Things That Make A House Great

I’ve always dreamt of having a home, which is ironic given how many times I’ve moved in my adult life (at last count it was 18).   When I was little, I would spend hours pouring over the Sears catalog.  It wasn’t the toys and games section, although I did that too, it was the bedding and linen section that held my interest.  It didn’t stop there – my parents used to take us to new neighborhoods where we would walk through the homes that were under construction just to look at the floor plans.  In fact, every time I go into Home Depot and smell the freshly cut lumber, I have a flashback to my early teens. 

So when I spend time purusing real estate and design sites or flipping through home magazines, it’s not a sign that I am unhappy with our home or that I want a change.  Eventually, yes, the CPA and I both want a bigger place, but I love our house and have worked hard to make it our home.   But when I look at various light fixtures and floor plans, it’s a way for me to be creative and to dream.  It brings me pleasure to see a fabric swatch and try to imagine the paint shade that would best match it.  And it is relaxing to look at furniture catalogs and imagine how certain pieces would fit in the living room.  It’s just something that I do, that I’ve always done.  Therefore, when I write about home design or light fixtures, it is because my appreciation of these things has always been a part of my life in some way.  

Recently I’ve been thinking about aspects of a home that make it great, things that I would look for when buying my own home.  There are many, of course, but I think that plenty of windows, lots of color, and well-designed floor plans are a few of the basics.

WINDOWS

First, we have windows.  Lots and lots of beautiful windows.  They bring in not only light, but also add a sense of well-being to a room.

They can open up a space and make it appear larger. 

 

They can also offer a beautiful view such as this house which overlooks the Potomac River. 

SIZE

In some cases, size really does matter and when it comes to kitchens (and in my opinion, bathrooms and closets too) – bigger is almost always better. 

A large kitchen space allows the freedom for people to move around which is great for helping out or just socializing.  

A large kitchen also means you have plenty of counter space which is important for easy food preparation. 

COLOR

I’m a firm believer that color has the power to affect the way you’re feeling.  There is something about a cheerfully painted room that can immediately brighten your mood.

Conversely, a neutral color can be soothing and relaxing. 

Even dark walls can be powerful in their elegance and simplicity. 

(image courtesy of Ohdeedoh)

FLOOR PLAN

And of course, most great houses work because of their well-designed floor plans.  I prefer one that is open yet not so open that it is hard to utilize.  Here is an kitchen that opens up to the family room.

Here is a layout with a similar concept.  The rooms have clearly divided spaces, yet they allow for people to be a part of what is going on in both rooms.  

And lastly, this bedroom that is divided into the sleeping area and a lounging area.  

These are just a few examples of how little details in the floor plan can make a big difference in maximizing your space.

Of course windows, color and floor plans are not the only things that make a place appealing, but they are some of the aspects that can really set a house apart and can make it great.  They’re things that I know I will look for when we choose our next home.  But for now… it’s back to my dreaming.