puntloos

Interesting stuff, and indeed tons of things come down to preference, I'm trying to nail down 'aesthetics' here mostly, not really suitability for anything

Wow I come back from work and this topic has really taken off.. Good point, we need to try to eliminate the effects of a photog. Still, some of the things like lighting could be intentional by a skilled designer. It's better but not miles =) Not always easy, obviously. "Fabric" as in 'the flow/usage of the place'? Fair enough. Thanks for the tips Yep, we have a very detailed statement already. But nowhere in the statement does it say 'needs to look good' =) - and in this discussion I'm trying to make that one a bit more explicit. Very much a good source of discussion and thought, thanks.

The Architect? The Lighting Designer? Hand-picked Iraqi sandstone? Interior Designer? Some house designs are 'totally fine'. Check out my 'Finekitchen' picture as just an example. And then take a look at my 'NextLevelKitchen' picture. Would you agree that NextLevel is just much more impressive without being (to my super untrained eyes) dramatically different? Of course (?) I'm very much interested in function first and foremost, and form later, but if I can make my place impressive without breaking the bank.... And what can I do, as an aspiring newbuilder, to make it more likely I'm getting Next Level results? Surely it's not just 'throw money at better materials/brands'?

Hey all, Building an island is almost inescapable, but as someone who never lived in a house with one, and never used one. I never saw it spelled out but am I correct the core idea is to have all your main cooking points (prep, cook, assemble?) close near each other? Anyway, some questions First off: 1/ What is your ideal Island config (does it have a sink? hob? wastebin? anything else? Size?) 2/ What do you use the island for? Prep? Cooking? Kitchen machines? Eating breakfast? Serving drinks? Stand for the recipe book? 3/ What do others (partner? kids?) do at the island if you're cooking? Do they help prep ingredients perhaps? Or just study while keeping you company? 4/ Is the island ever used when no cooking is happening? And some of my thoughts: - Many islands are 'solid'. I have long legs. This means I can't comfortably sit at the island, but will have to twist my body. No? - Of course there's the matter of available space but I'd imagine a small table-couch in a corner would be much more suited for both prep and company-keeping? - Is there a benefit in installing a hob in an island? seems it makes things needlessly hard and you'd have extra distance to carry hot things. Any other philosophical points welcome. How do you make the most useful island?

Hi vivienz, Center of town plot. Previous planning permission for an extension exists but we're planning to ignore that and start from scratch. Blog> not a bad idea! Might just. Thanks for the welcome =)

Perhaps a few details of the situation: - 27*15 plot, SE facing - Aiming for 200sqm floor space but could be convinced towards more, or a little less, if the situation calls for it - High ceilings throughout at least the ground floor - 2m70 - Modern style build (bright, smooth, probably white with some metallic touches) - Super large and bright living area (livingroom+kitchen). Much less interest in things like 'sitting rooms' or 'offices' or 'dining rooms'

.. you know, I figured I'd just note down my famous last words from the onset, and it'll be smooth sailing from here on out, right? Anyway, hi, my name is Marten! We've been searching for houses for 3 years, and have now gone the self-build route since finding a high-ceiling (>2m60) modern house seems near impossible in our area. Strange. I've read a lot in books, but will certainly be looking for a advice, tips, words of support (or warning) etc. It's certainly going to be an interesting 2(?...) years.. Thanks!