Are Designer Homes Realistic for Everyday Living?
The world is full of beautiful homes showcased on platforms such as Pinterest, Instagram, and magazines. It’s hard not to be drawn to the incredible projects featuring stunning designs, impeccable finishes, and slick materials. However, these houses, while aesthetically pleasing, may not be ideal for everyday living. There is a distinction between a house used for vacation and one that is lived in daily, and it's essential to understand the difference when designing a home.
In this blog post, we will explore the reasons why some homes are ideal for everyday living and others aren't, and how this affects the design process for clients and architects.
#1
Materials & Proportions
One of the most significant concerns when designing a home is the choice of materials. High-end materials, such as marble, polished nickel, and woods, can add a luxurious touch to a home, but they are not always practical for everyday use. Some are susceptible to damage and staining, making them challenging to clean and maintain.
For example, white marble countertops in the kitchen are a popular choice among homeowners. However, marble is porous, and any spills or stains can easily penetrate the surface, causing damage. It's not a problem if you're meticulous about cleaning and maintenance, but it could be a deal-breaker for those who are not. There are solutions to seal marble either with a poured resin or a laminated adhesive layer. The downside with resins is that sometimes have a yellow tint.
“Creating a home that is both functional and beautiful is not about compromising”
I recently saw a kitchen with a monolithic island that had a top made of thick marble. It was paired with block-like marble. It looked great, but in reality, it would be a very uncomfortable sitting experience. The stools would provide no back support, the stone surface is too hard for long periods of sitting, and they would be incredibly heavy and hard to move. Additionally, the thickness of the island top would make it difficult to fit your legs under the island counter, so you’d have to sit sideways. These may seem like small details, but they can greatly affect the livability and functionality of the space. While it's good to question and rethink traditional design, it's important to be honest and practical in creating a functional and comfortable living space.
From an architect’s and designer’s perspective creating a home that is both functional and beautiful is not about compromising. The key is to find synergy between the two sides instead of just choosing one.
#2
Bathrooms and Questioning Standards
The hyper-minimal bathroom trend has been making waves lately. While they may look sleek and modern in photos, they're not always practical for everyday use. These bathrooms typically feature just one fixture on the wall and little to no storage, and the reality is that without adequate storage, the bathroom can quickly become cluttered and disorganized, and without a glass shower enclosure, water can get everywhere, making it difficult to keep the space clean. However, despite these challenges, hyper-minimal bathrooms and other more adventurous designs can still be a great thing to aspire to. In fact, one could argue that we need more of them! They challenge us to think about how we use these spaces and what we really need in them.
If you're willing to explore living a little differently, your bathroom can be a great place to start. We can create a space that doesn't feel like you're just standing in the tub to take a shower. What if instead you're standing in the middle of the room, and the rain comes down from the ceiling, or you're looking at a giant piece of artwork that you love, or you feel like you are outside with a view of a private garden? What if dissect the bathroom rituals to remove the clutter? For example, maybe there's an interstitial space before you enter the bathroom, where you can get undressed and leave all your belongings. What if we make these small daily experiences different? What impact would that have on all our lives?
“It’s an opportunity to redefine and reinvent yourself... and how you live on a day-to-day basis.”
When it comes to designing a new house or renovating an existing one, the process goes beyond just creating a physical structure. It's an opportunity to redefine and reinvent yourself in a fundamental, philosophical sense, and how you live on a day-to-day basis.
That said, while it's essential to create a space that allows for growth and expansion, it's important to remain realistic. Designers must ensure that they understand their clients well enough to avoid designing spaces that do not align with their clients’ project lifestyles.
#3
Styling
Have you ever looked at a beautifully styled home in a magazine and wondered, “Who actually lives like this?” You’re not alone. Many people question the authenticity of these photographs, and whether or not these homes are truly livable. The reality is, while these photos may capture a moment in time, they don’t necessarily reflect the day-to-day reality of most people’s homes.
The truth is that behind every perfectly styled photograph, there is an architect or designer who designed the space, a stylist who curated every object, and a photographer who captured the moment. Every element in the photo was carefully selected to enhance the design and create a specific atmosphere that necessarily represents how the average person lives on a daily basis.
“Good styling is all about balance.”
Living in a styled home requires a certain level of commitment. You may have to be willing to forgo your own personal items and instead embrace a curated collection of objects that are carefully selected to enhance the design. For example, you may have a collection of trinkets that have personal meaning to you, but they may not necessarily fit into the design aesthetic of a highly curated home.
The power of styling should not be underestimated. Small changes can make a big difference in how you appreciate and use things. For example, adding a plant to your shower or placing a vase on a table can elevate the overall experience of a space. Good styling is all about balance. By carefully selecting a few personal items that complement the design of your space, you can create a home that is both beautiful and personal.
#4
Conclusion
Designing a new house or remodeling an existing space is not just about creating a physical structure but an opportunity to redefine oneself fundamentally. Clients should be open to questioning the way they live and do things, and designers must understand their clients' behaviors and personalities to create a space that accommodates their clients' needs and is expressive of an overall aesthetic.