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As one who is in the business of designing houses, I am constantly considering what makes a house a home. Of course, the short answer is “the people make the house a home”. But what else? What things should a house provide to promote “home sweet home”? How do we bring that feeling to all housing types – whether it’s attached or detached, rented or owned?

A place to gather

A home should provide and promote the coming together of family and friends. This could include a three-side kitchen island where it is easy to gather around. In a small apartment, the kitchen island may be the primary dining space. The home kitchen is where the cook can be connected to friends, family, and activities while preparing a meal for all to enjoy. Or a large gathering room where everyone can join in the conversation or activities.

A place for rest and rejuvenation

A home also needs to promote rest and rejuvenation. Of course, this means well-designed bedrooms for sleeping. But it also could include a spa-like bath with a refreshing shower to start the day or a soaking tub to unwind at the end of the day.

Outdoor living

We certainly learned during the pandemic lockdown the importance of outdoor spaces. We no longer take for granted to importance of fresh air, sunshine, and biophilia. Make outdoor living multi-functional for both rejuvenation and gathering.

Privacy and Intimacy

We all need privacy at various times of the day. Houses should include both public and private zones. We need privacy when we bathe and when we use the toilet (I’ll spell it out – the toilet needs a door). Naturally, that privacy also includes a place for intimacy which should have both visual and acoustical privacy (I won’t spell this one out).

Self-expression

Regardless of size, personal elements can be transformative. It might be family pictures or memorabilia. It could be the pop of color on an accent wall. Or the furnishings that convert a room into a man-cave or sports bar.

We need to design rooms properly-sized for future furniture in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Flexibility

Our designs should include flexible floor plans that let our future residents decide how to use various rooms. Perhaps it is a work from home space, a guest bedroom, a nursery, or a second TV room. In a perfect world, these rooms should be able to evolve to accommodate the changing lifestyle and make up of a family.

Pet Friendly

In so many households today, our pets is considered a part of our family. This applies to large families but also to singles both young and old whose companion walks on four legs. Creating space for our furry friends could include the space under the stairs for the dog’s bed or crate, room in the laundry room for a cat’s litter box, or simply a designated place for the pet’s water and food bowls so we don’t trip on them and make a mess.

Community

We should always think beyond the walls of the house. Can we design houses that promote community? It can start with the front porch placed within conversational distance from the sidewalk.

Add sidewalks that are inviting and include trees that both shade the pedestrian but also slow down cars as they drive past them.

Finally, incorporate common spaces for friends and neighbors to gather – perhaps a space for dogs and their owners to meet and play!

I believe so much goes into the design of “Home Sweet Home”. As our company name states, housing design matters and it is important that it is done well. We should never forget houses we design and build are someone’s future home.