FOCUS ON THE FLOORPLAN
I believe that to create a classic and timeless home everything has to start with the plan. Making the layout work practically and flow beautifully is essential for a home that will stand the test of time.
There is a good reason that contemporary cookie cutter homes get a lot of flak: new-build estates are often made up of a few identical house layouts positioned with no regard to their site, aspect or climate. It can be an uphill struggle to bring a sense of style and flare to the interiors of these homes, which are built as economically as possible, with thin timber frame internal walls and often no fireplaces or other features of note to help define the rooms.
So how can you break this mould and make your new home, extention or renovation a ‘contemporary classic’? To create architectural drama, a good starting point is the entrance hall. Try to look for areas that you can create double-height space above the stair for example, to spill light into the ground floor for a feeling of space.
Creating an entrance with a line of sight through the house introduces flow into the layout. Where there is a garden beyond, this view can be framed with a large picture window or floor to ceiling glass. This element can become an architectural focus that will set the tone for the rest of your interior by using materials, glazing type or surround that will allow you to introduce your own unique style.
The need for storage and utility space is universal in all our homes. Separating your utility area from your kitchen and introducing a dedicated food or equipment store such as a larder or pantry will allow you to achieve a streamlined, efficient and clutter-free kitchen layout. When the plan works well, the style of the kitchen – and indeed any element of your home – can change over the years without the need for any expensive structural changes.
The flexibility of your living spaces and the practicality of the utility spaces that support them is the key to creating a timeless, enduring home.
“The flexibility of your living spaces and the practicality of the utility spaces is the key to creating a timeless enduring home”