Life gets busy, and time passes quickly. Before you know it, you’ve been in your home for a decade and might realize it’s no longer serving you. When it comes to designing and remodeling your home, it’s just as important to think about now as it is to look to the future.
For Dana Dziuk, owner of Lee Lyn Construction, designing spaces that adapt to different life stages isn’t just practical—it’s essential. For the average homeowner, it can be hard to see what your home could be or how it could better support how you live. But for Dana, creating functional and beautiful spaces that stand the test of time is simply what she does.
The heart of the home
In every home, the kitchen is where people gather. Whether preparing a meal, catching up on the day, or tackling school work, the kitchen is where it all happens. And a well-designed kitchen simply makes the every day easier.
When working with clients, Dana wants to understand how you live and what you need. For some, the kitchen may require more functional storage. For others, it’s all about ample seating or a large island for prep. Recently, she worked with a client whose daughter required a wheelchair-friendly layout. By removing a dividing wall, they were able to create an open-concept kitchen with a new island and wider walkways.
“We expanded the space between the island and cabinets to 42 inches instead of the standard 36 for better flow and accessibility,” Dana notes. “When building, I always encourage clients to plan for wider 42-inch walkways if space and square footage allows.”
Smaller design details also matter. Dana recommends incorporating accessible and family-friendly features like drawer-style microwaves. Pull-out shelving, whether built-in or added afterward, ensures easy access to those items you use most often and makes everyday tasks easier. This applies to any area of the home where you want your things organized and accessible.
Flexible living spaces
In order for a home to grow with you, flexibility is key. This means spaces that can serve multiple purposes or change over time. For instance, Dana sees so much potential in an unfinished basement.
“An unfinished basement is like a blank slate,” she says. “Whether adding a guest suite, a home office, or a recreation room, the possibilities are endless.”
Another great way to add square footage and flexible space is with a screened-in or three-season porch. Especially in Minnesota, this is a space that can serve you throughout the year and adapts to the needs of the family. It’s a great place to unwind after work and an ideal hangout for teenagers when you just want them out of the house. These spaces can truly be what you need them to be – a retreat for relaxation, a play area for kids, or even a home office with a view.
When less is more
When designing a home or specific space, Dana believes in prioritizing function over clutter. “Fewer furniture pieces mean more room to move,” she advises. This approach not only keeps spaces feeling open but also ensures that every element serves a purpose. And the key to avoiding clutter is ensuring everything has a purpose and a place.
Custom closets are a great example, enhancing functionality and making the most of available storage. “They help utilize space better and create a home for your items,” Dana explains.
Thinking ahead
Designing for the long run means considering your needs now and in the future. One of the core principles Dana emphasizes is planning for accessibility. “It’s about creating spaces that work for you today and for the years ahead,” she explains.
Bathrooms are a great place to plan for accessibility. In one project, Dana worked with a client who had an oversized soaking tub that was rarely used. “It was taking up a lot of square footage,” she recalls. By reimagining the layout, Dana transformed the space into something functional and future-proof. She incorporated features like a zero-threshold shower and thoughtfully placed grab bars for added safety. These modifications not only enhanced usability but also aligned with the client’s vision for long-term comfort.
The key to designing a home that grows with you is thoughtful foresight. Ask yourself these questions:
- What are you using now?
- What aren’t you using?
- And how might the space serve you in the future?
Whether you’re remodeling or building from scratch, considering these questions can help you create a space that’s as adaptable as it is timeless. By prioritizing functionality, practicality, accessibility, and a healthy dose of creativity, Dana helps homeowners make their spaces work for them now and in the years to come.