When we dream of a beautiful home for ourselves we can conjure it up in our mind's eye, but when it comes to designing the same on paper or narrating our plans to an architect, we feel hopelessly lost. However, the basic planning of a two storey house need not be such a complicated task.
Surprised? Don't be. Remember the advice of Henry David Thoreau, “If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost. There is where they should be. Now put foundations under them.” Today we will show you how to put your plan of a dream home on paper.
Decide on the organisation of the interior space – what goes upstairs and what remains on the ground floor. Generally, the private quarters are planned on the upper levels. The living room, kitchen, home office, library and guest suites are kept at the ground floor level.
You are free to make amendments and changes to this plan.This is your dream and you have every right to build it your way. Just remember that in the near future you will also have to inhabit this space!
Think of everything you would like to do in a specific room. Do you want an open floor plan with living room, kitchen and dining parlour in the same space? Or, would you rather go for a more conventional setting?
Consider the style you would like for your rooms. Would you like to go for a more contemporary interior décor or an intricately designed space in line with traditional Malay homes? See how Hi-Macs interior architects planned a contemporary décor for this residential building.
We would certainly love to have a home with spectacular views for each of the rooms, but for modern buildings set in busy areas of a city this may not be always possible. So, decide for which room you want to reserve the best views.
While doing so, just make sure you do not end up planning a room in the wrong end of your house. For example, it is best not to design a living room or bedroom in the northern corner of your house. It would be gloomy and very cold in the winter. It is better to keep these small things in mind.
Think of how to connect the different parts of your home. Do you want each of your rooms to open towards a corridor? Perhaps, you may like to internally connect the kitchen, dining room and lounge area so that each of these space is easily accessible from the other rooms.
Sorting these out will help you to manage a home more efficiently and serve your guests in a suitable manner.
Make a reasonable sketch of what you intend to achieve with your plan and how you would like your residence to look. Follow a grid like structure if you can. Use coloured pencils or sketch pens to colour it to your liking. Add as many details as you possibly can.
Now you are free to play with the window designs. After all, a charming house must have stylish windows and doors to allow you the best views of the surroundings. From glass walls to modern French style windows, casement openings to classic bay windows there is a variety of choices available for you.
Feel free to add finesse or make several versions of the interior of your house and its exterior. As you grow in confidence, you will be able to express yourself in clearer terms.
Take inspirations from some of these spectacular façades.
Do not miss the chance of peeping inside this trendy two storey home set in a picturesque location.
