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.

Life is busy. We spend much of our time working, running errands, and making sure our family has what they need to get through another week. At the end of another busy day, having a home where you can have your own personal space and a little privacy to regain your center is important. Our home is more than just four walls and a door, it is the place where we can withdraw in safety and just relax. Within our homes there are different areas that perform certain functions such as the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room while others fall into a different category: living spaces. Living spaces can be defined as a place you relax and or even gather with family and friends. Sunrooms, living rooms, and even outdoor areas all fall into this category. Sometimes these spaces can use a little rejuvenating and revamping so that they can better serve your specific needs.

Home Decor

It is often the little things that can have a dramatic change in our spaces while giving a little fun and function into your life as well. Home decor adds personality and purpose to your space as it turns the mundane into marvelous through beauty. This is also a simple way to refresh your spaces without breaking the bank or undertaking a huge renovation. Some ideas for rejuvenating your living spaces include:

• Swap out small furniture pieces
• Wall art
• Backsplash
• Area rugs
• Accent pieces

Take a moment to evaluate your current home inventory and consider things that are not functional or just need to be revamped. A simple swapping out of a coffee table or even lamp can do wonders for a space. Pick pieces that reflect your personality or that make you smile because this helps create an atmosphere that makes it easier to relax and be yourself. Accent items are another way to sprinkle a little of what matters throughout those spaces intended to be enjoyed by our family. Our home is a place of celebrating as well so having areas where we can gather with ease can make a big difference. Placing extra seating that allows family and friends to sit facing each other or in closer proximity can help us feel connected too. Being mindful of your living spaces and the difference it can make in your home is a great start to creating a little haven for everyone.

Coloring your living spaces

Color is one of the most powerful tools in the design world as it can impact the mood in the home along with the overall feel. There are countless ways to add color to your home such as:

• Painting the walls
• Tile
• Furniture 
• Art
• Decor items

If you are looking to rejuvenate your living spaces consider the purpose of each before selecting a color scheme since it will have an influence on it. There are two sets of color tones, warm and cool that each have a specific purpose. Warm tones like red, yellow, and orange tend to be more stimulating which can make them good choices for areas in the home where you gather with family such as game rooms or family eating spaces. Cool tones like blue and green are often seen as calming since they usually reflect nature and are perfect for areas of rest like a sunroom or living room. Once you have decided on the colors you want for the room the fun really begins as you select different items to decorate that particular area. From furniture pieces that make a wonderful focal point to color highlights like art and even throw blankets, adding a splash of color throughout can transform any space into a place of rest and comfort.

Plan for comfort in the home

Making your home feel casual and comfy is a great way to rejuvenate your space. Knowing that there are areas where you can go and truly destress is great but the design selection plays a key role in it. Comfort should be a priority in your living spaces and there are countless things you can do to accomplish this goal. In your living area plan for comfort by having soft throw blankets nearby, a candle for the colder months, and sufficient lighting. Game rooms should have plenty of comfortable seating with varying heights and within close proximity to each other making it easy for every age to gather together and play. A sunroom should also have a seating area plus some type of screen to shield you from the glare but still allow the warmth of the sun inside. This is also a great place to incorporate some plants as they are beneficial to the environment plus they yield extra bonuses for your health and well being. Consider placing a few faux plants around the other living spaces in your home as the calm colors of nature are soothing to the eyes and mind which can help relieve tension and stress. A home of comfort is one where we can take off our shoes and just relax.