THESE 5 SMART DESIGN DEcISIONS WILL FUTURE PROOF YOUR DUPLEX INVESTMENT
Project Alumi
The excitement of building a new duplex is often shadowed by a nagging fear: Will it be everything you hoped for? Will it stand the test of time? Will it pay off when it's time to sell? The decisions you make now will shape your duplex's future – and your peace of mind.
We understand that navigating the design process can be overwhelming. That's why we're here to help. We're passionate about empowering homeowners to make informed decisions.
To get you started, we're sharing a glimpse into our expert guide: "5 Smart Design Choices to Future-Proof Your Duplex Investment", as well as our favourite suppliers!
01. Lighting - Natural and Artificial
You are going to thank me for including this!
You might think, well duh? I’m going to put heaps of windows in, right? Wrong!
Window, door and skylight placement should be strategic. Have you ever heard that homes that face specific direction sell for more? It’s actually correct. Here are the 2 rules for placement of windows and skylights, specifically in Australia.
North Facing Windows will receive consistent sunlight throughout the entirety of the day. The sun path in Australia rises in the East and sets in the West, and the placement is more aligned to the North side. So always put you larger windows on the North side of house.
If your duplex has a house directly next to it, or one of the sites is not facing North, think about including some decent sized skylights that align with this sun path, that way, you can achieve consistent natural light throughout the day.
Artificial Lighting - This consideration goes beyond chucking a few downlights in, really consider the functionality of Task Lighting, Feature Lighting and Mood Lighting
What are these types of lighting? Let’s go through them!
Task Lighting is essentially what you would use on a day to day basis to function throughout the space. This will most likely include downlights. But make sure your consult a specialist as there is relationship between the size of your room and the number of downlights to consider.
Feature Lighting is used to create a focal point. E.g. this might be a wall sconce, a spot light that is directed at artwork or a pendant light overhanging a void or kitchen island. This is purely for aesthetic purposes
Mood Lighting is used in the form of strip lighting and wall washers. This type if lighting is used to dimly illuminate a space, creating atmosphere with just enough light to navigate in. This might be used in strip lighting in your curtain bulkhead, wardrobe kickers, under your island bench or vanity
Our favourite Suppliers for Lighting:
02. Prioritise Your Finishes
As we can understand, selecting the perfect finishes is one thing, but selecting finishes that are suitable is an entirely different beast.
I cannot tell you the amount of times a client has complained about their bench tops staining or marking. So make sure that you are doing your research on the specific finishes you are selecting.
Further to that, the overall presentability of your finishes are super important in reflecting a ‘luxe’ and ‘premium’ finish. Potential buyers want to see the value in their purchase, they want to see, feel, touch and appreciate the thought that you have put behind it. So move away from cookie-cutter finishes that are commonly used in cookie-cutter duplexes and show potential buyers how your build is different.
Our favourite Suppliers for Finishes:
03. Joinery Design
I can’t stress this point enough! For us and ALL our client, joinery design isn't the cherry on top, it's the whole sundae! If you don’t get this right, you might as well be serving them a spoon with an empty bowl.
Think about joinery as the bones of the home. It is without a doubt one of the most used elements within any space, and it’s often overlooked as a necessity, as opposed to something that will add value or give your potential clients the final tick of approval.
Let’s have a look at some joinery pieces that require in-depth thinking and planning.
The Kitchen!!!! - Noticed how many exclamation marks I put next to that? That’s how serious I am about kitchen joinery design.
The first thing to think about is storage. Really think about the types of cooking utensils that might be used within a kitchen and allow for the spaces, location, ease of access and how it is orientated in the space. Allow for deep pots and pans, glasses, perishables and non perishables.
Appliance Cupboards - This is a great selling point. In every single house I design will have an appliance cupboard, this is a cupboard (usually with pocket door to allow the cupboard to become an extension of the benchtop) that houses small appliances like kettles, toasters, coffee machines etc.
Integrated Appliances - Think of this step as a non-negotiable! As the very least, an integrated fridge should be included in your kitchen. Developers or houses that have been recently renovated rarely have free standing appliances and to me, a kitchen without an integrated appliances look outdated and unfinished.
Well known Appliances and Fixtures: Do not skimp on appliances and fixtures! Potential buyers understand the difference between crap appliances and those of quality. Do not make the mistake of underestimated buyer knowledge
The second element applies to joinery units throughout, these items range from your bathroom vanities, laundries, wardrobes etc
Always include as many storage units as possible. If you are thinking on compromising joinery for a larger bedroom or bathroom, think again. Sufficient storage space will always trump a larger room
Consider including detail items like handles or shaker profiles to enhance the look of your joinery.
Really think about the end user and what might they need, instead of just allowing for the cheapest and simplest of designs. I have said this many times and I’ll repeat it here. Your potential buyers WANT to purchase their dream home, they are on the market because they are hot and ready. So don’t give them any excuses to turn down your offer.
Our favourite Suppliers for Appliances and Joinery Fixtures:
04. Finer Details
A lot of the finer details get overlooked. However, let’s look into some simple design details that can make a world of difference
Taller Doors throughout the whole house to invoke a sense of luxury and grandeur
Door Hardware, I know this might sound simple - but it really does make a difference. As it is a fixture that will be used on a day to day basis, you want them to be quality
Power Outlets and General Power Outlets. Odd one right? But there are some really beautiful power points and light switches out there that can be used in specific areas of the house like your master, kitchen and living area.
Our favourite Suppliers for Detail Items:
05. Know your Buyer
Before embarking on any duplex development or renovation, it's essential to have a clear picture of your target buyer. This ideal buyer persona will serve as your guiding light throughout the project, influencing every decision from finishes and layout to overall design and marketing approach.
Are you catering to young families seeking spacious living areas and a backyard for kids to play? Or perhaps you're targeting downsizing couples who prioritise low-maintenance living and modern amenities? By understanding your target buyer's needs, preferences, and lifestyle, you can tailor every aspect of the duplex to create a space that resonates with them, ultimately leading to a faster sale and a higher return on your investment
Certain Questions that you should be asking yourself:
Who is your buyer?
What are their pain points?
How can you help the overcome their pain points?
How can you best appeal to them?
We hope this insight has given you some valuable information on how to best design your duplex. At Studio ANR, our aim is to for you to have confidence and clarity in your spaces.
If you want to further pick our brain on ways to improve your space, click on the link below to schedule in your FREE 45 Minute Strategy Session. It’s a no obligation conversation, only a way you to ask us any questions and for us to tell you how can be of value.
