Interior Design

Customization and Flexibility

Constructing your next home offers several unique advantages. You can design a permanent dwelling tailored to your family’s specific needs. This includes adding a dedicated office, an in-law suite for extended family, or a nursery that can be converted into a child’s bedroom as your family grows.

Importance of Ample Storage

When designing your forever home, discussing a storage floor plan with your builder is essential. Ensure closets, built-in shelving, and other storage areas are spacious enough to hold your family’s possessions with extra room for future items. Many homeowners aim for storage space to account for at least 10% of the house’s overall square footage.

Why Ample Storage Matters

Finalizing a storage floor plan may not be the most thrilling task, but it should be a top priority. Built-in closets and cabinets larger than those in your previous home can prevent storage areas from filling up quickly after you move in. Proper storage can save you money by eliminating the need for offsite units for heirlooms, seasonal decorations, and other infrequently used items. A well-organized home creates a calmer atmosphere and can reduce stress.

If you eventually sell your home, custom closets can make the property more enticing to buyers, leading to quicker and better offers.

Best Storage Types & Locations

No two families are exactly alike, which means your household’s storage needs are unique. Consider your family’s lifestyle and activities when determining how much storage space you need.

Entryway Closets & Mudroom Cabinetry

The front and back entrances are where people put on and take off coats, shoes, hats, and other outerwear. Large closets near exterior exits are essential. Items like gym bags and sunscreen should be placed on top shelves. Enclosed cabinets with hooks can create grab-and-go storage for coats, umbrellas, scarves, and seasonal necessities.

If your plans include a mudroom, include wardrobe-style cabinets to hold coats, sporting equipment, gardening supplies, and other items you don’t want to store in the garage. A unified locker system is ideal for small items and shoe storage.

Kitchen Pantry & Island

A walk-in pantry is like a large closet for non-perishables. You can quickly locate canned goods, baking supplies, and other items on wall-mounted shelves. Plan to make the pantry spacious enough to store several months’ worth of supplies.

A stationary island is also a standout kitchen storage solution. It can have built-in wine racks and large drawers to store appliances and cookware. A kitchen island can include seating for casual family meals.

Garage Ceiling Storage

Holiday decorations, camping gear, tools, bicycles, and lawn equipment often end up in the garage, leaving little room for the car. A ceiling storage system is an effective solution. Builders can install hanging shelving supported by steel beams and other durable materials.

Dedicated Broom Closet

A dedicated storage room for cleaning equipment is a must. Hang dusters, brooms, and mops on wall-mounted hooks, and place detergents, sponges, and spray bottles in floating cabinets. This leaves plenty of floor space for vacuum cleaners, buckets, and other cumbersome equipment.

Conclusion

Constructing your home allows for customization and flexibility, especially regarding storage. Thoughtfully planned storage spaces can save money, reduce clutter, and make your home more appealing to future buyers. When designing your forever home, ensure ample storage space for a more organized, efficient, and stress-free living environment.