Assessing the Flow and Function of a Display Home

Walking through a display home with the intention of buying or building it should involve more than simply admiring the styling or imagining where your furniture will go. 
Beyond the essential questions: Do I like this design? Does it suit my family’s needs? Is it available in my preferred location? 
There are several subtle but important design details worth paying close attention to.
These small elements can significantly affect the comfort and practicality of daily living. Below are key considerations to keep in mind during your visit.

Door Functionality

Doors may seem like a minor detail, but poorly planned door placement can quickly become a daily frustration.
Consider the following:
•    Do the doors open fully without obstruction?
•    Do they block access to essential areas such as the shower, laundry appliances, or wardrobes?
•    In bedrooms, can you leave the door open without restricting cupboard access?
Overlooking these issues in a display home can lead to long-term inconvenience and is often a sign of a design that hasn’t been well considered for real-world use.

Home Flow and layout

A well-designed home should feel welcoming and intuitive from the moment you step inside. The flow of the layout plays a major role in this.
Ask yourself:
•    Does the entry feel bright, open and inviting?
•    Are key spaces positioned logically — for example, are the bedrooms near the bathrooms?
•    Is the kitchen conveniently located adjacent to the living and entertaining areas?
A thoughtful layout enhances both functionality and enjoyment of the home, and should be a priority during any inspection.

Light Switch Placement

At some point, everyone has fumbled in the dark trying to find a light switch. In a new home, this can be especially frustrating if switches are placed in unintuitive or inconvenient locations.
Look for:
•    Switches hidden behind doors
•    Odd heights that don’t match the rest of the home
•    Inconsistent placement in living areas or hallways
Poor switch placement interrupts the natural flow of movement through the home and can become a persistent annoyance.

Practical Positioning of Amenities

Amenities should be positioned to support daily living — not disrupt it.

Consider:

• Is the toilet sensibly located away from the kitchen and main living spaces?
• Are study nooks or laundry spaces positioned where they can be used without disturbing others?

Placement matters. Poorly positioned amenities can affect privacy, comfort and overall liveability.

Cupboard and Storage Usability

Adequate storage is essential, but it must also be functional.
Pay attention to:
•    How kitchen and laundry cupboard doors open
•    Whether cupboard doors block appliances, other cupboards, or walkways
•    Wardrobe and linen cupboard accessibility
A kitchen where the fridge can’t open fully, or cupboards clash when used together, becomes frustrating very quickly. Intelligent storage design is a hallmark of a home built for everyday life.

Contact Us

When you build a new home for yourself and your family, you want to know that it's built to last. At McDonald Jones, we know a thing or two about building homes that stand the test of time. We've been doing it since 1987. Start the journey towards your dream home by visiting a display home today or calling on 1300 555 382.