What would your dream home look like?
Is it by the sea, in the mountains, or surrounded by a forest of trees?
Everyone has their own vision of a dream home. But one thing they usually all have in common is that they are spacious and everything fits in perfectly.
In reality, though, it may be the total opposite. Perhaps there are space constraints in your home that make it challenge to fit in all your furniture and belongings. Or it might have unusual features that are difficult to work with.
However, it is those very design constraints that can result in a more creative home.
One famous example of this is Fallingwater in southwestern Pennsylvania. Designed by the American Architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1935, the house is a cantilevered structure, built partly over a waterfall.
It is that integration of architecture and nature – and working with the design constraints of the landscape – that make it into such a unique home. A large square box on a flat piece land would not have had the same dramatic effect.
And the same goes for interiors.
An unlimited budget and an excess of space does not necessarily make for a more exciting home. Often, it is creative thinking because of restrictions, that leads to fresh and exciting design concepts.
With some imagination, those little nooks and crannies can add real character to a home.
This built-in bookshelf under the stairs shows how an awkward space can be turned into a feature. And provide loads of useful storage at the same time.
Here’s another great example of inspired design. The architects have taken a small bedroom with an awkwardly shaped ceiling. And, adding a dose of creativity, they’ve transformed the room with this truly original bunk bed. Now, it has become a stunning focal point.
So perhaps it’s time to embrace constraints and the creativity it leads to?
Re-imagine your space, and think of those limitations as opportunities to design a more inspiring home. And if you do, please let me know what you come up with!
Do you have any clever design solutions in your home? Please tell me about them in the comments below …
[Image credits: 1 – wright-house | 2 – Samuel Ansbacher / Mocha | 3 – AKSL Architects ]
