Our blog

When people start planning a new house or a major renovation, they usually focus on the big stuff: bedroom count, square footage, maybe how many en-suites they can squeeze in.

And while those things do matter, we’re here to let you in on a secret — it’s the hidden details that make the difference between a house that looks good on paper and a house that actually works for real life.

As Designers, our favourite part of design is often the bits you don’t see — the thoughtful, behind-the-scenes elements that make life easier, smoother, and more joyful.

Here’s what we think every house should have — even if you didn’t know to ask for it.

 1. A Room with No Name — The Multifunctional Space

Forget adding a 'spare bedroom' just because. What you really need is a space that can adapt as life changes — what we call a multifunctional room.

We often feel the need to label every room — guest room, office, gym — but life doesn’t always fit those neat boxes. And with every square metre costing serious money, why not create a space that earns its keep every day, not just when guests stay over?

In one project, we designed a flexible, dual-aspect space that could serve as:

• A home gym
• A yoga or mindfulness studio
• A messy craft or jigsaw room
• A work-from-home office
• A  kids’ den (or adult escape room — depending on who needs it more)

A room with no fixed name, but endless potential. 

2. Storage, Storage and…more Storage

Storage might sound boring, but believe me, future you will thank us.

Most building guidelines say you need about 3m² of storage for a typical four-bedroom house. We say shred that rulebook. You need more.

In a recent project, we installed 7m² of storage just in the entrance hall alone — full-height cupboards down both sides, creating a light-filled corridor that connects to the kitchen (the M25 of the house!).These aren’t just places to dump coats — though they’ll do that too. We designed them so you can have:

• A dog cupboard
• A football boot cupboard
• A 'going out' coat cupboard
• A 'school stuff' cupboard
• A craft cupboard
• And yes, even a Christmas present cupboard

It’s not about over-designing. It’s about thinking through how a house is really lived in, and celebrating storage as part of the architecture, not an after thought.

3. Less Doors, More Flow

Doors. People love to add them. But sometimes, the best thing you can do for a space is remove the door and let the rooms breathe into one another.

Doors can create awkward spaces, block light, and interrupt the way people move and interact. Fewer doors mean:

• Better flow between spaces
• Natural light that travels deeper into the home
• Rooms that feel bigger and more connected
• Easier conversation and stronger family connections — because you’re not all hidden away in separate rooms

A home with good flow naturally encourages togetherness, casual chats, and shared moments — all the little things that help a household feel connected.

Of course, some rooms need privacy — but think twice before putting a door on every wall. A well-thought-through floorplan can give you both openness and privacy, without sacrificing either.

4. Future-Proofing — Designing for Now and Later

A new family house has a big job to do. It needs to be adaptable, low maintenance, a place of shelter, tranquillity, cosiness, and comfort — and able to grow and contract as life changes.

When we design, we’re always thinking about:

• Growing families (more stuff, more people, more chaos)
• Teenagers needing space (and a door to slam)
• Aging in place — homes that still work if stairs get tricky
• Selling on — making a house that will appeal to future buyers

One little trick? We add an extra stair tread — barely noticeable but makes stairs easier to climb, and easier to get that giant sofa up when moving in. We also widen staircases by 100mm and adjust the pitch, so furniture (and people!) can navigate comfortably.

Think about where plug sockets go, where a future lift could fit, and whether a room could become a bedroom if needed. These details don’t cost much upfront but save a fortune — and a lot of stress — later.

Read more about future proofing your home as you age.

5. No Loft? No Problem

Here’s a novel idea: you don’t need a loft or attic — if you get the rest of your design right.

Lofts are often the default dumping ground for stuff we don’t know what to do with, but in reality, lofts aren’t great for storage. They’re full of insulation, awkwardly shaped, badly lit, and usually accessed via a wobbly ladder that no one enjoys climbing.

So instead of relying on a loft, build the storage in from day one. Design walk-in cupboards, built-in storage, and box rooms that are part of your floor plan — so you don’t have to scale a ladder to get to them.

In one of our recent projects, we ditched the loft entirely.

Instead, we designed clever storage all over the house. The result? A house that feels bigger, lighter, and far more functional, without needing to poke your head into a dusty roof void every time you want the suitcase.

Conclusion: it’s the little things that make a house work

A good house isn’t just about size or show-off features. It’s about thoughtful design — spaces that adapt with you, storage that makes life easier, rooms that flow, and details that future-proof your home.

So, if you’re planning to build a new home or renovate your existing one, don’t just focus on what looks good in photos. Think about what will make your everyday life better, now and for years to come.

If you’re not sure what to look out for — or what’s missing from your plans, get in touch.

‍