Many of my customers, friends and acquaintances ask me to tell them exactly how a dream home and garden is created. I decided to show you an example of what it looks like. Of course, the final version will be much more voluminous. But before the final version, a certain number of intermediate sketches are made, helping to determine the design as close as possible to what each of the customers wants. In this case, my task is not just to draw an abstract sketch, but to get into the style, colour perception, and interests of each customer. To put myself in my customer’s place and understand what kind of interior they would be comfortable to be in, live and work in.
A lot of understanding is needed. This is a long conversation so that I can get to know the interests, lifestyle, habits and preferences of my customer, his favourite likes, hobbies and surroundings. It’s like visiting a psychologist. But my task is to get an exterior or interior that perfectly matches the client’s ideas. So! After the introduction, we move on to the main part!
As an example, I’ll take my friend and work with him as if he were my client. Input data: They are a married couple who appreciate comfort, tranquillity and harmony in their home. Calm people, the husband is engaged in scientific work, and the wife loves nature, the garden, and garden design. They would appreciate a corner of nature in their living space, so it is necessary to have a greenhouse for growing vegetables and fruits, as well as flower beds. They want a house in the country that is an island of tranquillity, privacy and comfort for them. Providing year-round accommodation, as well as having a garage for their cars.
Having these inputs, we start planning. We have the first sketch reflecting the wishes of our customers. Let’s try to imagine . To create the ideal garden, we need to plant large-sized fruit trees. Or, if the trees are planted as seedlings, take into account the time the tree takes to grow and bear fruit, as well as the height and diameter of the crown. So as not to create excessive shade on the site, the trees are located along the perimeter .
Not far from the house we have a greenhouse and an outbuilding for storing garden tools. If the budget allows, let’s install solar panels on the roof of the outbuildings to power the plant irrigation system and illuminate the site at night. We make several sketches of greenhouses and garden paths, showing the placement of the greenhouse, garden paths and flowers. The greenhouse can be easily constructed from polycarbonate and aluminium or from glass and steel. The plants that are selected will be both perennial or annual, if there is a need to modify your garden from season to season.
The outbuilding can be built of planks, timber, stone or blocks. It’s a place to hang garden tools, garden hoses, a store for fertilizers and folding garden furniture. Having applied this to our sketch, we develop the ideas in detail.
Now let’s move on to the house. It is necessary to take into account the general style of the place of residence, personal preferences, and the colour scheme that the customer likes. Moreover, it is important to maintain a balance, because the colour preferences of the spouses may differ. We apply various design options for the entrance area. If space permits, the garage can be moved out as a separate building to avoid noise when tinkering with the car as well as provide a workshop for car maintenance. Since this is a married couple, we provide space for two cars.
We move on to the living room which is the beating heart of the house. A place where the whole family gathers and receives guests. If the desired style is classic, this suggests options for the decor. Upholstered furniture and calm colours to create comfort and tranquillity. Plants that thrive in higher temperatures..
A mini winter garden adds to the atmosphere of the house, with a corner accessible to wildlife – and people – during periods of bad weather, to charge the house with the energy of nature. Large panoramic glazing gives an excellent view of the courtyard, garden and landscaping. The living room is saturated with a sense of peace and harmony with nature. It is so important to disconnect from the urban rhythm.
We move on to the dining room, which is another very important room in the home. So, without departing from the chosen classical style, we design it in a calm range of beige shades, walnut finishes, and floor and wall panels that soothe and provide relaxation.
The large fireplace adds warmth, which is an essential addition for cold winter evenings, added to the crackle of firewood, quiet music and the taste of good food.
Really a great combination, isn’t it? Being on the ground floor, we get a good view of the garden from the window, which has a positive effect and makes each feast a celebration.
The use of wood, cotton and linen in the home gives naturalness, and the chosen colour scheme and designed interior provides serenity. Painting and stucco can be used and a place for the television and music system. Or (a steady trend in recent years) to abandon technology and reduce everything to a pair of laptops or tablets, which allows you to access music, movies and documents without cluttering at all.
Let’s go to the upper floor. This is a private area. There are separate bedrooms. They can be used by spouses and family, and they combine classic style with privacy, tranquillity, cosiness and comfort. They provide relaxation after a hard working day and supply a good night’s sleep. Each of the bedrooms is equipped with its own shower room. There is also a classic style and finish made of onyx and solid wood. The separate backlight is adjustable. The furniture contains the necessary compartments for cosmetics and towels.
Do not forget about the intellectual activities of our customer. As a person who constantly works with literature, monographs, writes articles and has many books, there is a library between the bedrooms, which also acts as an office. Adhering to the same classic style, we use laminate or parquet and oak or walnut finishes in the design of the bookcases. We also design lighting zones, for ease of work, or simply relaxing with a favourite book. A table will emphasize the style and give functionality and completeness to this room.
Since our customers are a married couple, we need a place to store and try on clothes and shoes for our hostess. The modular cabinet system will allow you to quickly change the structure of the dressing room without ordering new furniture. It can contain a large mirror and light sensors that automatically turn on and off when you are in or out of their range. The dressing room is also used for storing bedding.
Do not forget about the washing process. To do this, we go down to the ground floor again, where there is an area for washing, drying and ironing linen, clothes and bedding. This room is purely utilitarian in nature, so it does not require large finishing costs. You can just paint the walls, and pay more attention to the selection of a washing machine, dryer, ironing board and shelves for storing washing powder and necessary attributes. We make a floor of concrete and ceramic tiles, provide a connection and drain for our equipment, plus storage areas for the clean laundry, and baskets for storing clothes prior to washing. Ceiling lighting illuminates the room. Do not place the washing and the dryer close to the walls to avoid vibration during operation.
So…. We analysed the possibilities, provided for the general appearance and placement of buildings, took into account the interests of our clients and visualised their thoughts about the ideal living space. When people see the result of their thoughts (often not expressed), it is often perceived as a rite of magic, but it fills them with delight and joy. And most importantly, since the chosen solutions echo their desires, the designs will not get boring and should please for many years. Have a good stay!
With best wishes.
Nordi.
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