Your home is more than just a physical arrangement of walls and rooms.  

It is the blueprint of your lifestyle, shaping the way you interact with your living space and the people around you. Your home is a reflection of your personality, your aspirations, and your values. How you design your home can inspire and influence you and create a space that allows you to live your best life.  

But it all starts with getting the design right. 

Here are some tips to help you design your dream lifestyle home. 

Determine your needs 

Beyond the necessities of bathrooms and bedrooms, your home should reflect your needs. It should look and be designed to be intrinsically you so that when someone walks into your home, they can immediately see it’s yours.  

Ask yourself, what type of features make me feel at ease? Cooking connoisseurs might seek out extra counter space for their culinary adventures.  

Or, if you work from home, your design could benefit from creating an office that inspires productivity and reflects your personal style.  

Create a vision board 

A vision board can be a great tool for visualising your ideas and identifying your design preferences.  

Gather images from magazines, Pinterest, or Instagram that inspire you and represent the features and design elements you want in your home. This is also a great way to gain some inspiration for design ideas. 

Organise these images on a board or online to create a cohesive vision of your dream home. 

Consider the layout 

A well-designed layout can create a seamless flow that connects different areas of your home, making it easier to move around and engage in various activities. Whether you’re cooking in the kitchen, watching TV in the living room, or reading a book in your bedroom, a well-planned layout can create a sense of harmony and comfort that is both functional and beautiful. 

If you love to entertain, a well-designed open-concept living area can create a sense of fluidity that connects your guests with your kitchen and dining room. This creates a lively, interactive atmosphere where people can mingle, chat, and share food, drinks, and stories. 

Focus on natural light 

Your home can also significantly impact your mental and emotional well-being.  

When done right, it can create a sense of calm and tranquillity, which can help reduce stress and anxiety. Natural light can create a sense of warmth and comfort to help you feel relaxed and at ease.  

Proper circulation and ventilation can also improve air quality, creating a healthy and refreshing environment that can boost your energy levels and mood. 

Choose materials and finishes that reflect your style 

The materials and finishes you choose for your home can help express your style and create a cohesive design.  

Consider your colour palette, textures, and finishes. For example, if you prefer a modern aesthetic, you might choose concrete, steel, and glass materials. If you prefer a more traditional style, you might choose wood, stone, and warm colours. 

Incorporate outdoor living spaces 

No Kiwi home is complete without an outdoor space that allows you to take advantage of the New Zealand landscape (and fire up the BBQ). 

However, it’s important to remember that our weather isn’t always what we want it to be.  

It’s important to consider the strong winds and occasional rainfall, which can impact the design of your outdoor area. To create a practical and comfortable space, you may want to consider features like an overhead shelter, outdoor heating, and built-in seating areas. 

Designing your ideal lifestyle home is an exciting process that requires careful consideration and planning. Focus on functionality, choose your design style, and work with experienced professionals to bring your vision to life. With the right approach, you can create a perfect living space for you and your family. 

At Cambridge Homes, we’re passionate about crafting your perfect place. We build homes made with you in mind and tailored precisely to meet all of your unique needs. 

Get in touch with us to start on your custom home design journey.