Some "Golden Rules" of home design

My opinion of course....or I've collected these tips off mentors over the years. Some of these people, really good experienced designers with lots of prestigious projects.

1. When picking colours or textures, start with 4 samples of concessionary colours on the colour wheel. There should be a light\white, dark, a midrange colour and a feature colour. When using timber, the midrange and\or the feature colour should be substituted for a concessionary timber colour in the same range or hue.

2. All homes should have at least 1 bath. Why? Babies need baths and you can't have that same bonding experience with a baby or small child in a shower. Too many people look for one when you sell the home. I can think of so many reasons and it doesn't have to be a big massive bath that takes up most of the room. 1500x750mm is plenty.

3. Where you have a view, have a window.

4. Your entry to your home should be apparent from the street, or the path to the entry should be clear.

5. Utilise fixed units of measurement where possible that have a flow-on effect to the rest of the house. 300mm, 450mm, 600mm and 900mm can be standardised to most building elements. Start internally and work to the outside.

6. Do your rough layout, then design the roof and work back down.

7. Limit drainage runs, especially sewer. The longer the runs, the more likely the issues and ongoing maintenance.

8. In each room, focus on the entry point and add interest as the first viewpoint when someone enters the room.

9. Treat the kitchen like the central hub of the home.

10. Every wet area and toilet should have an opening window. This window should be strategically placed around the building to vent into an unused space or courtyard.

11. When designing on hills, utilise the 80/20 rule. 80% out of the ground, 20% dug-in to the hill. This limits costly excavation, but gives a solid platform to start from.

12. Hierarchy of room importance;

    1. Kitchen

    2. Dining Room

    3. Lounge

    4. Master Bedroom

    5. Bedroom 2

    6. Bathroom

    7. Bedroom 3/4

    8. Ensuite

    9. Laundry

    10. Garage

13. Cross Flow ventilation makes all the difference for living spaces. Venturi effect works even better.

14. When selecting an air conditioner, select one size bigger than the size the salesman recommends.

15. Slip Resistance in hard floor surfaces is important and is more luxurious.

16. We always need less space than we think.

17. Every void is an opportunity for storage.

18. Washing machines and dryers are loud. Isolate them.

19. Never underestimate the importance of a good main entry door.

    
    

    Of course, these are highly subjective, but they work and are based on years of experience. If you disagree, please do contact me on info@rsmcollective.com.au

    
    

    Signing off,

    Revell