Expert Explains: How to Recognize a Home with Thoughtful Planning

A 60-square-meter 3-room apartment can be more functional than a 75-square-meter one. However, the price difference between such similarly located homes can exceed 50,000 euros. This is why every home buyer should thoroughly review the floor plans of apartments of interest, as the savings from a smaller, but well-designed home can be significant. Furthermore, such conscious preparation ensures that the future home will also meet the family's needs in the future. Bonava architect Erko Leo explains how to recognize a home with a well-thought-out floor plan.

Cleverly designed storage

One of the most important features to pay attention to when choosing a new home: how seasonal clothing and sports equipment, as well as household items and other things needed in the home are stored. This applies both as a separate storage room on the lower floors of the apartment building and in the apartment itself in the hallway and bedroom. For example, a built-in cabinet system could have a higher section where larger items (ironing board, vacuum cleaner, drying rack) can be conveniently stored.

Bedroom designed with family needs in mind

The apartment's main bedroom should have space for a large wardrobe, and if desired, a desk solution can also be planned into it.

A family with small children should ensure that there is enough space in the bedroom between the bed and the side wall or wardrobe for a crib. Perhaps, however, the desire is to create a home office area on one wall of the room – make sure the wall has the necessary cables and outlets for this.

Photo: Maris Tomba

Open floor plan and shared dining area

Although there are those who prefer a separate kitchen, on smaller square footage it makes sense to combine the living room, kitchen, and dining area. With good planning, a dining table can fit into the space between the smaller living room and kitchen. This creates a flowing and visually cohesive room where the entire family, as well as guests, can be together. Thanks to this, there is also more light in the apartment.

Bathroom solutions

In a bathroom that meets the family's needs, existing space should be used to the maximum so that everything required finds its place and the overall impression is calm and clean. Pay attention to opportunities for clever placement of items. For example, you can create a pull-out narrow tall cabinet (cargo) between the wall and sink, add shelves or a cabinet above the toilet. The laundry basket and washing machine-dryer must find their logical place.

Natural light and balcony openness

Sufficient natural light must reach the rooms. This is helped by floor-to-ceiling windows and a balcony, which could be accessed from the living room through a wide door. This way, the balcony becomes an extension of the living space and thus makes the entire room larger. The balcony should accommodate at least a small table and two chairs.

Photo: Maris Tomba

Wall niches and useful space

The apartment's wall niches should be utilized so that no unnecessary space remains unused. For example, a wall alcove is suitable as a work area, where a chair and table can be placed and a cabinet or shelf space can be added above it.

Logical arrangement of rooms

Also pay attention to where the doors of auxiliary rooms open. For example, the toilet and bathroom door could be located away from the living room or kitchen. This importance becomes apparent especially when you have guests. Similarly, it is not convenient if the bathroom door opens right next to the apartment door.

A larger number of square meters does not always mean greater comfort. With a well-thought-out floor plan, it is possible to create a spacious and bright home even from a smaller apartment, where everything necessary has its own place and space is used to the maximum. This way, you can choose a home with a smaller total square footage without compromises in the number of rooms or amenities, which in the end means savings both in purchase price and in housing costs.