An Information and Instructional Guide
Chapter 12 – Interior Design
So you think you had to make a lot of choices so far – you ain’t seen nothing yet? The choices here can be overwhelming. The best advice is to tell the architect and interior designer your style and preferences and have them put something together. You can then make a few tweaks on the specifics. Too expensive you say. Check out some books and magazines. Visit some open houses. Starting from a blank piece or paper can mean a very long time before moving day and too many changes along the way.
Start with the general layout. The type of home you have chosen (colonial, split level, ranch, etc) will determine the space you have to work with? Begin with the basics and move on from there:
- How many bedrooms? Is there a master bedroom? How big are they? Are they all on the same floor? Do the parents have some privacy or is there a shared wall? Do they all have cable and phone hook ups? Where do the windows face?
- How many bathrooms? All full or some halves? Is there one in the master bedroom? Is there one on each floor? Is there one is the basement? Do the full baths have standard tubs & showers? How about a stand-up shower and a Jacuzzi tub? Double sinks? Is the linen closet inside or out? What color? Tile floors? Tile walls or an insert? A bidet or urinal?
- Do you need a home office or a den? Where is the main computer?
- Is the house big enough for a formal living room and a separate family room? What about a great room? Where will the big screen HDTV go? Is there a fireplace or wood stove?
- How elaborate of a kitchen does the cook need? Is there enough cabinet and drawer space? Are the appliances arranged for optimum efficiency? Built in? Standard range or separate stovetop and oven? Dishwasher? Is there an island? Is there enough room to eat in it (full size table or just a breakfast counter or nook)? Where will the sink go? Double or single basin sink? Garbage disposal? Exhaust fan? What is the color scheme? Wine rack, wine cooler or wine cellar? Tile floors? Granite, marble or formica counter tops? Stainless steel appliances?
- How large of a dining room do you need? Rarely or frequently entertain? Will there be enough room around the table? Is it expandable? Easy access to the kitchen?
- Foyer, mudroom, breezeway? None or all three?
- Hardwood floors or wall-to wall carpeting?
- Are there enough closets? Closet for guests’ coats?
- Any stairs needed? How fancy are the railings?
- What about lighting? Recessed? Ceiling fans?
- Window treatments – drapes, sheers, vertical blinds, shades?
- What color(s)? Every room the same or every room different? Natural wood, stained or painted moldings? Crown moldings?
- Alarm system or intercom? Panic room?
- Central air? Central vac?
- Hallways – short or long?
- Fully finished basement, partially finished basement? Laundry room? Placement of furnace and water heater. Storage room? Play areas? Workout area? Workbench area/room? Bathroom? Sink? Floating slab? Direct outside access?
- Is there an Attic? Is it useable for storage or just high enough for insulation?
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