5 Common Home Design Flaws in the Modern World

By: Sanya Kaushik

In the modern world, over-the-top designs and novel architecture have almost entirely substituted simplistic designs. Lavishness and opulence are driving the housing market while practicality and utility have taken a backseat. What most designers fail to take into consideration is that aesthetic beauty is not, and can never be, a replacement for comfort. Rather, these two elements should complement each other, work hand-in-hand to create a comprehensive and holistic lifestyle for end-users.

There are a number of design flaws that have become typical of modern homes. If you find some of these in your own home, don’t fret. The good thing about these mistakes is that they can be easily and economically remedied. 

Here’s a list of some of the most popularly-observed design defects:

1. Too few/too many windows:

Studies have proved that natural lighting can cut down energy consumption by 25-40%, essentially lowering carbon footprints and annual energy costs. Natural light also has several visual advantages. In the winter, windows can magnify the heat radiated by natural light, thus reducing electronic heat requirements. 

Too many windows are perfect in the winter, but can cause temperatures to soar in the summer, leading to increased costs and usage of air conditioning. 

2. Very little/too much storage space:

Storage space is a major problem in most contemporary homes. Architects sometimes don’t account for just how much storage space a person might require. They do not allot a lot of space for closets and additional storage. 

Too much storage space can also be a problem. Walk-in closets may suggest success and wealth, but are quite impractical for people who don’t really need that much space and could have used it for something else. 

3. Stuffy homes- no ventilation:

Given that most corporate offices, educational institutes and transport facilities are air conditioned these days, it is vital that your home is well-ventilated and is constantly plied with fresh air. Air-conditioned homes may sound very futuristic and lavish on paper, in reality they are quite the little snuff boxes. Make sure your home is well-ventilated and open. 

Well-ventilated homes are not only good for your mental and physical health; they also sell better than other closed-up, airless units. 

4. Air conditioning:

Most homes come attached with air conditioners these days. This isn’t the cause for celebration as it poses to be. Architects often under or over estimate the size of the unit required for a particular unit. The wrong unit can lead to mold from too much moisture. Then there’s the cost of maintenance and upkeep, which is, most of the time a lot more than you accounted for initially. 

5. Placement of the bathroom and the kitchen:

In order to make water supply easier, a lot of architects cut corners and build a kitchen right next to the bathroom. Water pipes can be laid down quickly and easily if the 2 places that require the most water are right next to each other.

Can you imagine having to use the facilities while a bunch of people are gathered around the dinner table right outside the bathroom door? If you are unfortunate enough to have witnessed this first hand, get it fixed right away. The value of your home will dip drastically because of this particular problem. 

The common design errors listed above can severely damage the chances of the house selling quickly and easily. In fact, these flaws can become major setbacks to your investment purposes. By spending a little bit on repairs right now, you can expect to see a pretty wide profit margin when you do put your house on the market.