Blending Urban with Suburban
Post by Stacey Walker. Stacey mostly works behind the scenes for Greenbrook Design, managing day to day operations, marketing, sourcing product and keeping the showroom beautifully designed. Stacey also does interior design & home styling for a select number of clients. Find out more about Stacey here.
Years ago design styles were very defined and we stayed within those particular boundaries but things have shifted dramatically over the last few decades. People are looking for more ways to express who they are and what they love throughout their home. Their styles can also be influenced by where they live as those who reside in the country, or suburbs of town, tend to enjoy a more relaxed design while those in the heart of downtown incorporate a more contemporary look in their home. This, however, is also beginning to see a change as the urban blends more with the suburban either through city limits expanding or people moving close to the city. Many homeowners want the familiar touches of suburban life while enjoying the benefits that urban life has to offer. This results in a need for design to alter and adjust in order to provide exactly what is required to make someone feel perfectly at home. Let’s discuss some of the ways you can blend urban with suburban and create a style that says welcome home to you.
Start with what you have
If you are not enjoying your space and are considering a change in address just pause that urge for a second. If you have been in the home for just a year or have been there for a few years, take some time to look around at what you already have and evaluate the things that can be modified or adapted to suit your needs. A lot can be done if you have good house bones such as a wall taken out or a layout adjusted to accommodate your current lifestyle. Building an addition to your home can sometimes even be cheaper than moving to a new location. If you have a large enough backyard consider extending an area of your home such as the kitchen or living area. This could allow you to rearrange the entire layout and enable you to maximize the square footage of your home to the fullest. It is also good to think about your daily routine as well so you can design for the function and flow of everyone in your household. Do you need a drop zone in your entryway or a dedicated office space? Your current home may have just what you need to solve these issues.
Personalized comfort
Your home should be comfortable and every selection should be made with that thought in mind. This is where good old fashioned country living comes into play, think a more relaxed style with warm, neutral tones like woods, grays, creams, and beige. Design with the idea of what helps you destress after a long day, what are the things that matter to you and what would make it easier. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and customize your home just for you. Do you like to read before going to bed? Create a little reading nook in your bedroom with a floor or table lamp that you love. Pair it with your favorite chair and beverage for a place you can look forward to doing every evening. Enjoy baking for the family? Design a special baking zone within the kitchen where you can easily store mixing bowls, cookie trays, and baking supplies. Does your family love game night? Carve out an area with comfy seats, soft lighting, and plenty of storage for your board and card games. Personalizing your space is important so talk to your designer about incorporating a style that is perfect for you and creates an inviting atmosphere for everyone.
Wellness is multidimensional
We know that this is a popular subject in the design world right now as many realize just how much of an impact the overall look and feel of the home has on us. Wellness in the home is a combination of both the physical and mental components so your design should encompass both of them. There are several products that can increase your sense of wellness like a landing zone and additional storage that allow you to stay organized with ease and alleviate stress. Nature provides a wonderful retreat for both the body and mind which is why outdoor spaces have seen a large surge in popularity. The color palette of blues and greens found in nature have a calming effect and can make it easier to forget the stress of the day. Another reason outdoor spaces are beneficial to our well being is it provides a place for us to connect with each other in a calm environment. You can also bring some of the vibe indoors through color choices and even textures like wood and natural fabrics. Home should be our place of comfort and where we can recharge our batteries. The design of our home has a great impact on this so be sure to give it some thought and get ready to feel your best.
Optimal functionality is a focus
The need for function in the home has always been a high priority but with many of us working from home and spending more time within our four walls, it has climbed to the top of the list. Designers are working diligently to give their clients the functionality they deserve and require to accomplish their tasks with efficiency. As always, functionality is achieved with a well thought out plan. Knowing what things are important to you and how they must be done are the first step in optimizing functionality in your home. Do you have a cup of coffee in the morning but are tired of having to walk all around the kitchen to fill your mug? Having a coffee station means all the items you need are in one spot from the pot to the sugar stock to have a great start to your day. What about other areas in your home? Is your laundry room functional or do you constantly bump into things, have nowhere to store your cleaning supplies, and wish there was a place to hang up your clothes to air dry? A good design could give you exactly what you need. Connect with a designer to transform your home from frustrating to functional.
Bring it all together
Today, style is more about blending functionality with beauty than anything else. Homeowners have been given the freedom to express themselves and personalize their space making it a great time to refresh your home. We invite you to visit our showroom located in beautiful Uptown Shelby and browse over 5,000 square feet of pure inspiration. Let us assist you in finding the perfect home decor items, accent pieces, and more that say welcome to you.
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