than a clear guide. Not to mention, there are many inspirational posts that may look good online but are not possible with our regional building codes. So let me help narrow it down. There are some other questions that can lead to surprising insights:
How do you feel about the colour black?
Black is a strong tone that draws a lot of attention. Perhaps you like that bold touch, or perhaps you prefer something softer. Most contemporary homes are designed with black windows. However, you also have the option to keep white on the interior.
Do you like symmetry? If yes, how big of a priority is it?
Would you prefer a colour palette of blue/grey/white, or taupe/cream/brown?
What are your thoughts on Victorian architecture, detailed millwork, or decorative accents?
You might enjoy the intricacies of this kind of style and want to replicate it, or you may find it fussy or outdated. There’s no right answer here!
Do you have any antiques?
Would a dark room feel cozy or oppressive to you?
If I went into your closet, what kind of clothes would I find?
If it’s comfortable to put on your body, you will also find it comfortable in your home. Is your style minimal, or is it vibrant and daring? Your stylistic preferences in one area likely transfer to other areas as well.
Are there any wood tones that you dislike?
This is a question that is meant to get you thinking about wood tones in general. Some styles have more prominent cedar/red tones, while others favour a more raw pine look.
What do you do for fun? To relax?
Perhaps an enjoyable night is a loud one spent with friends (extra seating space may be required), or conversely, perhaps it looks like a book in front of a fire (cozy nooks are a must). Your space should suit your life and how you like to live it.
How important is natural light?
Have you ever considered owning a log home?
Log homes are a strong style in and of themselves. If it’s been a consideration or a dream in the past, that would mean you like the look of rustic elements.
Cool colours with black accents and asymmetrical layouts lean modern, while symmetrical layouts with wood tones and more detailed accents can feel more traditional. These are just two and there are many more styles and sub styles to cover (a topic for another post). But it’s important to note as attempting to force another style onto a home that was not designed for it from the beginning only leads to frustration down the road. A craftsman home with layered gables is not going to read contemporary, even with black windows, just as a flat or low hipped roof is not going to look like a modern farmhouse, regardless of white board and batten siding.
Here’s how some of your preferences might change how we draft the initial design of your home:
If you hate feeling closed in, you’re never going to feel comfortable if your living room ceiling is 8’ tall.
If you like large, detailed trims, you might need additional space between a door and the adjacent wall.
If you like symmetry, I will ensure the dimensions on either side of your fireplace are equal.
There are many different elements that come together when creating these styles, and thoughtfully placing each one is what makes your home feel intentional. That’s our goal. So while you might be confused why I’m asking about design elements in the floor plan stage, just know that I’m thinking about your whole home. These kind of questions help me get a sense of who you are and your preferences when it comes to what you want to see in your space. Each person has their own unique tastes and as such, should have their own unique home that feels authentic.
What if myself and my partner have different tastes?
This happens all the time! We will find middle ground and ways to intermix varying styles in a way that harmonizes with both of you. Some homework: have both you and your partner determine what elements are needs vs. wants and compare your lists. This will help you determine your priorities. Then you can highlight any areas where you’re willing to compromise and other areas you’d like to keep.
And if all of this seems overwhelming, that’s why we’re here. We’'ve sifted through many different styles and utilized them all when drafting an initial design. We’ll go through your inspiration and determine what speaks to you, if it’s feasible, and what it might mean for your budget or construction. It’s all part of the process and we’ll guide you through it!
