1. Know your non-negotiables
Consider what you really need. This might be your ideal number of bedrooms and bathrooms or the requirement for a living area that flows to the backyard. For Aimee and Frank the priority is colours, texture and a limit on plain white walls. “I just want interest as you walk through the house,” says Aimee. “I want to take someone on a journey as they walk through the house.”
2. Know your home’s purpose
As parents to two-year-old Rosie and four-year-old Leo, Aimee and Frank’s home will have to function as a family hub. “This will be the primary school house,” says Aimee who is planning the space to accommodate sleep overs and birthday parties through until the kids hit their teens. “It was really important to make sure we are designing spaces that not only suit them as toddlers but also as young teenagers,” she adds.
3. Decide on design style
Embrace a state of serial monogamy in design – committing to one style for one project and banking other interests for future homes. “When putting a look or theme together you need to continue it through,” says Frank. Aimee believes this steadfastness should sweep through every element chosen for a house, from the window furnishings to the styling and light fittings. As for the next style to catch this couple’s eye, Aimee laughs, “We’ll save that for the beach house.” Online mortgage calculators like this one from Qudos Bank, are a really simple tool when trying to figure out financing.
