HOUSEBABY
Our Next Project:
Designing the Dream Home
After years of dreaming, renovating, and sketching ideas, we decided to fully design our own custom home from the ground up before buying land or hiring a builder. We wanted clarity, creativity, and control—so we’re approaching it step by step, designing every detail to reflect how we live and what we value. In this series, we’re sharing the full journey: from lifestyle planning and layout ideas to materials, systems, and pricing strategies. We've broken the process into clear phases to keep it inspiring, approachable, and practical for anyone dreaming up their future home and plan to follow this outline step-by-step.
Phase 01
This phase focuses on establishing the foundation of our dream home. It involves evaluating lifestyle needs, setting a budget, and selecting the right design style for our family. Through careful planning, we’ll set clear goals for our project that will guide decisions throughout the building process.
Phase 02
In this phase, we’ll concentrate on optimizing the layout of our custom home to ensure it’s both functional and efficient. This includes designing the best flow between spaces, ensuring privacy and accessibility, and creating a home that adapts to our needs over time. It’s about making sure every square foot serves a purpose.
Phase 03
Refining the design involves enhancing key spaces like the kitchen and primary suite, focusing on both aesthetics and practicality. We’ll optimize storage solutions and select materials that tie the design together, ensuring both beauty and functionality.
Phase 04
​Choosing the right materials and finishes is crucial for the long-term durability and energy efficiency of our custom home. This phase will guide us through the process of selecting sustainable, high-performance materials, as well as finishes that reflect our personal style, ensuring our home is both beautiful and eco-friendly.
Phase 05
This phase focuses on creating a home that accommodates multiple generations and allows for aging-in-place. We’ll integrate universal design features to ensure the home remains accessible and adaptable as our family’s needs evolve.
Phase 06
The final phase is about designing outdoor spaces that complement the home and work year-round in New England’s climate. We’ll focus on low-maintenance landscaping, durable materials, and creating functional outdoor living areas that connect seamlessly with the interior. This phase ensures our outdoor living spaces are just as inviting and well-designed as the interior.
