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Design Tips and Insights for More Efficient Homes with By Inspired Design
Debbie from By Inspired Design has contributed to the Wilden Living Lab net-zero Home with her trained eye for exterior and interior design – thank you, Debbie!
We’ve asked Debbie about the latest design trends she sees when working with her clients and the considerations she makes when designing an energy efficient home like the Next Generation home in Wilden.
Debbie has been involved with the Wilden Living Lab project from the very beginning. In 2017 she was responsible for the interior design of the first two research homes. A lot has changed over the years and Debbie shares that bringing “the outdoors in” has become more important for many people. Clients are asking for brighter interiors to reflect the light and to create an inviting atmosphere. Size and placement of windows and doors are also changing to minimize the indoor-outdoor barrier and to ultimately invite more of the outdoors inside.
More of us are working from home so creating an inviting and functional office space in the home has moved more into the focus for homeowners. Having a well thought out, designated and beautifully designed space or room in your home for work has made it to the forefront of design considerations.
The Wilden Next Generation Home, designed by Lee Mullins, is not just any home. This home is built to BC Step Code 5 and net-zero standards.
Three things to consider and to keep in mind when designing for an energy efficient home:
Lighting
The lighting layout in your home is very important and can influence how the space is being perceived immensely, shares Debbie. Choosing the right hue and using high efficiency lighting is key.
Appliances
Besides choosing appliances for the perfect look and feel, make sure to also consider the efficiency of your appliances. Look for the Energy Star certification to get started. You might be able to apply for rebates with FortisBC. Usually, the higher the Combined Energy Factor (CEF) the higher the rebate.
Windows and Doors
Everyone loves lots of natural light in their homes these days. If not considered properly, windows can be a contributor to energy loss in your home. Work with your builder and energy advisor to consider placement of windows carefully. Besides taking window location into account also think about the quality and coating of the glass to maximize energy efficiency and reduce heat loss.
Another thing to keep in mind for more energy efficient homes is designing the house with smart controls and home automation in mind, advises Debbie in her interview. Smart Home technology provides homeowners with more security, comfort, convenience and energy efficiency. They will be able to control appliances, climate, lighting, entertainment and security systems with their smart devices.
A huge thank you to Debbie and her company By Inspired Design for contributing to the look, feel and design functionality of Wilden’s latest research home.
To learn more about Debbie, what she does and her services please visit her website here.
