Make your new home even more spacious

Space: It’s a primary motivator behind the decision to buy a new construction home. For some, downsizing to less — but more functional — space is the goal.

For others, the ability for everyone in the family to live, work and learn at home all day every day, and without getting in each other’s way, inspires the new- home purchase.

After all, today’s builders design their new homes for contemporary lifestyles that are decidedly different than even 2019’s lifestyles.

For that reason, some buyers may be interested in builders’ most up-to-date floor plans, which may be designated for new or future phases within a community. But any newhome floor plan offers more than enough flexibility for the live-workplay-school-at-home family.

Think of a new home as a blank slate. Although room configurations, lot size and interior configurations may be predetermined by the builder, a buyer can make all kinds of adjustments during the design phase to make the best use of space.

Here are a few ideas to consider before and during meetings with your builder and their designers:

Mount the TV

Mount all of the TVS, for that matter. That entertainment center or TV stand purchased 10 to 20 years ago may feature

beautiful solid wood, beveled glass accents and brushed nickel hardware. But, chances are, you don’t need either of these pieces.

As mentioned in a previous column in this section, builders expect to prewire homes for mounted televisions, sound systems and other electronic features. They can even bump out nooks in walls for hiding wiring, modems and other gadgets behind a TV.

By not including that TV stand in the master bedroom or the entertainment center in the great room, you can free up 50 to 100 cubic feet of space in each room.

That space then can be used for anything from a home office or craft area to a place for a comfortable chair with a side table and lamp.

Choose furniture wisely

If you love it, it’s functional, attractive and makes you happy, then plan to move it into your new home. If not, leave it out of your initial plans while exploring options.

Oversize furniture, such as sectional sofas, may be comfortable and lush. But if they’re going to take up too much space, you may want to swap them out for a long sofa and two chairs. These pieces will allow more flexibility for layout and positioning in any room.

A sofa and two chairs opposite it or on an angle to it, also gives a room a more conversation- friendly space. Don’t be afraid to place one or more of the chairs near a wall of windows; doing so gives you more choices for sofa placement. Plus, the natural light behind the chairs will make these seats more inviting.

Kitchen options

The kitchen is the heart of the home, where much more than eating happens. Before choosing cabinetry and countertop configurations, determine if a smaller dining table that can still seat enough people will be a better use of space.

Complement that table by considering options to incorporate a kitchen island, a peninsula or a bar area, all of which can accommodate bar stools for meals and activities that family members might not take on as a group.

Breakfast, for instance, may not be a whole-family affair. Nor are the primary school student and the middle schooler likely to share the same space when doing classwork or homework.

Welcome some built-ins

Floor-to-ceiling shelving or shelving and cabinetry combinations are terrific ways to make use of entire lengths of a wall or corners. These built-ins allow for both decor and stylish storage without adding furniture. You might find these spaces in dining rooms, living rooms, entryways, lofts or bedrooms.

For a minimalist look, consider simple shelving, possibly with a lower cabinet, and have them painted the same color as the walls or the trim in the room. For a warmer, more homey look, choose solid wood cabinetry that complements the cabinetry or woodwork in nearby spaces such as the kitchen or staircase.

Look to the bedrooms for places to add builtin desks, workspaces or custom closet organizers that turn closets into functional, flexible storage space.

Pro tip: Consider adding lighting to built-in desks or display shelving. Doing so in advance will help brighten up your rooms and workspaces while saving surface space that would otherwise need lamps.

Windows and bench seating

Ask your builder about window options that might either create more space or the illusion of more space. Some of these include bay windows and bow windows.

A bay window is usually comprised of a center picture window with at least one window on either side. A bow window appears more rounded and may have four to six separate panes.

In some new-home communities, the bay and bow window choice meets the need for additional light in a room and enhanced exterior aesthetic. But be sure to ask your builder if a bay or bow window in the house might offer the option for partially bumping out an interior wall that can accommodate bench seating, cabinetry or storage.