Julian Owen shares his top tips for adapting an existing floor plan, with some real life examples of successful projects

House designs have to constantly evolve to reflect technological advances and the increasingly relaxed ways that we relate to our families and friends compared to previous generations. Layouts that were created just a few decades ago are out of date and, arguably, pandemic-induced lockdowns mean that houses being completed today are already behind the times. As a result, newer buildings as well as older ones often have floor plans that are not fit for purpose. If you’re thinking of revamping the layout of your home here are some suggestions of how to do it.

Where to start

The first step is to prepare a clear brief, setting out what the new layout must provide for you. It is good to begin with a list of needs including rooms and their sizes, and other aspirations, before going on to look at how alterations to the building can satisfy them. If you intend to live in the house for a long time, you might consider alterations that may be needed in the future, such as a downstairs bedroom, or space for desks in the bedrooms of toddlers for when they become teenagers.