After hundreds of conversations with clients — and the recent experience of designing and building my own family home, I’ve come to the conclusion that the perfect floorplan is almost impossible to achieve.
We all have a picture in our heads of what it might look like, but when you start looking at real homes, then reality sets in!
We all have different needs, tastes, and budgets. Even starting from scratch, there’s always something (be it the block’s size, shape, orientation, or location, or what’s actually available for sale currently, or budget, or neighbours), which isn’t quite right. Compromises are inevitable.
At some point you have to decide what matters most to you and let go of the rest.
Still, it’s fun to dream! And from what I’ve seen, here are the features people value most when thinking about a functional and comfortable family home…
On the Ground Floor
- A welcoming façade and front garden
People form emotional connections with houses within seconds. Whether it’s for visitors, future resale, or just for your own personal enjoyment, an attractive façade and front garden provides instant appeal. - Off-street parking
This can be a carport, or garage, anything that makes life easier when carrying shopping or getting kids inside during bad weather. - A clear, inviting entrance
This doesn’t have to be grand, just a space that feels open and easy to move through. - A comfortable second living space for adults
Somewhere for quiet conversations or reading, away from the main family zone. - A study or even just a study nook
With remote work and homework both part of modern life now, having a dedicated area, even a small one, can make a big difference. - A bedroom & ensuite bathroom on the ground floor
This can be handy for guests, grandparents, or for future-proofing the home. - A separate toilet for guests
Keeps the family bathroom private and tidy. - An open, light-filled kitchen/ living/ dining area
This is where families tend to gather. Natural light can make it feel more spacious and uplifting. - A practical kitchen layout
Consider a butlers pantry, with second sink and dishwasher is great if you have the budget and space, but smart cabinetry and well-placed appliances can be equally effective. - A laundry with good storage
Doesn’t have to be huge but well-designed laundries certainly make life easier. Also consider a laundry chute from upstairs (to declutter bedrooms/ bathrooms, and saving you having to walk downstairs with baskets of dirty laundry). - Outdoor space that suits your lifestyle
This might be a lawn for the kids, or a courtyard, or just somewhere to sit in the sun. Pools are lovely but not essential. - Privacy from neighbours
Privacy is priceless, and it’s something money can’t always fix if you buy a challenging block. Consider fences, screens, and/ or planting where needed.
Upstairs
- Another bedroom with its own bathroom
Handy for teenagers, guests, or older family members. - Bedrooms for the kids, also with access to a central bathroom
Ideally with enough storage to keep things tidy. - An additional study nook or small desk area
Minimises distractions if multiple family members are working or studying at the same time. - A play area or second living space
This can be a lifesaver for keeping toys, noise, and mess contained.
Now if you’ve ever found a property which actually ticks all of these boxes, I want to know about it!
Because for most of us it’s not about finding every single element in one home. It’s about knowing which features will make the biggest difference to our lifestyle, and prioritising these when it comes to buying or building.
The key is to remember that a “perfect” home is really just one that fits your family’s needs, lifestyle, and budget, and helps you enjoy living in it.
