Many of us dream of designing our own homes. A bespoke floor plan allows you to create a truly personalised space that fits around you and your lifestyle. You can experiment with different layouts and play around with room configurations.
No matter how much you have to spend, it’s always a good idea to commit some of your budget to produce a floor plan. You’ll be able to anticipate architectural issues before they derail a project as well as get a clear idea of what’s possible.
Once you’ve produced a floor plan that works for you, you can start turning your design dreams into reality. With the hard work taken care of, you can start investigating final touches like interior furnishings and flooring.
At Wood Flooring Ireland, we offer an incredible range of engineered wood flooring that will transform your interiors. But what are the advantages of engineered wood flooring over conventional materials?
It’s stylish, hard-wearing and can be installed just about anywhere. What’s more, all of our engineered wood flooring is made from responsibly sourced European Oak, making it a sustainable addition to any floor plan.
What to Include in a Floor Plan
A comprehensive floor plan should include all rooms like lounges, kitchens, bedrooms and dining areas. However, it should also include additional storage and utility spaces, such as walk-in wardrobes and laundry areas. Certain rooms like kitchens require extra detail. You’ll need to identify where you’ll be placing plumbing inlets for sinks, not to mention power outlets for essential appliances. A typical kitchen will also include overhead storage, so these will need to be included.
Furthermore, don’t forget to include areas like staircases and hallways. If your property includes a garage, make sure this is included in your overall plan. Doorways and windows should also feature, along with lighting points. If you have a firm idea about how you’ll furnish your space, you can also include furniture as part of your preliminary floor plan.
If you’re starting from the ground up and your budget allows, you may wish to incorporate additional rooms like studies and nurseries. Outside living spaces like balconies and patios can also feature. No matter how simple or elaborate your floor plan is, prioritise functionality and always be precise with measurements.
What’s Your Budget?
Before you start drafting a dream floor plan, you’ll need to determine how much you can spend on your project. The larger the property, the more you’re likely to spend to realise your design dreams.
It’s also a good idea to leave yourself a little breathing room. It’s not common to encounter unanticipated costs amid a project. You might decide you want to replace standard flooring materials with Versailles panels. This will require a larger budget so considerations like this are crucial.
It’s a good idea to invest in the services of a professional architect to design a first-rate floor plan. These design services can be expensive, but they can help you mitigate unexpected costs down the line.
Creating a Floor Plan That Fits Around You
A well-designed floor plan can revolutionise your everyday life. As such, it’s important to consider your lifestyle before committing plans to paper. Are you a big family who loves entertaining? Large reception rooms and outdoor living spaces are a great idea. Are you self-employed and regularly work from home? Making space for a home office is a must.
If you think your family is likely to grow in the future, bear this in mind when designing your floor plan. For starters, you’ll need extra bedrooms for new arrivals. What’s more, your needs will change over time and you’ll need a space that can adapt to meet your requirements.
Windows and Natural Light
Orientation and window placement are incredibly important. When creating a floor plan, it’s vital you make full use of natural light. In Ireland, south-facing windows will ensure your interiors are illuminated throughout the day. If you’re looking to bask in sunlight during the mornings, think about installing east-facing windows in breakfast rooms and kitchens.
When choosing windows for your property, consider ventilation. This not only helps you enjoy premium indoor air quality, but it will also help keep damp and mould growth at bay.
What if You’re Short on Space?
If your square footage is limited, you’ll need to be more creative when designing a floor plan. In smaller rooms, it’s tempting to push furniture toward walls to create more open space. However, this is rarely practical and you’re better off creating multiple paths around room obstacles.
If you’re dealing with a large open-plan arrangement, consider adding separate zones. Use rugs and room dividers to create dedicated areas for relaxing, dining and play. Every home needs storage, but bulky furniture can eat into precious square footage. Opt for integrated shelving and built-in cabinets whenever possible.
Getting to Grips with Floor Plans
Realising your design dreams isn’t as simple as creating a plan and hiring contractors. To ensure you enjoy the best results possible, you’ll need a firm handle on floor plan elements and what they mean.
Floor Plan Abbreviations
If you’ve paid an architect to design floor plans for you, they’ll almost certainly use a host of abbreviations. Builders and contractors will be able to understand these, but if you’re uncertain what anything means, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification.
Understanding Measurements
Floor plans will include multiple sets of measurements. Generally speaking, the lines featured on the edge of floor plans refer to interior measurements, such as wall widths. The lines drawn at the top of your floor plans are for exterior building measurements.
Window Measurements
Windows are a vital part of any floor plan. Different window styles have different symbols. Make sure you know the difference between double-hung windows and single-casement windows before signing off on any plans. Window measurements will also be included as part of any floor plan. The first number will indicate the height of your windows, while the second set of numbers will identify their width.
Find the Perfect Flooring for Your Design Project
Putting together the finishing touches to your dream floor plan? Once you’ve created plans for the perfect layout, you can start thinking about the finishing touches. Premium flooring is a must for any project, no matter whether you’re planning a new build or renovation project.
What are the different types of wood flooring available at Wood Flooring Ireland? We stock everything from long plank wood flooring to Versailles panels. Searching for timeless parquet styles? Why not explore our selection of chevron flooring and herringbone flooring? Get your ideal floor plan started by visiting our showroom in Cork to discover the range in person. Alternatively, send us a query via the online contact form or call the team on 021 4629913.