6 Design Decisions That Will Make (or Break) Your Forever Home

Kaih Orenshaw
Aug 5
1 min read

Modern two-story house with a black and wood facade, green garden, and driveway. Bright blue sky and neighboring homes in the background.

When people picture their dream home, they often think big: facades, floorplans, kitchen styles. But after building custom homes on the Sunshine Coast for over 25 years, we’ve learnt that the smallest decisions often have the biggest impact.

Here are six things we always guide our clients to get right.

1. Where the Kitchen Sits

Modern kitchen with black cabinets, gas stove, and large island featuring a double sink. Glass backsplash and artwork add elegance. Natural light.

It’s the heart of the home and its location matters more than you think. Can you see the backyard from the sink? Is it central for entertaining? We’ll help you place it in the perfect spot for everyday flow.

2. Internal Storage

Modern pantry with wooden shelves, appliances, and storage baskets. A window and open door overlook a garden. Bright, organized space.

Custom doesn’t mean cluttered. Think beyond wardrobes: we’re talking mudrooms, walk-in pantries, linen cupboards, hidden nooks for brooms and vacuums. These details make your home easier to live in for years to come.

3. Natural Light

Modern living room with a beige sofa, wall-mounted TV, and view of a garden and pool through glass doors. Potted plants and clear sky outside.

Orientation, window placement and ceiling height can all turn a home from dark and poky to airy and beautiful. We take light seriously.

4. Electrical Planning

Modern living room with beige sofa, wood staircase, large TV, and colorful art. Bright light filters through glass doors, creating a warm mood.

Powerpoints, switches, charging stations, lighting zones — think through your daily routines and we’ll map electrical plans that match them. It’s about convenience now and flexibility later.

5. Bathroom Layouts

Modern bathroom with marble walls, glass shower, freestanding tub, wood vanity with dual sinks. Bright and clean atmosphere.

A beautiful bathroom isn’t just about tile choice. Consider privacy lines, drainage falls, mirror placement, and lighting. It’s about good design from every angle.

6. Furniture Fit

Minimalist living room with beige sofa, round rug, wall art, light wood shelf with baskets, and a plant. Neutral tones and clean design.

Think ahead: how will your furniture fit into your new space? We often mock up layouts to ensure rooms feel generous and liveable with real furniture, not just floorplan lines.