SEVEN MORE INSIDER TIPS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUILDING YOUR KIMBERLEY HOME
We have a few Kimberley Homeowners on the Kimberley Team. Readers might remember this post from Jill, our VP Home Buying Experience on the same topic (linked here if you want to read it again!). We asked the rest of our Kimberley Team Homeowners for their tips, and Amie – who has been with Kimberley Homes for over 8 years – had a great list for new home buyers!
Seven Tips from Kimberley Homeowner and New Home Expert Amie Brown
My name is Amie Brown. I’m a Kimberley New Home Expert. I’ve been in the new home industry for 15 years. I’m a mom (my daughter Helena is 7). And I am in love with my Kimberley Home in Keswick on the River! I have seen a lot over my career, helping my clients design their dream acreage or infill. Or finding the right floorplan to fit into a great new community. And then building my own home with Kimberley gave me added insight into the process. I have done it all! I wanted to share some of this experience with you.
Here are my seven “insider” tips to consider when building your Kimberley Home!
THE MOST IMPORTANT ROOM
When you’re planning the design of your home, think of which room is the most important to you. And then spend extra time working on the details of that room. Maybe it’s the kitchen where you spend a lot of time cooking for your family. Or your living room for entertaining guests.
In my house, the ensuite bathroom is the most important room. So I made sure it had everything I could need or want. For me this meant great make up lighting! Lights need to hit the centre of your face rather than coming from just the top. I also made sure to have a dedicated makeup desk, which has been incredible not only for me, but for styling Helena’s hair as well.
LIGHTING IS MORE THAN JUST POT LIGHTS
Pot lights are great in the kitchen and some hallways but other than that, they’re not great for any other room. People see them in show homes and want them. But many clients do not realize that the show home is essentially a store. And “store lighting” is overkill in a home. (Not to mention that pot lights do not make for very attractive lighting on people.)
I highly recommend switched plugs with lamps. I did this throughout my home, and do not regret the decision. This is especially great at Christmas time when I can plug in my Christmas tree once and enjoy it with a flick of a switch the rest of the season. I also really love it in my bedroom.
KITCHEN DETAILS
I could not live without my garburator! It is hands down my favorite appliance. And it was an easy addition to make when I designed my Kimberley Home. I also really love having a hidden hood fan that simply looks like cabinets, and a garbage drawer. These were both easy selections at my appointment with the cabinetry supplier. I know I am obsessing over lighting, but having a variety is key. Under cabinet lighting, pot lights, and pendant lights allows me to set different moods. Make sure to go for a dimmer here!
MUDROOM NECESSITIES
Having a well-equipped mudroom is very important! I love my built-in cubbies, but in hind sight would skip the built-in bench. And instead buy one that I could move around. The one thing I wish would have done in this room is to add a dog wash station. This would have been handy not only for my dog, but my child, muddy shoes or boots and watering/re-potting plans. I’ll be sure to get this right next time.
GUEST BATHROOM
I think that 9 times out of 10 the 1/2 bath (“powder room”) ends up being a guest bathroom. My suggestion here is to delete the included mirror and get something that reflects your personal style. Also, pay attention to lighting here. You want your guests to feel good in your home. Sconces on either side of the mirror are perfect. And if there isn’t space, one long pendant light hung low works well. This room with wall paper would be magic! Mine is not done yet but Helena’s room and the toy room are and they look incredible!
PLAN FOR YOURSELF NOT JUST FOR RESALE
Some of my favorite things in my home are personal touches I made specifically for my family’s lifestyle which is what makes it just the right fit. I continue to make personal style choices (like wallpaper, paint, draperies and built in shelving) and I love my home more each time I do.
TAKE YOUR TIME
Which brings me to my final tip: you don’t have to do everything at once! When designing your new home, concentrate on your needs and add to it as you can. This counts for things like changing light fixtures, adding wainscoting, gradually building out your landscaping, adding organization systems, purchasing a bench for your mudroom. I find this to be a big part of the fun!