Building a dream home is a significant milestone in life, and it can also be a big test of a relationship. Couples often focus on creating a beautiful home, but they may overlook how it will function in everyday life. According to Matt Jackson, managing director of David Reid Homes Australia, many of the biggest design mistakes are small frustrations that homeowners encounter daily.
These mistakes can be avoided if caught early, says Matt. He notes that social media can encourage homeowners to prioritize aesthetics over functionality, which can lead to problems down the line.
Beautiful homes don’t always mean practical ones, Matt warns. Instead of asking whether something looks good, he recommends asking questions like: Will this work with young children? Will it still suit us in 10 years? Does it make everyday life easier?
The most successful homes, he says, are designed around the people who live there, not the latest trend. This approach helps create a space that is functional and comfortable for the occupants.
Bathrooms are often a source of disagreements and design mistakes. Rainfall showers, for example, can be a problem if not everyone wants to wash their hair every time they step inside. Matt recommends installing both a rainfall showerhead and an adjustable handheld shower to suit different preferences.
Another common mistake is placing shower controls under the showerhead, which can mean stepping into freezing water every morning to turn the shower on. Instead, position the controls near the entrance so the water can warm up before anyone steps inside.
Matt also suggests thinking carefully about bathroom storage, such as mirror cabinets, which can be a surprisingly divisive design decision. Some people want generous storage for skincare and toiletries, while others simply want a mirror at a comfortable height.
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Matt advises installing more PowerPoints than you think you’ll ever need, as modern homes are filled with devices that require charging. He recommends walking clients through the framed house before plaster goes up to identify areas where additional PowerPoints may be needed.
By considering these factors and designing for real life, couples can create a home that is functional, comfortable, and meets their needs.
Matt’s biggest piece of advice is to stop thinking about resale before you’ve even moved in. While it’s wise to consider future value, he believes it shouldn’t dictate every design decision. Instead, design your home for how you want to live, and consider resale as a secondary factor.
Before signing off on your plans, ask yourselves questions like: Have both partners had equal input? Are there enough PowerPoints in every room? Can the shower be turned on without getting wet? Is there enough bathroom storage? By considering these factors, you can create a home that is tailored to your needs and makes everyday life easier.
It’s also worth considering that the most successful homes aren’t necessarily the biggest or the most expensive, but rather the ones that quietly make everyday life easier, year after year. By prioritizing functionality and practicality, couples can create a home that is truly their own, and one that will stand the test of time, making it a great family home.
Couples can create a home that suits their lifestyle by focusing on practicality and functionality.
