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How to Choose the Right Floor Plan in Perth: A Lifestyle-First Guide

How to Choose the Right Floor Plan in Perth: A Lifestyle-First Guide
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Choosing the right floor plan in Perth is one of the most important decisions when building a home. The truth is, the most beautiful home floor plan won’t make you happy if it doesn’t suit how you actually live..

Just last month, we met with a couple who’d been living in their “perfect” home for three years, and they were miserable. The open-plan design looked stunning in photos, but with a toddler and a baby, there was nowhere to escape the noise. The master bedroom was right above the living area, so every Netflix session became a family affair whether they wanted it or not.

The problem wasn’t the house itself, it was gorgeous. The problem was that nobody had asked them the right questions about their lifestyle before they chose their floor plan.

When you’re building your dream home, choosing the right floor plan isn’t just about counting bedrooms or maximising square metres. It’s about creating a space that supports your daily rhythm, grows with your family, and actually makes your life easier, not harder.

If you’re currently navigating the process of choosing floor plans in Perth or across WA, you’re definitely not alone in feeling overwhelmed. With so many beautiful options available, how do you know which layout will truly work for your family’s unique needs?

At Shelford Quality Homes, we’ve spent years designing smart, functional floor plans tailored to how real families live – and in this guide, we’ll walk you through how to pick the one that genuinely suits your lifestyle.

family home floor plan Perth

Best Floor Plans in Perth for Growing Families

Let us tell you about Sarah and Mark, who came to us with two young kids and dreams of a third. Their current home had the kids’ bedrooms right next to theirs, which meant every midnight wake-up, every early morning giggle session, and every bedtime story was a family affair, whether they wanted it or not.

If you’re in a similar boat with a young or growing family, space and flow become absolutely everything.

What to look for:

  • Zoned living:

Separate the kids’ wing from the master suite. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later when teenagers want to sleep until noon on weekends.

  • Open-plan layouts:

A combined kitchen, dining, and living space keeps everyone connected while you’re cooking dinner and helping with homework simultaneously.

  • Activity rooms or dedicated playrooms:

Perfect for homework sessions, Lego explosions, or family movie nights without taking over the main living area.

  • Plenty of storage:

Walk-in linen closets, built-in robes, and a scullery or walk-in pantry. Because let’s be honest, kids come with stuff.

Pro tip:

Look for floor plans that include a generous alfresco or outdoor entertaining area. It gives kids room to burn energy and creates that beautiful indoor-outdoor flow that makes Perth living so special.

floor plan Perth

Floor Plans for Singles and Couples: Stylish, Low Maintenance Living

Then there’s Emma, a marketing executive who works from home two days a week and travels frequently for work. She wanted something stylish and comfortable, but didn’t want to spend her weekends maintaining a massive house.

Singles and couples often prefer designs that prioritise ease, flexibility, and style without the constant upkeep.

What to look for:

  • Compact but open spaces:

A smaller footprint doesn’t have to feel cramped. Open layouts and clever storage solutions can make 150 square metres feel more spacious than a poorly designed 200-square-metre home.

  • Master suites with ensuite & walk-in robes:

Add that touch of everyday luxury you deserve.

  • Flexible living zones:

That second bedroom can easily convert into a home office, gym, or guest room depending on your current needs.

  • Lock-and-leave convenience:

Choose low-maintenance materials and smart security features for peace of mind.

Pro tip:

Consider reverse living floor plans that place living areas upstairs for better views and natural light, especially perfect for narrow blocks or those gorgeous coastal suburbs around Perth.

family floor plan Perth

Downsizer Floor Plans in Perth: Comfort, Accessibility & Simplicity

We recently worked with Janet and Bob, empty nesters who were ready to trade their large family home for something more manageable. They wanted comfort and style, but also needed to think practically about the future.

If you’re downsizing, your focus is likely on comfort, smart design, and future-proofing your home for years to come.

What to look for:

  • Single-level designs:

Avoid stairs for easy mobility and everyday convenience, your knees will thank you.

  • Wide doorways and minimal steps:

Ideal for aging in place gracefully or accommodating any mobility changes.

  • Two-bed or three-bed layouts:

Enough space for guests, hobbies, or a study without overwhelming maintenance.

  • Open-plan living with seamless indoor/outdoor access:

Perfect for entertaining friends or simply relaxing without the fuss of managing multiple rooms.

Pro tip:

Prioritise designs with plenty of natural light and energy-efficient features. They’ll keep your new home comfortable year-round and your utility bills manageable.

family floor plan Perth kitchen

Smart Layouts That Actually Work in WA

Here’s something many people don’t consider: the best home floor plans in WA aren’t just about the layout, they’re designed specifically for our unique climate and lifestyle.

Whether you’re building in Perth’s hills, down south, or in one of our beautiful coastal areas, a truly smart floor plan considers:

  • Sun orientation for passive solar benefits (hello, lower energy bills!)
  • Your specific block size and shape– what works on a 500sqm block might not suit a 700sqm corner lot
  • Your actual day-to-day routine – not some idealised version of how you think you should live
  • Storage, privacy, and entertaining needs that match your lifestyle

At Shelford Quality Homes, you have complete flexibility in how you approach your floor plan. You can start with one of our proven designs and build it exactly as-is, use it as inspiration and make modifications to suit your needs, or work with our design team to create something completely custom from scratch. Every one of our floor plans can be tailored to your lifestyle, budget, and land, because cookie-cutter solutions rarely create dream homes.

Your Floor Plan Decision Checklist

Before you fall in love with any particular design, ask yourself:

  • Walk through display homes:

Photos and floor plans are great, but nothing beats experiencing the actual flow and feel of a space.

  • Think long-term:

Will your needs change in 5–10 years? Are you planning for kids, aging parents, or career changes?

  • Make a priority list:

Separate your must-haves from your nice-to-haves. It’ll help when you need to make tough decisions.

  • Talk to experts:

Our design team can adapt any plan or even help you design something completely custom.

family floor plan Perth kitchen

Let’s Design Your Perfect Floor Plan

At Shelford, we don’t just offer floor plans, we offer possibilities. Whether you need a low-maintenance layout for busy professionals or a spacious design for a growing household, we’ll help you choose (or create) the perfect floor plan to match how you actually live.

Your dream home should work for your life, not against it. Ready to explore floor plans that make sense for your lifestyle?

Explore our home designs or speak to our team today to find the perfect plan for your life in WA.

Ready to start your home building journey? Contact Shelford Quality Homes today and let’s create a floor plan that’s perfectly tailored to your lifestyle and needs.

 explore Home designs to the Shelford Home Designs page

Frequently Asked Questions

Open-plan living with a central kitchen, dining, and living area is one of the most popular floor plans in Perth, perfect for family living and entertaining.

Think about lifestyle factors—zoning bedrooms, storage, outdoor flow, and future needs—before falling in love with a design.

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