Connection is something that has become a priority in the home over the last couple of years. It can be considered the most basic function of the home since this is the place we gather with family and friends to celebrate, congratulate, and comfort each other. Designing with socializing opportunities has been at the forefront of design for decades, think sitting rooms and large dining tables. This need for connection has made a strong comeback and designers are once again looking for ways to bring families together. We want to have a home where we can relax and easily engage with one another but something that many homeowners want is spaces that are unified while still retaining a unique feeling of their own, spaces with character. Let’s talk about how to create a home that is connected but each area has a little spin of their own to make it unique.

Plan with connection

To design with connection takes intention, it means having a plan in place when renovating or redoing your home. When looking to format a plan for creating a unified look, keep these things in mind:

• Somewhere to sit
• Remove distractions
• Strategic placement of furniture
• Good lighting

It is important to prepare the room for connection making sure there are ample places to sit. When we take a seat it gives us a place to rest and focus on what’s around us but having enough seats is not enough. There needs to be strategic placement of the seating, in fact all of the furniture. Don’t place pieces where they block each other or interrupt the flow of the room. Let the couch face the oversized chair with a table in between to allow for beverages to be set down. Make sure that there is good lighting, enough to see but not so much that it overpowers. Think about different levels as well, a light that shines into someone’s eye can dampen the mood quickly. Limiting the distractions is another key element to the design phase. If there is a TV in the living room you can opt to have it placed inside a cabinet so that it can be closed when company comes. Connecting with our families and guests matter and your design can assist or hinder it. 

Connect the Spaces

Once you have thought about the concept of connecting your spaces through design it is time to begin implementing it into the actual project. Building a connection among areas in the home takes thought. Consider how they relate to each other and whether or not there are sight lines present between the rooms. It is important to think through these things because it will help produce a cohesive design in the home which yields a comfortable environment. Some ways to bring a united sense through design includes:

• Color
• Furniture style
• Light
• Design style

Choosing to connect with color is a key component when planning a design. Color is an easy way to bring spaces together and can be done in multiple ways. From accent pillows, artwork, and furniture, you can carry a color theme throughout your home. This tool is seen with coastal homes as they use a beach color theme in every area. It is not necessary to go all out, simple uses are all that is needed to achieve a connection. Light is another asset that can be used by selecting similar fixture frames or using the same finish such as a brass or nickel. Some companies carry lights that vary in size but possess a related style. Furniture is a great way to tie rooms together such as a material or even pattern. You can opt to have pieces that are wicker, antique, or similar design style. All of this brings a cohesion to multiple areas in the home and can make it all feel as if it all belongs together. Give some thought to your overall design style as well, this can have a strong influence on the connection in the home. Farmhouse, contemporary, or traditional have unique elements that belong to them and can be incorporated throughout the home itself. Be sure to give plenty of thought to this part of the design phase as it carries a lot of weight and has the greatest impact. It is helpful to have a plan in place but you need to know how to carry it out. This is also a benefit to your designer as they try to assist you in creating a home that feels like it was meant for you.

Incorporate the character

Connection is what we crave most in our home but that does not mean there is no room for a unique flair of character. In fact, this is how we make our own stamp, put our personality into the home. It is possible to design a cohesive home that is also peppered with character representational of your personality. Think about something that matters to you and add it into the design. Have a special photo? Maybe a favorite color or pattern? What about a furniture piece that means a lot to you? All of these things can be blended into your design scheme without upsetting the whole plan. Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box when it comes to this. Character adds visual interest and a part of you to the design that would be missing. A designer can be of great value when trying to decide how best to fuse the things you love into your overall design. Including character with connection means a home that is a true reflection of you and what matters.

Bringing it all together

Connection brings harmony, something that homeowners look for and can provide the perfect atmosphere for everyone. It should not be so obvious to your guests but smoothly glides from room to room around your home. Including a splash of character in each area ensures that there is enough fun to go around. It can also give you a whole new dimension as you introduce a few select elements into each area making everyone feel more comfortable. Designing a unified home layout gives stability while the character means you can stand out just enough to be comfortable. Our design team has helped so many clients find that perfect balance of connection and character that is just right for their home. Serving more than 15 counties between two states and always growing, let us assist you in designing a home that is perfect for you and your family.