Whether looking to give young adults a little extra space or trying to provide a place where seniors can retain their independence, granny flats make great additions to homes small and large.
While relatively compact in terms of size, a lot of thought needs to go into the design and build of a granny flat. From comfortability to accessibility, each component must be thoughtfully considered in order to create a space that is equal parts functional and aesthetically pleasing.
By taking the time to research different design ideas ranging from open-plan living to maximising storage solutions, you can design and construct a granny flat that can accommodate comfortable living both today and in the future.
Essential design features for a granny flat
Granny flats are by nature small. However, by implementing the right design and building techniques, occupants don’t have to resign themselves to living in a small, cramped environment.
1. Open up the space with high-lofted ceilings
One such technique is the idea of opening up the area. This can be achieved through construction methods like high-lofted ceilings and limiting the number of internal walls built. By opting to open the area up both vertically and horizontally, you give the illusion of more space.
With high-lofted ceilings, you also get the added benefit of being able to place skylights on the roof. In terms of more open spaces, windows have great effects. These two combine to fill the home with natural light and improved airflow.
2. Install fly screens for added comfort and practicality
When designing a granny flat, comfort and practicality are key considerations. One often overlooked feature that can significantly enhance both is the addition of retractable fly screens on doors and windows. These screens offer numerous benefits that make them a great design choice for any granny flat.
fly screens allow you to keep doors and windows open without worrying about insects. This promotes better airflow and ventilation throughout the granny flat, helping to regulate temperature naturally. Additionally, they enable more natural light to enter the living spaces, creating a brighter and more inviting environment.
By keeping insects out, retractable fly screens contribute to a more comfortable living space, free from the annoyance of flies, mosquitoes, and other pests. This is especially important for seniors, who may be more susceptible to insect bites and related health issues. A pest-free environment also enhances overall hygiene and cleanliness.
3. Build with durable materials for flooring, fittings and fixtures
Another design feature to consider is that of opting for durable and stylish materials. By placing an emphasis on durable materials ranging from flooring to fittings and fixtures like lights, you are ensuring the lifespan of the granny flat.
Durability is important when you consider that the occupants of granny flats are traditionally seniors. By installing durable materials you reduce the maintenance demands on older occupants without having to compromise on the overall aesthetics of the granny flat.
Granny flat design ideas to consider
When designing a granny flat there are so many different design ideas to consider. While the variety of choice can feel overwhelming, view the different options as avenues to explore in order to both personalise and maximise functionality and liveability.
One of the best design ideas for granny flats centres around open plan living. This concept is great for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it buys into the idea of opening the space up in order to let light in and air flow.
Secondly, open plan living in granny flats allows for spacious living without sacrificing key home features. With this in mind, consider merging rooms such as the television room, dining room and kitchen area to create one big living area.
Another thing to consider when it comes to open plan living is the idea of integrating a laundry into other areas such as the bathroom in order to maximise space and leave more room in the living area, or, leave space to create a sunroom that is light, airy and the perfect retreat.
In the design phase, planning out storage spaces is critical. With proper planning you can allow for storage areas that don’t impinge on key spaces. For example, look to plan for walk in pantries or built in robes. This way, you won’t have to take up floor space with wardrobe units.
Apart from building techniques, there are also furnishing ideas that can really make or break granny flat living. For example, look to accessorise with multi-functional items. This way, the couch can become a sofa bed and the dining table can be folded in half to become a desk.
Designing for accessibility and safety
In order to ensure that the granny flat you build can be a comfortable home for seniors for years to come, it’s important to design with different accessibility measures in mind. This way, you won’t need to make changes every few years as someone’s mobility changes.
One of the main design points to ensure is the notion of safe and easy access to the granny flat. This might mean building a ramp up to the entrance. It’s also important to consider placing awnings so the person entering and leaving the home is shielded from weather conditions.
From there, opt for wider doorways that can easily accommodate walking frames and wheelchairs if the granny flat is built for a senior family member. In terms of design, install cupboards that are easy to reach rather than those that are mounted high on the walls.
Further features such as walk-in showers and the installation of railings will also help to make spaces more safe. You may also want to consider adding a second bedroom into the granny flat in case a live-in carer is needed in the future.
It’s also important to take into account the installation and placement of emergency features ranging from alarms and light switches to communication technology that seniors can easily reach and press for help.
Designing a functional granny flat
A lot needs to go into designing and building a granny flat. This is because granny flats should be built with longevity in mind to accommodate the life stages and phases of everyone from young adults to more traditionally, seniors.
By designing and constructing with functionality and durability at the forefront, you can create a granny flat where space is maximised and comfort is effortless. While thoughtful design is crucial to achieving a good outcome, equally important is basing decisions on personal needs.
With a focus on personalised needs and wants, you can create a space that simply feels like home. To help fill your granny flat with rays of life and bursts of fresh air, contact Artilux today to fit out your space with our retractable fly screens or pleated insect screens.
