What to wish for in your wish-list...
Many times clients approach their architects and designers with a wish-list that, while it may be detailed and specific, is actually very finite and limiting, focussing on pre-determined ideas about the exact sizes of the rooms that they want, and the arrangement or proximity of one room to the other.
A limiting wish-list can look something like this:
The kitchen must be L-shaped with the sink by the window overlooking the backyard; the island must be 5’ x 9’, with 4 seats in a straight line
The pantry must be on the left hand side of the fridge, shelves of 20” deep, with a wooden barn door
The dining room must be 13’ x 17’ with a bay window of 2’ x 6’ and a coffered ceiling
Can you see what I mean about it being a very tight and specific micro-list almost to the point of being pre-designed already (and to be honest, sometimes such a list is, in fact, accompanied by a pre-laid out floor plan as well).
It’s completely understandable for some clients to commence a project with a list like this - with over 20 yrs in architecture and design, and especially from working on my own home, I can tell you that it is almost impossible to step out of your own way when you’re trying to design your own space, especially if this is something you have been thinking and dreaming about for years.
Starting with such a very detailed and specific wish-list, however, indicates to your architect/designer that you are not going to be seeking the most creativity from them …. in fact you are going to be limiting them from bringing their best to you. In turn, you are limiting yourself from receiving something much greater than you yourself have perhaps conceived of in your own mind.
That limiting wish-list leaves me with a little pang of regret that that client is going to miss out on the joy of the process, and the pleasure of being gifted a design that reflects everything about the way they actually want to live in their space.
Fast forward 18 months to when you walk into your finished house, and it’s all done. Let’s just say one of the items on your specific limiting wish-list was a family room of exactly 16’ x 20’. Standing in that space, do you imagine that you are you going be brought to tears of joy noting the exact room size you requested? Or, is it actually conceivable that you going to be moved by the way the room makes you feel by way of it’s balanced scale and proportion, thoughtful attention to detail, ease of flow, pleasing materials and craftsmanship?
So, how do you go about creating the best kind of wish-list that will create a platform for harnessing all the power of design, and allowing your design team to craft a very personal space that is in service to you?
You need to tell your architect/designer all about how you live. This is a much more meaningful place to start.
An excellent wish-list is going to look something like this:
I love to cook so I need a big kitchen with a walk-ing pantry
We entertain a lot, and everyone congregates in the kitchen while I’m cooking, so we need a place for them to sit and be social with me, but not in my way
I love when the family can be together, even while I’m in the kitchen, and the other are watching tv
I work from home, so I need an office away from the hubbub of the family where I can take important phone calls
One of my pet peeves is shoes and backpacks by the door, so we need a place to manage this type of clutter
I travel a lot, so I need a convenient place in my WIC to keep the suitcase laid out for packing
I love to take long leisurely baths
Our daughter loves to read and we’d love special spot for her to do that in her bedroom
Our son has band practise at our house every week, so we need a sound-proof room for them to make a noise in without disturbing all of us
( Feel free to add in the necessary inventory of spaces such as: 4 bedrooms, 2 car garage, office, family room, etc. This is important information too. Just make sure to make the list about lifestyle challenges rather than pre-determined spatial solutions).
This kind of list is what I call sharing your light with your designer, and is going to open up so much space for discussion and understanding of your unique life, and how the space that is to be created is going to hold form for you and your family. The more you can share your light, the more responsive your future space will be.
If you’re planning a new build or a renovation any time soon, I challenge you to pause and pay attention to the way you like to live in your space, and then find a yourself an architect/designer who responds to that.