Designing for Moms

We’ve all heard the phrase, “mother knows best.” While I’d like that to be true, I know I’m not always right (despite what I like to tell my husband). That being said, we do think the mothers at WHA have some great ideas as to what makes for better home design. We surveyed Team WHA staff members who are also moms and found some thought-provoking and fun similarities to share.

Whether in the market to rent or buy, apartment, townhome, or single-family home, there are several priorities that climb to the top of the list (and you know how many lists moms keep) when it comes to selecting the right home:

1. By far – Storage! The more the merrier – here, there, and everywhere! Bonus points if it’s in common areas like the front entry (think “drop zone”), laundry room, and/or kitchen.
2. Albeit cliché…the Kitchen – Ample counterspace, visibility to the rest of the home, and – again – plenty of storage for all those kitchen appliances, cookware, and supplies!
3. Outdoor Space – While the type of space may vary depending on the home’s location and product type, having access to outdoor areas is extremely important. Several even found that a fenced-in or strategically landscaped front-yard provided even more opportunities for indoor-outdoor living. Aren’t we all enjoying those long spring and summer evenings this time of year?

Of course, even if certain priorities had to be sacrificed during the initial selection process, we all have hopes to upgrade or tweak certain aspects of our homes:

Top Wish List items include:

1. Enlarged or enhanced laundry room with a sink, storage, and connectivity to the bedrooms
2. Remodeled bathroom or kitchen – or both! (A woman can dream!) It’s especially important to remove less-utilized items like jacuzzi tubs in the guest bath or add walk-in closets in the primary bedroom
3. And of course (you guessed it), our moms want additional storage!

So many of our WHA Team members value the flex spaces they have in their homes – perhaps even more than they thought before move-in! These spaces’ adaptability can be incredibly useful during the various ages and stages of motherhood and daily home-life. A loft, den, or playroom can grow and change to fit the needs of the family. They also come in quite handy when hosting or celebrating family occasions.

Take a minute to think about what you love about your home. Is it the open kitchen overlooking the kids in the family room or maybe the serene outdoor space where you secretly enjoy your coffee before the home comes alive? Whatever it may be, lean into what is working for your space. Our homes provide the foundation for so much of our daily lives, and our mothers help bring them to life. Let’s celebrate them!