Start With Your Daily Life

Map Your Routines

Before you look at floor plans, write down how you live. The best designs begin with honest details. Think about who is home during the day, how you cook, how you work or study, and where clutter builds up. This gives you a clear picture of what your home must support.

• Morning routine: Do people leave at different times, and does the bathroom schedule get tight?
• Entry routine: Where do shoes, backpacks, mail, and keys land?
• Cooking pattern: Do you meal prep, bake on weekends, or host often?
• Work and school: Do you need quiet zones, a shared desk, or two offices?
• Laundry: How many loads a week, and where should laundry live?
• Evening habits: Do you watch movies, play games, or read in quiet?
• Weekend life: Do you entertain, do hobbies, or spend time outdoors?

Identify Non-Negotiables

List your must-haves first. This will help you design a home around your lifestyle without getting lost in trends.

• Number of bedrooms and bathrooms based on real needs
• Garage size for vehicles, tools, and seasonal gear
• Dedicated work or study space if anyone works from home
• A mudroom or drop zone to stop clutter at the door
• Storage for sports, camping, or hobby equipment
• Pet-friendly features and durable surfaces
• Accessibility needs now or for the future

Space Planning Checklist

Entry, Drop Zone, and Mudroom

The entry sets the tone and controls clutter. Design this space to match your daily rhythm.

• Covered entry to shield from rain and snow
• Bench, hooks, and cubbies for each person
• Built-in tray or drawer for keys and mail
• Durable, easy-clean flooring
• Pet station with leash hooks and wipe storage
• Door from garage straight into mudroom for a clean drop-off path

Kitchen That Works For You

The kitchen is where life gathers. Focus on zones and clear traffic paths to design a home around your lifestyle and the way you cook.

• Prep, cook, clean, and serve zones with space between them
• Island sized for seating or meal prep, not both if space is tight
• Walk-in pantry or wall pantry with adjustable shelves
• Landing space next to oven, fridge, and sink
• Outlets for small appliances inside the pantry or an appliance garage
• Easy-to-reach drawers instead of lower cabinets to reduce bending
• Durable counters that match your cooking style

Living and Gathering Spaces

Think about how you host and how you relax. Do you like open sightlines, or do you prefer cozy zones? Let your answer guide the layout.

• Room for your current sofa and media setup
• Space for a larger table if you host holidays
• Lighting layers: overhead, accent, and task lights
• Storage for games, blankets, and remote clutter
• Acoustic control with rugs and soft finishes

Bedrooms and Retreats

Bedrooms should feel calm and practical. Plan for storage that reduces visible mess and lighting that supports sleep.

• Primary suite separated from loud areas
• Walk-in closet with double rods and built-in drawers
• Room for a chair or small desk if you like a private retreat
• Blackout shades for sleep
• Convenient outlets and charging by the bed

Bathrooms That Make Mornings Easier

More than looks, bathrooms should move people through quicker and with less stress.

• Double vanity or separate vanities for shared baths
• Large shower with a bench and niche
• Curbless shower if you plan to age in place
• Linen storage inside the bathroom
• Timed exhaust fans to prevent moisture problems

Laundry and Utility

Place laundry near bedrooms or the mudroom depending on your routine. A well-planned utility space saves time every week.

• Counter for folding and space to hang clothes
• Sink for pre-washing or pet baths
• Storage for detergents, paper goods, and cleaning tools
• Durable flooring and a floor drain if possible

Home Office or Study

Quiet, privacy, and the right tech make a big difference.

• Sound separation from living areas
• Window placement that gives light without glare on screens
• Built-in storage to keep surfaces clear
• Wired internet access and enough outlets

Hobby, Fitness, and Flex Spaces

Make room for the activities you love, even if you think you are tight on space. A flex room adds value over time.

• Convertible guest room with a Murphy bed
• Craft room with washable surfaces and organized storage
• Home gym with rubber flooring and mirror wall
• Media room with light control and sound dampening

Storage That Solves Problems

Clutter is a design problem. Solve it with storage in the right places, not just more square footage.

• Coat closet by entry and a separate utility closet
• Linen closets near bathrooms and bedrooms
• Garage storage walls or ceiling racks
• Basement or attic zones with clear labeling
• Built-ins in living areas for display and hidden storage

Flow, Zoning, and Noise Control

A great plan separates quiet spaces from active zones and keeps traffic flowing around furniture, not through conversation areas. This is key when you design a home around your lifestyle and how people move.

• Direct path from garage to kitchen for groceries
• Kids zone near living area but not inside it
• Guest path from entry to a powder room without passing bedrooms
• Sound separation between bedrooms and living spaces
• Hallways wide enough for two people to pass

Plan for Wisconsin Weather and Lifestyle

In Southeastern Wisconsin and the Northwoods, a home should handle snow, mud, and temperature swings while staying comfortable and efficient.

• Airlock or larger vestibule at the main entry
• Heated garage or a warm gear closet for winter coats and boots
• Radiant floor heat in bathrooms for comfort
• Four-season room or sunroom to capture light all year
• High-performance windows with proper orientation
• Covered porch transitions to protect doors and decking

Outdoor Living and Site Strategy

Your lot matters as much as your floor plan. Work with the sun, wind, views, and privacy to make outdoor spaces you will use often.

• Position patios for afternoon shade and morning light
• Screened porch for bug-free summer nights
• Grill zone close to the kitchen with wind protection
• Backyard storage for lawn tools and seasonal gear
• Landscaping that frames views, blocks road noise, and manages water

Smarter Layouts by Life Stage

Young Families

Keep sightlines open from kitchen to living area, add a mudroom with kid-height storage, and choose easy-clean finishes. Bedrooms close together can help with night routines.

