Designing for Connection
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.
No one would argue that we are connected, but in what way? Now more than ever we are connected through technology, a quick DM here and a text there tells someone that we are thinking of them but what about a physical connection among people? Today, homeowners are looking for spaces in the home that encourage interaction and connection with each other. Designers have realized this need and begun to create connections using certain design elements. We will share our top three ways to build connections within your home.
Connection through open floor plans
An open floor plan connects multiple rooms while leaving the individual functionality of each space intact. Usually, the kitchen is the focal point, drawing people into the heart of the home. With sightlines to the important areas in the home like the family room, people feel more connected and able to interact. Open floor plans allow parents to keep an eye on their children, interact with them, and socialize after spending much of the day apart. There are several other advantages of having an open floor plan:
- Unhindered traffic flow – without walls or other barriers everyone can move easier without constantly bumping into one another or having to wait for someone to move past.
- Flexible layout – ever get tired of the layout in your room? Open floor plans make it easier to change things up and create something new.
- Multiple uses – because it is a large space you can have the family room also be the recreation room. This is a great option if you have limited space because you can get more out of the space you have.
By choosing a design with fewer barriers you create an inviting, inclusive environment where connection to those you care about is made easier. See one of our open floor plan projects here.
Connection through large windows
Blues, greens, and browns. These are prominent colors found in nature, colors that are calm, and create a relaxing setting. Incorporating nature into the design can help you forge a connection because it sets the perfect mood for gathering together. Large windows are a great way to let the best of nature in, the inviting sunlight and calming scenery while keeping the allergies and heat out.
A few other noteworthy mentions about windows:
- Free artwork – large windows create a perfect frame for the natural beauty found just outside your home.
- Natural light – it is a known fact that natural light can help with mood and have other health benefits for the body. Read more about it in this blog.
- Resale value – these benefits will also make the home valuable to potential buyers.
By using bigger windows in the home, you create a backdrop where everyone feels at ease, perfect for those family dinners where everyone is encouraged to share their day’s events.
Connection through entertaining
There is no greater connection than when you are with those you care about such as family and friends. We are always free to be our true selves and express our fears, dreams, and plans. Building with a gathering in mind means that there will be plenty of opportunities to socialize and make a connection with others.
Some great ways to build for entertaining are:
- Open floor plan of course – eliminating walls encourages communication and makes people feel connected.
- A great kitchen space – people tend to gather in the kitchen making it essential to have a good traffic flow.
- Good lighting – just because the sun went down doesn’t mean the party needs to end. By having sufficient lighting, the good times can keep on going.
Having a place to entertain means there is space to celebrate what is important, each other, and creates the perfect environment to connect ensuring that memories will continue to be made in your home.
Ready to connect?
Tired of a space that feels like it is hindering your ability to have a connection with your family? Ready to create one that is built from an inclusive design? Family is important to us, it is the foundation on which our whole company was built so we understand the need to stay connected with loved ones. Time spent with family and friends is well-spent and creates memories that will last forever. We would be honored to help you create a space that not only is functional for your family but allows you to stay connected as a family. Visit our showroom located in beautiful Uptown Shelby where you can tour our displays and begin the process of building your connected space.
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