Design Notes
It is always fun to watch those home improvement shows. It is always a delight to watch designers come up with a plan that completely transforms the space from drab to fab. Often, after watching those shows, you have a tendency to look around your own home, wishing you could give it an update, but a renovation is not conceivable at the moment for one reason or another. The good news is that you don’t have to undergo a renovation to give your home a lift or freshen it up; sometimes it’s the little things —the details —that can completely revamp your space and make a big impact without breaking the bank. Discover six simple ways you can freshen up your home and even make it feel completely new without going through a renovation.
The Dining Room Table
When it comes to the dining room, the table is at the center of the design. From the table decor to the seating capacity, everything revolves around it, so by trading it for something new, you can alter the entire look of your space. When shopping for a new dining room table, keep these things in mind:
- The size of your room
- Number of seats needed
- Functionality
- Style
- Durability
These are all important since they can affect the final results of your space. If you purchase a dining table that is too large, it can make the entire room feel cramped and leave you frustrated trying to maneuver around; if it is too small, it will appear lost. Ideally, you want the table to be three feet from the wall on all sides, which makes it easy to get in and out of your seat, as well as move around others. Consider how many people will use the table at once and factor that into your decision. Functionality is another important feature. Do you need a table that can be easily extended when company comes, or one that is a specific height for family members who have special needs, such as a wheelchair? Durability is imperative for a dining room table, as it will often be used for purposes beyond serving dinner, such as game nights and homework. Choosing a new dining room table is a wonderful way to freshen up your dining area.
New Sofa
The living room is a place of comfort and connection. We can spend time by ourselves, enjoying a nice beverage after a long day at work, or spend time with our family doing something fun. Since this is largely an area where we sit, the go-to piece here is the sofa, and as it is usually the most used piece, it’s no surprise that designers recommend replacing it every 7 to 15 years. This is an easy way to spruce up the living room, but what should you look for in a new sofa?
- Size
- Comfort
- Durability
- Color
- Maintenance
When shopping for a new sofa, consider that you need something to coordinate with your existing color scheme and style if you want to avoid changing the entire living area. You are also looking for a furniture piece that will provide a comfortable seating option, while also lasting for another 7 to 15 years. Select one with a good, solid frame and make sure to try it out before buying it. One last piece of advice: opt for a sofa that is low-maintenance, such as a fabric that hides dirt, especially if you have younger children, and cushions that won’t sag within ten months after purchase. A new sofa can give your living room the fresh look you have been craving.
Bathroom Vanity
One of the most vital components of the bathroom is the vanity, meaning that when you change it out, you can create a whole new look. Not only does it serve an aesthetic purpose, but it is often the key area of storage. There are also several benefits to purchasing a new bathroom vanity, including:
- More storage space
- Updated style
Functionality is the number one feature in a bathroom vanity, as it is the main hub of our daily routine. From oral hygiene to fixing our hair, it all happens around the vanity, so some serious thought should go into your selection. Consider what you use on a daily basis, the amount of counter space you need, and what items need to be stored within easy reach. Drawers and open shelves where containers can be placed are both good components to have in a vanity. Style is another big one, as the vanity tends to set the tone for the overall style. Are you looking for something with a modern feel? Pick one with a metal frame. Want a more traditional feel? Select a vanity with wood and drawers over shelves. A new bathroom vanity can easily give you the budget-friendly transformation you want. We are an authorized dealer for James Martin Vanities, offering you what you want with a short lead time.
New Cabinet Hardware
While they may seem like a small part of the design, hardware can completely transform the look and feel of your kitchen or bathroom and is often more cost-effective than replacing cabinets. Both function and style come together nicely with cabinet hardware, allowing you to get the best of each. Whether you enjoy modern, farmhouse, or traditional styles, there is something for everyone, as manufacturers have designed countless sizes and styles from a wide range of materials. When shopping for hardware, it is good to have an answer for design questions such as:
- Knob or pull?
- What type of finish?
- Contrast or matching?
- Size
Knowing what direction you want to go will greatly assist you in your selection and reduce the time spent shopping. Hardware is a simple way to freshen up your kitchen or bathroom cabinets, but it can also be done for your home office or even bedroom dressers.
Artwork
Swapping out a new piece of artwork for an old one is an easy and inexpensive way to freshen up an area in the home. You can choose to create a large canvas piece or opt for a set of smaller art pieces to create a gallery wall. Changing out the frames and sizes can also go a long way to revamping a space. Don’t be afraid to try a new style or type of art; it could give a vibe to your space. From bedrooms to family rooms, a new art piece could be the solution to a fresh new space.
Countertops
A new countertop is considered an investment and is often more cost-effective than a whole new kitchen. It can completely freshen up your space and even change up the dynamic with a sharp contrast of dark against light. Granite and quartzite remain popular choices due to their durability and elegance. Available in a variety of colors, you’re sure to find one that perfectly reflects your unique style and preferences.
Walker WoodworkingOne of the best features of any bedroom is the closet. This is the place where not just your clothes go, but a myriad of other objects as well. As it is considered one of the more functional areas in the room, this means it has certain obligations to meet, including sufficient space and storage capacity. Few things frustrate a homeowner as much as a dysfunctional closet that is a hazard every time the door is opened. Having one that is designed according to your needs, with ways to keep everything organized and in its proper place, is a dream come true. Of course, while closets need to be functional, they can also be stylish and ever personalized to your particular needs. Let’s talk about what goes into designing the perfect walk-in closet.
Finishing a basement or renovating it completely can also increase the value of your home. There is also the possibility of gaining additional income by renting out the basement. A basement is a blank canvas waiting to be transformed into a useful and functional space for you and your family.
Greenbrook DesignHome is our place of refuge, the place where we can recharge and refresh ourselves before heading out for another day at the office, whether that is driving to town or walking down the hall to our desk. Our home is also our safe zone, especially when it comes to our health. We implement things that help us maintain and protect ourselves against illness, such as easy-to-clean surfaces and materials that hinder the growth of bacteria. Multiple companies are dedicated to the health of their customers, which is why they continually develop products that not only limit the spread of disease but also promote overall wellness, whether physical or emotional. Both work together to help maintain our good health. Let’s discuss some great home products that can be utilized in your home to increase wellness for yourself and those you love.
Walker WoodworkingCoffee is a staple ingredient for the majority of people’s mornings. We love the freshly brewed scent as we begin our day and rely on the boost it gives us to get the last of the sand out of our eyes, plus a little bounce in our step. Since it has become such an integral part of the start of the day, it makes sense to create a dedicated area in the home for our beloved beverage. From a sideboard near the kitchen with all the essentials necessary to make the perfect cup or an entire section set aside for its use, there are multiple reasons why you should have a coffee station in your home. Let’s talk about how to design the perfect coffee bar area in your home, as well as some helpful tips for creating it.
Seating is a crucial element in the kitchen, as it serves as the primary hub for nearly all activities that occur in the home. Having a place to sit and talk while dinner is being made or to enjoy that morning cup of coffee makes the kitchen that much more inviting, as well as creating an environment just right for connecting with others. Ensuring there is ample room for everyone can be a challenge for both large and small kitchens, as you cannot simply add a chair or barstool wherever you want. Kitchen islands are a great place for incorporating extra seating options, but built-in seating, often referred to as banquettes, is a wonderful way to gain seats with style. Let’s discuss the benefits of incorporating built-in kitchen seating and explore ideas on how to integrate it into your design.
Walker Woodworking