- 1). Improve energy efficiency by planning a house according to the elements. Position a home in order to maximize winter sun and summer shade. One way to do this is to orient the house's southern face to within 10 degrees of true south. Maximize the effect of windows: Place just enough windows on the north, east and west facades to balance interior light levels and allow for natural cooling. For balanced lighting and ventilation, place windows on opposite sides of a room.
- 2). Design the home for ideal lighting. Use a southern-positioned room for the living room. In summer months, adequately deep, fixed overhangs will keep out heat but permit the entry of interior light. Arrange rooms according to what you prefer. Early risers may prefer to have the bedroom in the southeast corner of a home, but others want that to be the location of the kitchen. Studios or offices should be positioned to receive lots of light.
- 3). Learn elements of interior design. One way is the "three-step method": A well-designed room is 1) functional, 2) expresses a mood, and 3) has a sense of harmony. Balance elements of space, color, texture and the like to combine these three elements in a comfortable, aesthetically pleasing room.
- 4). Select furniture with care. Choose your furnishing preferences with a balance of emotion and intellect. Consider frame construction and fabric. Frame construction is based on the composite material of the furniture; hardwoods such as maple and oak are preferable to softer woods, like pine. Fabric has a lot to do with durability. Options include cotton, rayon, olefin and polyester.
- 5). Consider other external factors, such as trees and vehicle access. Trees have immense aesthetic value but must conform to local ordinances. Additionally, vehicle access is an important component of house design, but likewise must abide by local regulations. If the driveway is positioned over the crest of a hill, it may represent a road safety concern.
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