A house is just a building you live in; a home means so much more. And it also means different things to different people: security, comfort, refuge. For many people, home is a recharging station for the spirit.
So it makes sense that each person might look for slightly different details as they turn their house into their home. Here are some of the favorite considerations we've helped GMT clients to think through in the remodeling process:
The right balance of space and coziness
Open floor plans are popular, and have been for years. Many New England homeowners have opted to open up their living areas, removing walls, connecting kitchens to dining areas (for example) for better flow and better family interactions. Open spaces in the home can provide a more welcoming, less confined feeling.
On the other hand, don't overlook the value of smaller spaces!
Consider a breakfast nook by the window, a more private area for conversations or phone calls, a small study with a built-in bookcase. These details can offer a sense of coziness and privacy, even in a home with an open floor plan overall.
The right spots for reminders
"Reminders" can be a simple and practical word. A busy family of five might love a spot with whiteboard paint on the wall right outside the mudroom — posting everyone's schedule to keep connected with kids and parents who are on the go.
But reminders also go deeper. Some items are wrapped up with special memories, and a true home can spotlight those pieces, whether it's a much-loved couch in the center of the living room, Nana's dishes visible on open shelving, or a wall perfectly proportioned for framed photos or kids' artwork.
The right access to the outdoors
Some folks are all about outdoor living. For them, home includes a firepit, a secluded side deck with space for a hammock, a grilling area, or just an Adirondack chair overlooking the backyard.
The right set of windows, skylights, and doors can provide easy access to these outdoor spaces, including a view to enjoy when summer humidity or winter snow is keeping everyone inside. Simple changing a wooden door to a glass slider makes it easier to go out, or to bring natural light into the home.
There are so many other architectural and design choices that add to the feeling you want your home to achieve — exposed beams with a rustic and solid feel, warmed tile flooring that turns a master bath into a peaceful refuge, and so on.
What are your favorites?