When it comes to home style, function is just as important as form. A functional home has intended purposes for rooms and pieces of furniture, ensuring that everything fits in its place and doesn’t take up unnecessary space.
Functional design can include smart technology that centralizes control of appliances and other devices, double-duty furniture such as nightstand-desks, and storage solutions that make room for clutter without crowding. It can even include wider hallways and other features that improve accessibility for individuals with mobility issues. It may be a good idea to have a first home warranty to support your peace of mind with your functional home.
Living Room
While it may seem that the terms family room and living room are interchangeable, they are actually different types of rooms. While they have similar functions, a family room is typically cozier and less formal. Living rooms are generally larger and can accommodate a more formal furniture style.
Whether you have a traditional, modern or eclectic style, the key to creating a functional home is to create areas that suit your lifestyle and make sure you use them for the purpose they are designed for. For example, mail piles on kitchen tables or handbags and kids backpacks draped over the living room chair aren’t ideal.
The solution is to add storage that improves organization without cluttering the space. For instance, a storage ottoman is a great way to improve functionality while adding an eye-catching feature.
Bedroom
The bedroom is the place in a home where most people spend a majority of their time. The space needs to be comfortable and relaxing. A bedroom also needs to have sufficient storage for clothes and linens. Moreover, it should have a door for privacy and two ways of egress.
The requirements for a bedroom vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Although the IRC does create recommendations and guidelines, it is up to local residential codes and zoning regulations to define what constitutes a bedroom.
In addition to the minimum size requirements, the bedroom must also contain a bed, a dresser, nightstand, and one or more closets. For storage, consider using tall bookcases or cabinets to maximize vertical space. You can also use tables and desks that fold down from the wall to save floor space.
Kitchen
The kitchen is a central part of any home. It should be comfortable and efficient to work in. The layout should be well thought out, and the appliances should be located
to save unnecessary steps. The kitchen should also have ample storage space. A good idea is to install a Lazy Susan in a corner cabinet and racks for pot lids.
Ideally, your kitchen should have enough counter space to hold a laptop and a cup of coffee. Include data ports in your drawers to create a one-stop charging station for phones and tablets.
Another key component of a functional kitchen is the “work triangle”. This refers to the distance between the stove, sink, and refrigerator. It should be a reasonable distance to ensure you can reach each of these areas without obstructions.
Bathroom
The bathroom is a great place to incorporate functional storage and add style. Use glass apothecary jars to store cotton balls and swabs and keep extra toilet paper or towels out of sight in woven bins. These small touches add to the visual aesthetic and make opening a messy drawer less stressful.
Bathrooms usually consist of a sink, a bathtub and either a shower or a tub-shower combo. It is also possible for homes to have adjoining bathrooms, which is perfect for families and allows everyone their own private space without fighting over the bathroom.
Functional design is all about maximizing home use. By creating a clear path of travel throughout your home and keeping high traffic areas like hallways, entryways and rooms around shared bathrooms free from clutter you are establishing a space that is both clean and comfortable for your family.
Basement
The basement is a below-ground level of a house that can be used for storage, living space, and other purposes. It is often considered a separate floor of the home and can add value to it, especially if it is finished out.
A full basement usually has a ceiling that is high enough to stand up in, but it may be lower than a typical above-ground ceiling like in the rest of the house. It can also be built on a slope, which is known as a daylight basement.
A basement can be a great addition to your home, but it can also be a challenge to maintain. Learn how to build a functional basement with online classes from MT Copeland, including video-based courses and supplementary downloads like blueprints and quizzes.