Designing a Home: What to Think About Before You Begin

A restrained Melbourne interior where space, light, and movement guide the experience — early design decisions shaping how the home is lived in every day.

When designing a home, it’s easy to focus on how it looks rather than how it will actually work day to day. Pinterest boards are full, inspiration is everywhere, and ideas start forming quickly. But before plans, materials, or finishes come into the conversation, there are a few fundamental things that often get overlooked — and they’re usually the ones that have the biggest impact on how a home feels once it’s built.

Through years of practice, we’ve seen that the most successful projects aren’t defined by bold gestures or expensive materials, but by early decisions that shape how a home works in everyday life.

Here are some of the key things worth thinking about before design really begins.

Designing a Home Starts With How You Live, Not How You Want It to Look

One of the most common mistakes we see is starting with an image instead of a lifestyle.

Before thinking about style, it helps to ask:

• How do you actually use your home day to day?

• Where do you spend most of your time?

• Do you prefer open, social spaces or quieter, more contained rooms?

• How do mornings, evenings, and weekends differ?

A home that looks great but doesn’t suit your routines will always feel slightly uncomfortable. When design responds to real habits, spaces tend to feel more natural and easier to live in.

The Site Will Shape the Design (Whether You Like It or Not)

Every site comes with constraints — orientation, slope, neighbours, setbacks, planning controls. Ignoring them early often leads to compromised outcomes later.

Good design works with the site, not against it:

• Orientation affects light, warmth, and comfort

• Slope can influence layout, cost, and spatial quality

• Surroundings affect privacy and outlook

When these factors are embraced early, they often become strengths rather than limitations.

Bigger Isn’t Always Better

It’s easy to assume that more space equals better living. In reality, well-designed homes often feel more generous because they’re planned efficiently.

Thoughtful design focuses on:

• Proportion rather than sheer size

• Spaces that serve multiple purposes

• Clear circulation without wasted areas

A smaller, well-considered home often feels calmer and more enjoyable than a large one filled with unused rooms.

Light Matters More Than Finishes

Finishes can always change. Light cannot.

How daylight enters a home — its direction, softness, and timing — plays a major role in comfort and mood. Early design decisions should consider:

• Where light comes from throughout the day

• Which spaces benefit from morning or afternoon sun

• How shadows and glare are controlled

When light is handled well, even simple materials feel rich and considered.

Think Long-Term, Not Just Right Now

Homes often need to adapt over time — families grow, work patterns change, and priorities shift.

Designing with flexibility in mind might include:

• Rooms that can change function

• Layouts that allow future adjustments

• Avoiding overly fixed or trend-driven elements

A home that can evolve will always feel more valuable than one locked into a single moment.

Budget Is a Design Tool, Not a Limitation

Budget is often seen as something that restricts design, but in reality, it helps define priorities.

Clear budgets encourage:

• Smarter planning decisions

• Focus on what truly matters

• Avoiding unnecessary complexity

Some of the most considered homes are those where money is spent intentionally rather than everywhere.

Why These Early Decisions Matter

Many issues people experience in homes — lack of light, awkward layouts, uncomfortable spaces — aren’t caused by poor finishes or construction. They usually stem from decisions made very early in the process.

Taking time to think about how you live, how your site works, and what matters most can make the difference between a house that simply looks good and one that genuinely supports everyday life.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is intended as general information only. Architectural fees, processes, approvals and project requirements may vary depending on site conditions, scope, location, regulatory requirements and individual client circumstances. This content does not constitute professional, legal or financial advice. For advice specific to your project, we recommend consulting directly with a registered architect.