First Things First

One crucial step that will allow you to create a beautiful new home that reflects your unique family lifestyle is having a crystal-clear plan that captures your unique vision. The technical term we use for this is a “project brief” or design brief”. You can consider the brief for your home as a map that gives direction to the design process.

Why Is It Important to Have a Brief for Your Home Build Project

Your brief is a communication tool. It's a way for you to

• Express your ideas
• Communicate what you want to achieve
• Confirm the boundaries of your project

With access to so many ideas online it is very easy to get lost in Pinterest feeds, Instagram pages and social media groups.

We thought we'd share some helpful insights on how you can create a brief that will ensure your home-building experience is a success. Let's dive into how you can define the vision for your home in a way that reflects your taste, the way you want to express your culture and your specific family lifestyle needs. 

‍

4 Key Steps to Creating A Brief

‍

Step 1: Think About What Spaces Will Support Your Family Story

Think of your home like a captivating novel, with each room narrating a different chapter. Who will inhabit these spaces? What delightful memories and meaningful moments do you see unfolding within these walls? What will make the space comfortable for everyone who will use it? 

Whether it's cosy family dinners in the kitchen or creating living areas that allow you to bond as a family, defining these aspects helps outline the personality of each room.

It’s tempting to want to “design” your spaces. At this stage focus your efforts on thinking about

1. Who will use this space e.g family members, regular visitors, domestic staff
2. What activity will be happening in this space e.g. cooking, reading, watching tv, praying
3. What specific requirements do you have for the space e.g. natural light, views into the garden,  private space

‍‍

Step 2: Think about what your style preferences are

‍Your home should reflect your personal style and taste. As you create your brief communicate clearly what your preferences are. It’s okay to not be sure. You can share images that you are drawn to that can include places you have visited, colours you love, and inspiration from your wardrobe. To achieve a timeless result you may find it helpful to spend time reflecting on what is unique to you and staging away from trends.

‍

‍Step 3: Be Clear on the Budget you are working with

Money is always a difficult topic to be open about. Building your dream home involves investment, and understanding your budget is key. How much can you commit to your project? What are the financing options available to you? Identifying your financial scope helps align your vision with practical considerations.

‍Step 4: Designing for the Future

‍Your home should be able to adapt to the evolving needs of your family. Imagine it as a living, breathing entity, accommodating changes as you grow. As you write down your brief, factor in the potential growth of your family and any future modifications you may wish to introduce. Think particularly about changes that come with children growing from toddlers to teenagers or changes that you’ll go through as you grow older. How would you need your home to adapt to these inevitable life transitions?

‍

A Brief in a Nutshell

To wrap up here’s a summary of what you need to know

• A brief is your wish list for your home-building project
• Have an idea of how much you’re prepared to spend
• Don’t be afraid to communicate your style preferences
• Concentrate on the outcome you want - how this home will help you live the way that’s most comfortable for your family to live

‍

Need help to create your brief? Our one-to-one service is a great way to get support. Find out more.

‍