Do you have a forever home that doesn’t quite meet your needs? Are you trying to figure out how to make it work better for you? Wishing you could test out different options before making a commitment? Well, you can!
Going on vacation offers more than just sightseeing and trying new foods. It allows you to experience a different way of living. Perhaps you stay downtown and enjoy walking everywhere, a contrast to your suburban home where you drive. You might stay in a place with an open-concept kitchen, higher ceilings, or other features you hadn’t considered.
Real-Life Inspiration from Vacation Rentals
One of my clients recently went on vacation with some friends, and they stayed in a home with an impressive kitchen design. The kitchen featured a spacious island that was perfect for everyone to gather around for cooking, chatting, and dining. Unique columns at either end of the island complemented the overall design of the home, and the abundance of natural light streaming in through the windows added a delightful touch.
I was thrilled to receive an email from my client, as we are currently in the midst of designing their kitchen remodel. Attached was a photo of that vacation kitchen. This experience gave them a chance to “test drive” a different kitchen design. They could see how it felt to use the space for everyday activities like putting away groceries, cooking meals, serving food, cleaning up, and storing dishes. While they enjoyed many aspects of the kitchen, they also identified a few features they didn’t like, leading us to refine their Needs & Wants List.
Finding Inspiration in Open Houses
Another client recently moved into a home in a great location, but it wasn’t exactly what they envisioned. To gather ideas, they attended open houses in their neighborhood. This gave them a chance to explore different layouts and features.
They sent me photos of these homes, noting which aspects they liked and which they didn’t. Even though they couldn’t fully “try out” these homes, walking through them helped them understand how different configurations might work. They asked questions like: Would a closet in a different location be better? How would a windowless bathroom feel? Would a great room fit their budget? What about rearranging the kitchen like their neighbors did or removing walls for an open-plan kitchen?
Learning from Friends’ Homes
Even if you’re not planning a vacation or visiting open houses, there’s another way to explore different designs: your friends’ homes. Each home has its unique layout and functionality. You’ve likely noticed which homes are better suited for pool parties or intimate coffee gatherings. You’ve also probably shared complaints about small closets or dark bathrooms and brainstormed potential solutions.
Discussing these observations with friends can help clarify your own needs and wants. Sometimes, simply voicing your frustrations can lead to insights about what changes you need. When it comes to finding solutions, reaching out to a professional architect or interior designer can make a world of difference.
Exploring new spaces—whether through vacation rentals, open houses, or friends’ homes—can provide valuable insights for your remodeling project. By experiencing different designs firsthand, you can better understand what works for you and what doesn’t. And when you’re ready to bring your vision to life, professional guidance can ensure your home meets all your needs and desires.
Reach out today to let us help you Love Your Home More!
(Cover photo of the Casino at the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens in Miami, by Cathy Svercl 2024.)
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