Emily's Top 5 Must Haves in a Home

Perfect timing!  My family and I are currently building our forever home in Historic Springfield so "must haves" have been frequent conversation topics the last few months. When the perfect lot + plan became available we jumped on it because it included our major wants in a home!   

1. Backyard- With a 5 and 3 year old we need a place for them to burn some energy.  They will literally run in circles for hours so we need a place to accommodate their energy levels.  We also love to entertain so a space for hanging out with friends + family is crucial for us (and I love being outside- even in the Florida summer heat).

2. Home Office Space-My husband and I both work from home, like most people in 2020, and it's essential to have a work space that is separate from the rest of the house to help maintain a work/life balance.  An extra bedroom, garage apartment, or she shed is the perfect place to make a functioning home office. 

3. Open Kitchen (bonus: an island)- Mike loves to cook and I love to eat so the idea of a large kitchen where I can hang out while he cooks, see the kids in the living room while doing the dishes, and be able to host parties (when we can again) is definitely on my top 5 list!

4. Kid Space- Before I had children my house was always clean and orderly.  Fast forward to babies and that quickly changed- seriously a clean house lasts maybe 3 minutes these days.  A dedicated playroom or area to stash the clutter is super important for my sanity.  

5. Location- There is nothing better than an early morning walk to grab a coffee from our favorite neighborhood spots.  Walkability or a quick drive to our favorite restaurants, breweries, and shops is something I can't live without!