Posted October 21 in Expert Tips & Advice

A room-by-room electrical guide on what to consider when building a new home

You want your new home to be as functional as it is beautiful. That’s why most Boutique Homes customers will receive a three-hour, one-on-one appointment with an expert Lifestyle Design Consultant before finalising their new home plans. 

‘The consultation complements your design choices by providing practical advice based on how you plan to use your home – during the day and at night, when entertaining guests, and when you’re alone,’ explains Electrical Consultant Manager, Elissa Guarnera. 

‘You’ll decide everything from powerpoint and heating & cooling system placement to WiFi access points,  lighting design, and CCTV and entertainment system upgrades.’   

To help you prepare for your lifestyle appointment, Elissa steps you through key electrical considerations for each room below. 

 

Design your living room for entertaining and rest 

How you use your home at night is different than during the day. 

‘Downlights are the most popular choice in living areas – just be sure to invest in a dimmer switch for when you’re winding down before bed. Another suggestion to consider is recessed downlights to minimise glare,’ says Elissa. 

Floor lamps can also help create ambiance and provide a muted, decorative light source in your living areas, as do wall lights on either side of the TV. Work with your Lifestyle Consultant on placement to minimise potential glare or reflections. 

‘We’d also suggest installing a powerpoint near your couch for phone and laptop chargers, and one in the corner for any ad-hoc requirements such as a Christmas tree or unique light fixture,’ says Elissa.  

Remember to consider the placement of your TV and associated wiring. For example, hanging your television on the wall will require a cable provision behind the plaster. 

‘Apart from your TV, consider the other pieces of tech your family will use, such as gaming consoles, tech hubs for subscription services, and speakers. This’ll determine the number and placement of data points and powerpoints required, including inside your entertainment unit,’ adds Elissa. 

Make a statement in your kitchen 

To ensure you can cook and clean, your kitchen demands plenty of task lighting above your bench space. Think downlights both on the ceilings and underneath your overhead cupboards. Decorative lighting over your island bench, such as chandeliers or pendants, should complement – rather than overpower – the dining space. 

Next, think through the appliances you’ll be using. Which ones should occupy bench space and which should be plugged into your cupboard or butler’s pantry? This will help you effectively place your powerpoints. 

‘Have one or two on the return wall on either side of your cooktop for your toaster and kettle, with the rest in the middle section of your pantry for items such as your microwave or rice cooker,’ says Elissa. 

‘I also always recommend a powerpoint at the end of your island bench for your laptop or phone charger.’ 

Get stuff done in your study 

As well as downlights, many customers choose to use a desk lamp to ensure visibility when working and reading. 

‘If you’d prefer to keep your desk clutter-free, wall lights can provide decorative task lighting over your workspace,’ says Elissa. 

Think through how many items you have on your desk at any one time – including laptop, tablet, phone, and speakers – to ensure there are plenty of powerpoints and data points in the right places. 

‘A home office is also a good place for your CCTV footage to run back to, so think through where you’d like to place those monitors,’ adds Elissa. 

Ensure nooks and hallways are practical 

Small spaces can still have a big appeal. Make the best use of nooks and hallways by adding soft ambient light sources, such as downlights or wall lights. These light fixtures can also be used to highlight a beautiful piece of artwork and create atmosphere. 

‘It’s also important to include a powerpoint or two for your vacuum cleaner, electric diffusers, or a nightlight,’ adds Elissa. 

‘Have small children? We can add a motion sensor to step lights along the bottom of your hallway to help them find the bathroom at night. Alternatively (or in addition) you can add a powerpoint with a built-in nightlight and motion sensor.’ 

Get a good night’s sleep in your bedroom  

Optimise your bedroom for relaxation by adding dimmers to your overhead downlights. 

‘Wall lights and pendants on either side of the bed are incredibly popular. Our lighting partner  Amphis  offers a stylish and sophisticated range to match every interior design,’ says Elissa. 

‘Think about which wall your bed will sit against, so you can ensure powerpoints are placed on either side for your phones, laptops, and bedside lamps.’ 

Would you like a reading nook in your master bedroom or do you enjoy watching late-night movies in bed? Consider additional powerpoints in each corner of the room or a data point on the wall directly in front of your bed. 

Beautify your bathroom 

Ensure makeup application or shaving are a breeze by placing light sources in front of you rather than behind you to avoid shadows.   

‘This could be as simple as one or two downlights above the sink,’ says Elissa. 

‘Wall lights on either side of your mirror are another great option. Not only do they make getting ready in the morning easier, but they’re also a beautiful decorative statement in any bathroom. Another possibility is LED mirrors – you can request your Lifestyle Designer to include provisions for these.’ 

A secret tip? Overhead heat lamps and heated towel racks are a choice you won’t regret come Victoria’s bitter winter. 

To ensure the wiring is clear of water, powerpoint placement is restricted in your bathroom. However, Elissa always suggests at least one double powerpoint above your vanity for the use of corded products, such as hair straighteners.

‘Place another powerpoint behind your vanity doors for rechargeable shavers and electric toothbrushes. This will keep your bench as clear as possible,’ she adds.   

Design a laundry made for more than washing 

Ensure your overhead task lighting is on point, considering both downlights and strip lighting at the bottom of your overhead cupboards. 

‘As well as your washing machine and dryer powerpoints, think through the powerpoints you need on your benches for appliances such as your iron,’ suggests Elissa. 

‘I’d recommend a powerpoint in your broom cupboard for charging your stick vacuum,’ adds Elissa. 

Create an entertainer’s backyard 

Find the balance between ambiance and functionality in your backyard. Flood lights are included as standard outside your laundry but consider adding additional flood lights to your alfresco area for entertaining. 

‘Add downlights and external wall lights in your undercover outdoor area or on your façade for a soft sense of ambiance,’ says Elissa. 

Your lifestyle appointment is also where you select the provisions needed for your gas heater, and powerpoints for your speakers and bar fridges. ‘You can future-proof your home by ensuring there are power provisions for potential pools, spas, and sheds,’ adds Elissa. 

Don’t forget your tech 

Invest in your forever home with the latest home tech: 

  • Speaker systems: Speaker packs can be added to living areas, bedrooms, your alfresco, and even your bathroom – no more singing in the shower required.
  • Infrared heating: A heated infrared strip that can be added to your alfresco to ensure your outdoor area is an entertainer’s delight year-round.
  • Security alarm: Feel secure with a sensor in your door and door frame, and a night mode that allows you to walk around the home unimpeded. ‘Alarm clarification sensors built into some of our security systems can recognise a stranger at the door and send a photo alert straight to your phone,’ adds Elissa.
  • Intercom: The latest Wi-Fi-enabled intercoms include a speaker and can be connected to your mobile. So, even when you’re at work, you can tell the postman to leave your latest purchase at the door.

Are you ready to find the perfect home design for your family? 

Reach out to one of our expert New Homes Consultants today. 

  

Have you found ‘The One?’ 

Share your home journey and connect with the Boutique Instagram community by using #ourboutiquehome 

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