Lifestyle Improvement
Design for the way we liveArchive for The Square Footage Game
Square feet can include the entire lot!
When people talk about square feet – the immediate thought is that of their home size. While some may know the lot size their house occupies, they don’t relate the lot as an extension of the house. They cut the grass, trim the hedge or perhaps have a garden and hanging baskets as the seasons allows, yet it is an additional chore, not another room utilized in their lifestyle.
Consider the extension of seasons by incorporating design into your project. The orientation of the house in combination with landscaping, outdoor structures, water elements and the use of all-season rooms extends the square footage of your home. It also provides opportunity for an expanded lifestyle and connection to the outdoors.
For more information please visit my website www.architechstyles.com
What’s on Paper ?
When I look at real estate listings, they give you the numbers:
- How many Bedrooms
- How many Bathrooms
- What are the room sizes
- Lot size
- Etc.
For most uninformed buyers, the goal is to obtain the largest house they can afford in the zip code of preference. So often is the case that economics play into the decision making and everything becomes a compromise afterward.
When this approach is used, homes are essentially designed for no one in particular, so it is no surprise that as you visit suburbia, one looks like another.
Unused Lifestyles
One of the first conversations that develops when designing a home is budget. As is often times the case, it quickly runs over and the real work begins!
Unused Lifestyles is a term I use to describe spaces and rooms under utilized, or in many cases, not used at all. Formal living rooms, dining rooms and multiple bedrooms abound, be they a result of a shifting family dynamic or those spaces were just part of the home.
The other issue is that of tradition.
“My parents had this room and during this holiday or get together, this is where we did ____.”
An example would be that a Living room or Dining room that is only used during a holiday, family or guest that visits our home. I often see 25% of the total square feet of a house for spaces seldom used. Even more – a duplication of spaces is required for everyday living – i.e. breakfast room, family room, or parlor.
Lifestyle improvement is about incorporating the everyday with special occasion. Open space design can take the kitchen, dining and greatroom, combining them into one, while allowing for a leaf in the table to be added when guests arrive. Or perhaps adding a quiet reading space to a master bedroom instead of a formal living room.
The opportunities are endless – and functional if you just give it some thought!
