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 Woodworking There are some that have remained constant, while others have had their brief moment to shine, but does color really matter? Is there a reason behind the colors we choose, and can they really have an influence on the home? The answer is yes, color is one of the most powerful design tools, which is why designers are taught color psychology in school. To better help you understand its importance, we thought it would be helpful to share some of this information with you.
Kitchen layouts are a critical part of the design process because they can help you maximize the use of your space. There are certain layouts that are better suited to a particular home, such as an apartment or a large open area, making it essential to understand the function and benefits of each. Selecting the right kitchen layout for your new home is crucial, as it is one of the most frequently used rooms in the house and must be tailored to your specific needs and lifestyle. Let’s discuss what each layout is, which one works best for different home designs, and the benefits it can provide.
Greenbrook Design Window treatments are often the last element considered when decorating a house, but they play a crucial part in the overall look of the home. They are often considered the finishing touch to any space and can influence the feel as well. The fabric choice, the style, and even the function can bring several benefits to your home. Window treatments offer protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays, shading you and your furniture from fading, while also lowering your electricity bill. Selecting a fabric that complements your particular design style or creates a beautiful statement in your home can make all the difference in any room. Window treatments also serve a functional purpose, as they can block the sun’s glare and provide you and your family with privacy.
Walker Woodworking Home trends and styles change every year as designers track the elements that seem to be gaining popularity and why. While it is not recommended to follow the latest trend simply because it seems like the ideal choice, there are reasons why some trends become popular, eventually becoming a staple in design. 2022 brought several trends in home decor, some of which have been around for a while but are now gaining traction for good reasons. Let’s explore some of the top options on the list so you can understand the benefits they offer and determine if they are a good fit for your home.
Walker Woodworking We know that at the end of the day, it is the details that make a space feel like home. The functional kitchen space is great, and the multipurpose bathroom vanity is a must, but the little things enable every area to reflect you and your personality. There are literally hundreds of ways to utilize accent pieces throughout your home, but one that has been trending for some time is the use of plants, both in your indoor and outdoor spaces. Traditionally, when we think of plants, our minds think of real but faux greenery, and florals have also become popular. Dried is another option that has found its way into the design world.
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