Empty Nesters and Aging in Place

Plan a main floor primary suite, curbless shower, wider doors, and minimal steps. A low-maintenance exterior saves time and cost down the road.

Multigenerational Living

Consider a secondary suite with a private bath and sitting area, a kitchenette, and a separate entrance if zoning allows. Focus on privacy and shared space balance.

Pet-Friendly Design

Include a pet wash in the mudroom, hard-surface floors in main areas, built-in feeding stations, and secure outdoor zones.

Energy Efficiency and Comfort

Comfort comes from insulation, air sealing, and smart systems that keep temperatures even and bills low.

• High R-value insulation and careful air sealing
• Efficient HVAC sized for your home and climate
• Zoned heating and cooling for different areas
• Energy Star appliances and low-flow fixtures
• LED lighting and dimmers for efficiency and mood
• Solar-ready conduit and south-facing roof area if possible

Technology and Smart Home Planning

Plan wiring and locations early. Retrofits are hard and costly. A little planning now keeps your home flexible for years.

• Structured wiring hub with labeled runs
• Hardwired internet to offices, media rooms, and TVs
• Prewire for speakers, security, and exterior cameras
• Smart switches or lighting control in main areas
• Outlets in pantry, closets, and on the island
• EV charger rough-in at the garage

Budget, Timeline, and Peace of Mind

A clear budget and schedule avoid stress. Work with a builder who values open communication and detailed planning. Redleaf Homes focuses on transparent project management so you understand costs, options, and timelines at every step.

• Set a realistic budget with a 10 percent contingency
• Prioritize features that improve daily life first
• Phase less urgent items to keep the project on track
• Choose durable materials in high-use areas to save money over time
• Confirm lead times for windows, appliances, and specialty finishes

Remodeling vs New Build

If you love your lot or location in New Berlin, Waukesha, Pewaukee, Delafield, Oconomowoc, or the Lake Country area, a remodel or addition may be the right choice. If your current layout cannot support your routines, a new custom home may deliver better flow and value. Redleaf Homes can evaluate both paths with you. Their team has experience in custom home design, planning, remodeling, additions, and full builds across Southeastern Wisconsin and the Northwoods.

Your Room-by-Room Checklist

Use this quick checklist to design a home around your lifestyle. Share it with your designer or builder to keep everyone aligned.

Site and Orientation

• Sun exposure for living spaces and patios
• Privacy from neighbors and street
• Stormwater and grading plan
• Driveway access and snow removal plan

Entry and Mudroom

• Bench, hooks, cubbies, and charging shelf
• Tile or LVP flooring for durability
• Closet for coats and seasonal gear
• Pet wash or utility sink if needed

Kitchen

• Work triangle or work zones that match your cooking style
• Panty with adjustable shelving and outlets
• Appropriate island size with seating clearance
• Trash, recycling, and compost storage

Dining and Living

• Enough space for your table and chairs
• Cable and power where you plan the TV
• Storage for games, books, and media
• Lighting layers and dimmers

Primary Suite

• Quiet location away from noise
• Closet systems that fit your wardrobe
• Shower with bench and handshower
• Room for a chair or small desk if desired

Secondary Bedrooms and Bath

• Closet organizers and under-bed storage options
• Shared bath with double sinks if needed
• Study nook or nearby shared desk
• Blackout shades for better sleep

Office or Study

• Desk orientation and natural light
• Acoustic privacy
• Wired internet and plenty of outlets
• Built-in storage and printer cabinet

Laundry and Utility

• Counter space, hanging rod, and hamper zone
• Ventilation and durable surfaces
• Storage for cleaning supplies
• Floor drain if possible

Hobby or Flex Room

• Flooring suited to the activity
• Work surface and storage
• Lighting suited to tasks
• Sound control if music or media are involved

Outdoor Living

• Patio or deck sized for furniture and grill
• Shade and wind protection
• Lighting and power for evenings
• Storage for cushions and tools

Mechanical and Energy

• Efficient HVAC with zoning
• Insulation and air sealing plan
• Water heater sized for your household
• Solar-ready conduit and EV outlet rough-in

Storage Everywhere

• Entry closet, linen closets, and utility closets
• Garage racks and wall storage
• Basement or attic organization
• Built-ins in living spaces

How Redleaf Homes Makes It Easy

Redleaf Homes is a custom home builder founded in 2011 and based in New Berlin, Wisconsin. The team serves Southeastern Wisconsin and the Northwoods with personal service and skilled craftsmanship. They focus on listening first, then designing around how you live. If you want to design a home around your lifestyle, Redleaf Homes can guide you from first ideas to final walk-through.

• Custom Home Design: Unique plans tailored to your routines, your site, and your budget
• Home Planning: Detailed collaboration that turns your checklist into a functional layout
• Home Building: Clear communication, transparent budgets, and steady scheduling
• Home Remodeling: Modern updates that match your current needs
• Home Additions: Seamless expansions that feel like they have always been there

Clients choose Redleaf Homes because the process is smooth and predictable. Careful planning helps avoid delays or surprise costs. You stay informed from start to finish. Whether you are in New Berlin, Waukesha, Pewaukee, Delafield, Oconomowoc, or the Lake Country area, the team will bring your vision to life with quality and care.

Get Started Today

The best time to plan is before drawings are final. Bring your routine list, your must-haves, and your budget. Use the checklist above to prioritize what matters most. When you are ready to design a home around your lifestyle, talk with Redleaf Homes for a collaborative, stress-free experience. Visit Redleaf Homes at 17035 W Greenfield Ave, New Berlin, WI, or call 262-599-8061 to start your dream home project. Your home should fit your life, not the other way around. With the right plan and a trusted builder, you can enjoy a smart layout, better storage, and everyday comfort for years to come.

Thinking about building new in SE Wisconsin? Give us a call to discuss your options!