10 Home Design Mistakes to Avoid

Summary

In this informative video, Chris Novelli from N3 Architecture shares 10 common mistakes to avoid when designing a custom home. He emphasizes the importance of bathroom placement for privacy, maintaining a manageable house width for natural light, considering views, simplifying roof forms for better construction and aesthetics, and designing for sunlight. Other tips include thoughtful storage solutions, acoustic considerations, furniture accessibility, prioritizing a functional kitchen pantry, and focusing on the home's performance over just the finished materials for long-term comfort and efficiency.

Takeaways

• 🚪 Avoid placing bathrooms near entryways, kitchens, or dining rooms to maintain privacy and comfort for guests and users.
• 🏠 Keep the house width to 20-25 feet to ensure adequate sunlight penetration and a bright, warm interior.
• 🌆 Consider views and use architectural design to frame and highlight specific areas or outdoor scenes within the home.
• 🔨 Simplify roof forms to avoid complications in construction, insulation, weatherproofing, and to enhance aesthetic appeal.
• ☀️ Design the house orientation and layout with the sun's position in mind to optimize daylight and solar heat gain throughout the seasons.
• 📦 Prioritize sufficient and strategic storage solutions, including pantry spaces and areas for household appliances and cleaning supplies.
• 🎶 Address acoustics in the design of open spaces to prevent echoing and noise discomfort, especially in large vaulted or hard-surfaced areas.
• 🛋️ Ensure furniture can be easily moved through hallways, doors, and stairs by avoiding overly narrow passages and poorly planned entry points.
• 🍽️ Emphasize the importance of a kitchen pantry and back-of-house area to reduce countertop clutter and improve kitchen functionality.
• 🏡 Prioritize the performance of the house envelope, including insulation, air sealing, and proper ventilation, over the initial choice of finished materials.
• 💰 Remember that while aesthetics are important, the long-term comfort and functionality of the home are best served by focusing on the underlying structure and systems first.

Q & A

Why should a bathroom not be located near the entry, kitchen, or dining room in a custom home design?

A bathroom should not be located near these areas because it can lead to uncomfortable situations where guests may hear or smell activities from the bathroom, which can be embarrassing for both the host and the guests.

What is the recommended width for a house to ensure adequate sunlight penetration according to Chris Novelli?

Chris Novelli recommends limiting the width of a house to 20 to 25 feet to ensure that sunlight can penetrate the entire space, creating a bright and warm home.

Why is considering views important in custom home design?

Considering views is important because it allows the architecture of the house to frame and highlight certain areas, providing daylight and leading the eye out of the house and into the surrounding environment, which enhances the overall feel and flow of the house.

What are the potential issues with complicated roof forms in custom home design?

Complicated roof forms can be harder to construct, insulate, weatherproof, and vent. They may also result in a jumbled appearance that is not aesthetically pleasing and can negatively impact the performance of the house.

How should the orientation of a house be considered for daylight and sun exposure?

The orientation of a house should be designed around the sun's position throughout the year, considering solar angles during summer and winter. This can involve using architectural elements like roof overhangs to allow winter sun in for warmth or block summer sun for cooling.

Why is storage an important consideration in custom home design?

Storage is important because it helps to keep a home organized and clutter-free. It's not just about walk-in closets but also about finding spaces for items like food, canned goods, cleaning supplies, and appliances that can be hidden away when not in use.

What is the significance of acoustics in the design of large open spaces?

Acoustics is significant because in large open spaces with hard surfaces, sound can echo and become unpleasant or stressful. Considering the acoustic quality of surfaces can help create a more enjoyable living experience.

Why is it important to consider furniture movement when designing a home?

Furniture movement is important because narrow hallways, doors, and stairs can make it difficult to move large pieces of furniture into and out of a space. Properly designed entry points and corridors can prevent damage and make moving day less stressful.

What is the role of a kitchen pantry in a custom home design?

A kitchen pantry helps to reduce clutter on countertops by providing a dedicated space for food storage and appliances. It contributes to a cleaner, more organized kitchen and can improve the overall functionality of the space.

Why should performance be prioritized over finished materials in custom home design?

Performance should be prioritized because elements like insulation, air sealing, siding, and window quality directly impact the comfort and energy efficiency of a home. While finished materials can be replaced, the underlying performance aspects of the home are more difficult to change after construction.

What is the main takeaway from Chris Novelli's advice on custom home design?

The main takeaway is to focus on the functional aspects of home design that contribute to comfort, efficiency, and long-term livability, rather than just the aesthetic elements. This includes considering sunlight, views, storage, acoustics, and the movement of furniture, as well as prioritizing the performance of the home over its initial appearance.