The Value of Architecture and Design in Building Your Dream ‘Getaway’ Home
Congratulations! You have finally embarked on planning to build your dream getaway home! As exciting as starting this process can be, it can also be a bit daunting and overwhelming — so many details and decisions! So much planning to get it “just right”! The decision making will range from the location to the overall layout to choosing all the exterior and interior materials and finishes. One of the most important decisions you'll make is about the desired architectural style and design, without which these myriad decisions can become very tough to make in a sea of options!
After all, this is your dream home – the place where you’ll create beautiful memories with your family -- the place you want to relax and unwind – your true retreat. You want to create a space that feels utterly freeing and comfortable for you, your family and guests, where everyone feels 100% able to relax and renew. This is where architecture and design come in. A custom-built (just for you) and well-designed getaway home can make all the difference to your enjoyment of it.
Here are a few thoughts about why architecture and design are so integral in the process of building your dream getaway home:
● When done well, they create a sense of place. Your vacation retreat home should be a place that feels special and unique. Working through the important architectural and design programming can help to create that sense of place, by incorporating the things that are most important to you–whether reflecting elements of the surrounding landscape or including custom tailored details that express your family’s personal style and tastes.
● Architects and interior designers are the pros that can make your new home feel deeply comfortable and inviting. You want your weekend home to be a place where you can fully unwind and relax – in the ways you like best! The right combination of architecture and design can optimize your space, create magical connections between the interior spaces and the outdoors, and make you feel truly “at home.” Skilled architects and designers can help ask the right questions to develop the very best version of your dream home. For example, your favorite spaces might include lots of natural materials, the play of plenty of natural light, and creating an easy sense of flow from one room to another.
● They can make the space functional and efficient. Your weekend home should be a place where you can enjoy your time, but it should also be a place that functionally supports the needs and requirements of all the people that may occupy the house. It might need to be built to accommodate multiple generations – resulting in multiple “primary” suites. It might need to incorporate customized accessible design elements to make the space livable and safe for people of varying ages and mobility.
So, how do you choose the right architecture and design solutions for your dream getaway weekend home? Here are a few tips to help you get started with your planning:
● Let’s start with lifestyle: How do you and your family like to spend your time? What are your family’s favorite hobbies and interests? Thinking about the answers to these questions will help you make a lot of the most important decisions about your new getaway space.
● Location, location, location: Where is your weekend home going to be located? In most cases, the design of your home will largely reflect and be based on the characteristics of the surrounding landscape. There are often conservation and unique local building requirements for a particular location that will drive the design.
● Hire a qualified architect or designer: This is an important investment that you likely envision being passed through multiple generations, so make sure you hire someone who is experienced in designing getaway homes, so that you know you will end up with a home you love!
Regardless of where your getaway home is located, the following design considerations are key. Whether you have a beach bungalow, or a mountain lodge, focusing on the following elements will be essential for creating the most comfortable and inviting space:
● Connect with the local vernacular: Incorporate local design elements for many of your materials and finishes. This could include things like large windows that let in an abundance of natural light, or materials like wood and stone that evoke the feeling of the surroundings.
● Create the architectural style that you enjoy: Whether it’s traditional, contemporary, or transitional -- a good architect and designer can connect any style to the surroundings by incorporating the right materials and design elements.
● Create a sense of openness and flow: The different rooms in your home should flow seamlessly from one to the other, so that your family and guests can move easily from one activity to the next.
● Include Smart Technology: Smart technology can help you to automate different tasks in your home that are controllable from other residences. Home automation frees you to relax and enjoy your time away without having to worry about anything else.
● Make it YOURS: Your second home should be highly personal – reflecting your family’s own unique style and taste. Don't hesitate to add your own personal and meaningful touches to the design. It’s these personal touches that make a house a home!
With a little planning and effort, you can create a dream getaway second home that you'll love spending time in with family and friends for years to come.
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