Living near the coast in New Zealand is a dream for many people. The beautiful scenery, the fresh sea breeze, and tranquil ambience are some of the reasons why many individuals opt to live in coastal lifestyle houses. However, designing and building a home in such an environment comes with its fair share of challenges. One of the most significant dilemmas is balancing functionality and aesthetics. On the one hand, you want a beautiful and attractive home, but on the other hand, you also need a functional living space that caters to your needs. This article will provide tips on how to achieve the perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics when designing coastal lifestyle houses in New Zealand.
Understanding the Importance of Functionality and Aesthetics
Before we delve into the tips for balancing functionality and aesthetics, it’s essential to understand the importance of both aspects. Functionality involves designing a house that meets the needs of its inhabitants. It entails creating a space that’s comfortable, convenient, and practical for everyday living. On the other hand, aesthetics refers to the appearance and visual appeal of the house. It includes the design, materials, colours, and overall look of the house.
While it’s essential to have a beautiful house, it’s equally crucial to have a functional one. Therefore, when designing a coastal lifestyle house, it’s vital to strike a balance between functionality and aesthetics.
Choosing the Right Materials
When designing a coastal lifestyle house, it’s crucial to consider the harsh weather conditions that come with living near the coast. The salty air, strong winds, and high humidity can wreak havoc on your home’s exterior and interior. Therefore, it’s essential to choose durable materials that can withstand these conditions while still maintaining their aesthetic appeal.
Some of the materials that are suitable for coastal lifestyle houses include cedar, timber, and concrete. Cedar and timber are ideal for the exterior as they’re sturdy, durable, and have a natural look that blends well with the coastal environment. Concrete is also an excellent option for the foundation and flooring, as it’s sturdy and resistant to salty air and moisture.
Maximising Natural Light
One of the advantages of living in a coastal house is the abundance of natural light. Therefore, it’s essential to make the most of this natural resource. Maximising natural light not only enhances the aesthetics of the house but also improves its functionality by reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day.
Some of the ways to maximise natural light in a coastal lifestyle house include using large windows, skylights, and light-coloured interior walls and floors. Large windows and skylights provide ample natural light while also offering stunning views of the surrounding environment. Light-coloured walls and floors reflect light, making the house brighter and more spacious.
Incorporating Outdoor Living Spaces
Living near the coast means that you have access to stunning scenery, fresh air, and a serene environment. Therefore, it’s essential to incorporate outdoor living spaces when designing a coastal lifestyle house. Outdoor living spaces not only enhance the aesthetics of the house but also provide functional areas for relaxing, entertaining, and enjoying the surroundings.
Some of the outdoor living spaces to consider include decks, patios, and verandas. These areas should be designed to blend seamlessly with the interior of the house while also offering stunning views of the surrounding environment.
Prioritising Storage Space
A coastal lifestyle house is often associated with a relaxed and laid-back lifestyle. However, this doesn’t mean that the house should be cluttered and disorganised. Therefore, when designing a coastal lifestyle house, it’s crucial to prioritise storage space to keep the house organised and functional.
Some of the storage solutions to consider include built-in cabinetry, shelves, and storage benches. These storage solutions not only provide functional space for storing items but also enhance the aesthetics of the house by creating a streamlined and organised look.
If you’re looking for a reputable builder to help you design and build your dream coastal lifestyle house, look no further than Stonewood Homes. With years of experience in the industry, Stonewood Homes has built a reputation for excellence, quality, and attention to detail. Their team of professional designers and builders will work closely with you to ensure that your dream home is not only beautiful and functional but also meets your unique needs and specifications. Contact us today to get started.
