If you’ve ever found yourself in a home built in the 1970s or earlier, you’re likely to have discovered that each room is quite separate from the next. In past times, even kitchens were confined to one space, with about enough room for one person to be using at a time, whereas modern-day kitchens are very much designed to be the heart of the home.

The idea was that each room had a purpose, and could not coincide with the next. This segregated style of living was the status quo. Modern designers and architects now favour a more modern family approach to living, also known as ‘zoning’. This is how zoning has changed the way we live for the better.

What is zoning?

Zoning is about classifying areas of a home-based on their function. One space or ‘zone’ freely flows into the next, creating a more open-plan style of home.

For example, a ‘family living zone’ would generally include the kitchen overlooking living space, dining area, and perhaps an IT nook. In the old days, this zone would be segregated into 3 rooms, rather than one expansive space – and an IT nook would require another separate room as a home office or den.

Zones are a very popular design concept, as they are responsive to changes in the way people in Australia, and around the world, now choose to live a more social life.

Why is zoning good?

There are many benefits to living in a home with zoned areas, including:

Families are able to live in a much more inclusive way.
For example, parents can cook together while keeping an eye on the kids completing homework at the kitchen island or playing in the living room.
It’s highly functional.
Zoning works with the flow of a home, so conventional spaces that are typically used together, such as the kitchen, living room, and dining area, are combined for modern functionality.
More space is created.
Fewer inner walls mean even smaller homes feel larger. You’ll notice this in modern open-plan homes, which optimise space and invite in more light than traditional homes.
Privacy is still respected.
Not every area of a zoned home is open. For example, in an intelligently designed 2-storey home, the upstairs floor could be designated for the children and include all minor bedrooms, family bathroom, and activity space or playroom. This is still segregated from the rest of the house for maximum quiet, but ‘zoned’ for the children.
Building costs can be lower.
If you’re building a home from scratch, zoned homes are typically more affordable to build, as you’ll spend less on materials to build inner walls.
Resale value is higher.
Most buyers prefer zoned homes, as they have a more modern look and feel, and are far more functional than traditional counterparts. This is especially the case in Western Australia’s summery climate.
Optimised for outdoors.
Modern zoned homes enjoy seamless integration with the alfresco, as the family living zone opens out to one large expansive space which is perfect for entertaining, allowing family and friends to move freely from indoors to out.

Ready to explore more?

For more information on how zoning can be included to improve the enjoyment and liveability in your new home design, contact us and begin to explore over 100 two-storey home designs priced between $300k-$400k. Enjoyed this article? Click here to read Creating a Luxurious Master Suite Retreat.