Putting Together a Home That Fits Your Lifestyle

Coming home at the end of the day can be a highlight or a lowlight depending on how you choose to organize and decorate. While it can be difficult to come up with a blueprint that flows with the rest of your life, it is not impossible. Here are a few suggestions to help you construct a home that matches your spirit.

Design Rooms that You Need

If you have three school-aged children, your home most likely requires space to spread out. For you all to avoid stepping on one another’s toes, you may want a separate area for the kids to study. In addition, planning some adult-only areas may be helpful as well so you can entertain guests without the clutter of toys. Many people forget the importance of less public zones. Take a look at any bathrooms and decide if they are appropriate for the primary users. Toddlers and infants may need a bathtub for your convenience, but teens and seniors might prefer a tub to shower conversion for everyone’s ease and safety. Also, examine the most frequently used points such as the kitchen and living room to make sure there are enough tables and seating options for you all to congregate.

Pick Materials for the People Who Live There

Not every fabric, wall-covering and flooring work for heavily trafficked spots. Depending on the activity level and habits of the residents, you might need to steer clear of glass cabinets or silk curtains that are easily stained and damaged. Similarly, dogs can be tough on hardwood surfaces and furniture covers. Investigate alternatives that may be more resilient. On the flip side, if you live alone or with another grown-up, then tweed and chenille could be realistic choices because there is not as much risk of spilling or messes. These same guidelines apply to items that need laundering. Bed sheets, comforters and quilts that get dirty and need to be washed should be made of a durable material that will not wear out quickly.

Select Pieces that Work

Not only is travel a fantastic endeavor, but it also provides the opportunity to collect souvenirs that you can display. These can be focal points or conversation starts, so find shelving or cabinets that will let you show off your keepsakes and mementos. Alternatively, if you are a homebody who loves to entertain, then where you live might warrant seating options that are conducive to conversations, game nights and hanging out. Some money-saving projects can help you repurpose pieces that your family has outgrown. Shop wisely and recognize the value of longevity in what you purchase. If you are working with a budget, you may not be able to replace beds and couches multiple times.

Decorate to Your Tastes

Avoid the pressure to have the latest trends if they do not align with what you like. As a reading fanatic, installing shelves to store your collection of genres could be a beautiful addition. On the other hand, if you spend the bulk of your time engaged in adventure sports, then you might want a mudroom complete with a deep sink and an easy-to-clean floor. Further, the artwork that adorns your walls should also reflect your personality. Whether you love music or mountains or seascapes, hang paintings and pictures that showcase your interests.

Remember the Outside Spaces

Optimize any outdoor areas that can be used during your leisure time. Hot climates may necessitate an awning or sunshade that can be a part of your design theme. Another idea is to create a sitting spot with weather-resistant furniture so you can dine or lounge comfortably. Purchasing a television that you can carry to the porch is also a fun way to catch a game or movie under the stars. Even a small corner of the earth can be made into a personal sanctuary with a rock garden, plants and a tabletop fountain.

In the end, you want your dwelling to be an extension of you. By incorporating hobbies and recreation into the master plan, you may be able to capture memories and infuse them into your everyday moments.