How to personalize new apartments | Geneva | case study Part I
- estellebogros
- Apr 18
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 20
Ok, so you bought a home on a plan, you saw the site before the foundations of the building were even poured. You're excited and have perhaps already popped the champagne. But a couple of days later you're looking at the floorplan differently and are seeing all the ways it isn't perfect.
And that's normal. That floorplan was never drawn for you. It never intended to include your family, your lifestyle, your habits and perhaps even your culture (more on the expat point of view in this post). It was only meant to abide by building codes, and be within a certain bracket of chf. That's it.
Here's where I come in. Because as much as you know it isn't working for you, you might have a hard time knowing exactly what is right and what will truly work. I'm going to explain to you my process through the example of my absolutely fabulous clients who knew they needed more than decoration for their new build, but a thorough space-planning intervention. They bought Phase 1 - Space Planning and Optimization and Phase 2 - Design & Style services. Here we go:
1. Assessing the existing plan & getting to know my clients' real needs
The original floor plan and its red flags
Can you guess the main points of concern in this apartment without even knowing the clients and their needs?
My instinctive assessment was:
toilets that open on the living area
laundry in the entrance taking up closet space
a huge loss of space where the entrance, kitchen and living area collide
a kitchen that is too small for 3 bedrooms
and last but not least,
bedrooms that can only accommodate single beds or a double bed without a closet.
My clients' wish list
Without getting into too much details about my clients' lifestyle and wish-list, here are a few items that were very important to plan for:
both work frequently from home and have very different needs regarding that.
their families live overseas so accommodating them comfortably for long-ish periods is a must.
having lots of storage is important, no clutter should be seen. Anywhere.
entertaining is a must, guests should feel comfortable as they walk in the door, and day areas should be fluid to host.
want to plan for the future and having a kid in the next few years.
My most complicated technical concern was that, being on the top floor of the building development, the property was an attic and you'll see a plethora of different ceilings and beams heights, which, the developers told me, had a 20cm margin of error (which is huge to plan for).
But the thing about it that was really going to make my life easier was the light. With a top floor, a terrace, a balcony and windows facing south, west and north, the natural light treatment was going to be a dream.
2. Phase 1 - Space-Planning and Optimization
In my service Phase 1 - space-planning and optimization, I always draw 3 floorplans. Each need to answer the client's criteria, and each in different way. It allows my client (you) to see the realm of possibilities and choose confidently.
Let's go into the details of each.
First proposal - Same Same but Different
In this layout we’ll explore keeping a very similar floorpan from the original, keeping most of the furniture my clients already owned (even the couch) while optimizing as much as possible.
Highlights
We keep a very similar kitchen layout, stools to be facing the kitchen with a 20cm recess under the island counter.
The entire wishlist fits plus extras: vanity, double privacy doors in main bedroom, A. also gets her workspace, 180cm bed.
Nothing complicated to create, developers should be ok with it.
Considerations
Not a lot of bookshelves
Kitchen isn’t separated
Main bedroom faces the road + south exposure.
Second proposal - Hotel lobby & Dream kitchen
From the moment you walk in these doors, the wow effect will take hold. With plenty of storage and cushioned bench in the entrance, you’ll glimpse the gorgeous kitchen from the glass divider.
Highlights
Plenty of storage and bookshelves everywhere.
L shaped kitchen with glass divider for more privacy, space and design.
Super space-optimized.
Bedrooms are facing north, Z’s desk south
Considerations
Bespoke elements like the glass divider, built-ins and bookshelves will be an added cost after the developer.
Smaller living-room
Third Proposal - Play time
This layout is centered around the fun times, your hobbies and really having everything you enjoy in your new home. The entrance is more closed off, so the rest of the living-area feels bigger
Highlights
Bigger coffee station with its own little bistro table.
A bigger main bedroom with more storage, facing north.
Not only does A get her office, she gets a massage-area. I wrote more on what to consider when creating a home-office here.
An optimized nook for movie nights - utter comfort.
Considerations
I-shaped kitchen slightly smaller, but closed off from the entrance + with room for pantry/microwave.
smaller bathrooms.
So, which one do you think my clients went with? And which one would you go with personally? Let me know in the comments!
And stay tuned for How to personalize new apartments | Geneva | Part II where I'll reveal the chosen floor plan and Phase 2 - Design & Style aka my drawings, bespoke elements, and shopping list.
In the meantime if you feel you need help thinking of your new build house or real estate renovation, do get in touch and let's talk about your dream home.
PS: I offer site visits - before you've signed the contract - to make sure your heart is set on the right piece of property for your needs.
XoXo,
Author: Estelle
FAQ - Frequently asked questions about new apartments in Grand Geneva
Can I request changes to my apartment layout before the building is delivered?
Yes, but the window is short and varies by developer. Most developers accept what are called TMAs (Travaux Modificatifs Acquéreurs) during a specific phase of construction, before walls go up, but also before the plumbing and electricals are implemented. This is exactly why getting a consultation as early as possible, ideally before you sign, is so valuable.
What is space planning and do I really need it for a new build?
Space planning is the process of analysing your floorplan against your actual lifestyle — how you work, host, sleep, store — and redesigning it so it works for you. New builds especially benefit from it because the original plan is drawn to code and budget, not around your family's needs. I wrote a carousel about it right here.
How early in the buying process should I contact an interior designer?
The earlier the better. Ideally before you sign the contract. I offer site visits at that stage to flag potential issues and opportunities. Once construction is underway, your options narrow quickly, so get in touch! And if you want to know more on how to choose the right Interior designer for your project, here's a list of questions to put to them that should interest you.
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