For many, designing a home allows them to bring the dream of creating something uniquely their own to life. Communication and collaboration are the key components in turning the vision for your ideal home into a reality so it can become the place where memories are made. At its core, planning and building a custom-made house requires combining your style preferences with the design tools you have access to — all while considering the day-to-day needs of everyone who will be living there. Let’s walk through some of the considerations for designing your own house.

Consider Your Home Design Style

Think of your home as a blank canvas, waiting for the perfect brushstrokes to highlight the true personality behind the design. Begin by finding an inspirational word or phrase that speaks most deeply to what you envision for your beautiful abode and how you want to fill it with life. Start with this list of words and add your own:

• Traditional

• Contemporary

• Modern

• Trendy

• Vintage

• Comfortable

Any of these words can be an inspirational kickstart for how best to express yourself through designing and building a home. If you’re still feeling a bit lost in your design journey, “What Design Style Am I?” is a short video and helpful tool to get those creative juices flowing. 

Questions to Ask Before Designing Your Home

To discover the look and feel of a home that reflects your style, start by considering a few key elements. Think about the colors you want to make up your interior and exterior palette and if there are special textures or materials you want to include. In addition, ask yourself the following questions to help guide you in creating something truly unique.

How do you want to use your home’s outdoor spaces?

If you’re building in an area with a lovely year-round climate, outdoor spaces can become a natural part of your home. Whether you use it for relaxing, dining, or entertaining friends and family, there's something extra special about enjoying life outside under the sun. However, if you prefer a low-maintenance yard, there are plenty of options to make exterior upkeep easy and stress-free.

How long do you plan to be in the home?

Building a home for your family is an exciting and meaningful endeavor. Whether you plan to live in it long-term or move somewhere else upon retirement, it's wise to think about ways to make your life easier now and in the future by focusing on features like accessibility and optimal storage capabilities. This way, you can ensure your comfort no matter how your lifestyle and mobility shift over time. 

How will your life change during your time in the home?

Perhaps you have parents nearing retirement, or your children will soon be flying the coop and leaving you with an empty nest. Or, maybe you plan to start that dream business and work from the comfort of home. Consider creating some specialized space within your home now to ensure a smooth transition for whatever changes may come down the road. 

How do you want your home to function?

If you’re one of those people who loves to entertain, feeds all your kids' friends, or is the go-to host who accommodates the whole family for get-togethers, map out how you'd like traffic to flow in your home so that your design is functional as well as welcoming. Do the same if you want an extra special space (like a secluded sitting room) that's just for you and offers the peace and quiet you desire.  

Home Design Tools to Help Design Your Home

After you've pondered the perfect space, it’s time to decide on the tools that will let your vision come alive. With Pulte, you'll have access to the interactive tools you need to customize and design every corner of your home. From selecting furnishings to visualizing how spaces can flow together, everything you need is at your fingertips, such as: 

• An interactive floor plan tool for designing your room layouts

• An elevation tool for determining how you want the home’s exterior to look

• A furniture planning tool to help you fill the space

• A room design tool to help you consider fixtures, finishes, and color palettes

With just a few clicks, you can construct the perfect design for your home. Explore our online tools and discover how easy it is to make personalized changes that bring out the best in any space. 

Top Advice from Homebuilders on Designing Your Home

As you work with your builder, it's important to make sure the process is an enjoyable one. Here’s some advice from homebuilders on how to ensure your dream home project progresses smoothly and efficiently — and brings a smile along the way. 

Put your needs first.

Your home should be a haven for your family and yourself first and foremost. You may get caught up thinking about what will work or look good to guests in your home while overlooking the most important element: you and your family. Make sure that your home functions well for the way you live on a day-to-day basis and prioritize those needs over those of your guests. It’ll pay off big time when it comes to living a day-to-day life of comfort and enjoyment.

If choosing between style and convenience, choose convenience.

When building a beautiful home, avoid being tempted by design elements that are visually appealing yet difficult to maintain. Opt for function and convenience over an impressive look because you'll appreciate the ease of its upkeep. 

Pay attention to your budget.

As you embark on your exciting home-building venture, prioritize upgrades that offer the best value and make your life easier. For example, smart home features are convenient, and energy-efficient solutions can help keep costs low. No decision that comes up during your build has to break the bank. You can create an inviting space without worrying about affordability.

Communicate with your builder.

When creating your dream home, good communication with your builder is essential. Don't be afraid to share what you desire, even if it seems like an impossibility. Exploring your options can help prevent any regrets over missed opportunities.

Trust the process.

Building a home may present some obstacles, but with great communication and smart planning, you can make the journey an ultimately rewarding one. Keep an optimistic outlook and focus on the big picture as you work toward creating the home of your dreams.

With Pulte as your homebuilder in the homebuilding process, you'll be able to envision stunning possibilities and craft a home tailored perfectly for living and loving life. Get inspired and discover stunning floor plans when you check out Pulte's new home communities today!

For more design tips, local attraction guides, and homeowner lifestyle articles, check out the Pulte Homes blog for inspiration.