Design Notes
A home renovation is a big step for anyone, and because there are so many areas in the home that could use a little updating, it can be difficult to know which section should be a priority or what matters the most when planning. While many homeowners have different needs based on their specific lifestyle, there are certain areas that have become a necessity for the majority, regardless of their lifestyle. If you are looking for answers on what should be a top priority in your upcoming renovation, check out the following areas that are important to homeowners and buyers alike.
Quiet Location
Location. Location. Location. These have always been the top three words in real estate, but now they carry a new meaning for homeowners. So many now work from home, as well as children doing schoolwork at home, that quiet areas are considered essential. They are a must, which means creating a space that provides an area of quiet where you can take those Zoom calls or concentrate on completing that assignment. Look at places in your home that are off the main path, such as the kitchen and living room. This allows family members to enjoy their normal activities without having to walk around on eggshells so as not to disturb you or your task. Basements or spare bedrooms tend to offer the best solutions to this situation.
Garage
While not typically high on the renovation list, garages have taken on a whole new level of importance in the home. Often, they are a source of untapped space that can provide you with multiple solutions to storage needs and even additional areas in the home. Transform your garage into useful spaces like:
- Home office
- Family room
- Gym
- Home theater
Turning this space into a functional bonus area for your home means gaining the extra space you need. By adding flooring and some insulation, you can find that home office you need, or the family can enjoy a movie night like never before. There is so much potential, so if you are looking to gain some extra usable square footage, the answer may be right in front of you.
Updated Kitchen
No surprise here, kitchens are the most used area in the home and fulfill multiple roles. Homeowners are looking to gain the most out of this space, which means an emphasis has been added to update it into its best form. There are multiple ways to update a kitchen, such as:
- New hardware
- Updated appliances
- Installing a kitchen island
- New cabinetry
- Lighting
A kitchen needs to be functional and well suited to your unique lifestyle whether that is more cabinet drawers that make it easy to access heavy items such as mixers and large platters or a bigger pantry with sufficient storage. Take time to inventory the functionality of your kitchen and consider the things needed to make it better equipped to serve your family.
Open Floor Plan
We enjoy having distinct areas in the home; having sections allows us to create a space for specific purposes, but we also have a need to feel connected with our family. An open floor plan still provides boundaries for each area while keeping an open flow. Typically, an open floor plan links the living, dining, and kitchen areas together, which are the main common areas in the home. This means you can take care of dinner prep and still feel connected to everyone gathered in the living or dining room. Using the open concept floor plan is seeing multifunctional at its finest, plus it also gives the feeling that your home is larger. Read about more of the many benefits this layout can give you, including a sense of wellness, in this blog post.
Home Office
It comes as no surprise that the home office has garnered an increase in attention in the last couple of years, but it has truly become a main priority for most homeowners today, and for potential buyers. It is near the top of the wishlist for many as they look for a place where they can remain productive and meet those deadlines head-on. Countless individuals have made the transition to working from home permanent, making it essential to have a designated workspace. The kitchen table or living room was fine as a temporary option, but homeowners are looking to create a space that suits their needs. A spare room or even a rarely used dining room can make the perfect home office for you.
Space For Pets
For many, their pet is more than just a furry addition to the home; they are our extended family, making their happiness a priority. Homeowners are looking for ways to make their home more friendly for their sweet fur babies, including:
- Better flooring
- Eating stations
- Storage for their toys and such
As pet owners ourselves, we understand the priority they take in our lives and know that keeping them in mind when designing upgrades or updates for the home matters. We also believe that having pet-friendly items should not mean you compromise on the beauty of your designer; rather, they can go together. Many of our vendors have furnishing options that match your style and are perfectly suited to your furry friends. You can give your pets exactly what they deserve in the style that you love.
Outdoor Living Spaces
The need for outdoor spaces has increased dramatically over the last year as an increasing number of homeowners want a space where they can safely hang out with family and friends. Many of us spend more than 70% of our time indoors, and having an area where we can step outside to enjoy a short break from work or have dinner with the family is a must. An extended deck or even an outdoor kitchen can increase the value of your home as well if you are looking to sell. For added comfort, consider using motorized shades so you can keep the sun out of your eyes but still enjoy its warmth. We are an authorized dealer for Graber blinds, a company dedicated to the details.
Updated Bathrooms
The bathroom, of course, continues to be an important area in the home; it is the one place everyone needs at some point during the day. It is the place you go to get ready for the day and where you prepare for bed. Doing a few updates, such as better flooring or a multipurpose vanity, can improve the flow and function of your bathroom easily. While you may not want to do a full renovation, choosing a different bathroom vanity can give you more storage and the style you’ve been wanting for a while. New lighting and hardware are some extra ways you can refresh your bathroom space.
Greenbrook DesignThese products usually come in refillable, recyclable, or compostable packaging and containers. Some have no packaging at all if you buy them from your local health food stores. You can also switch to more sustainable cleaning products, such as vinegar and hot water. For toilet paper, look for options with compostable packaging. You can also switch to a bidet to achieve complete waste-free status.
Being eco-friendly is at the heart of minimalism. If you want to adopt this light, sustainable, and freeing lifestyle, making eco-minimalist changes in your bathroom is a great first step. For more tips on achieving an elevated lifestyle, visit us here at Greenbrook Design.
Walker Woodworking As one of the most used areas in the home for our intimate needs, the bathroom should be designed as a place of refuge and relaxation from the cares and stresses of life. This means that it should reflect your personality in every way, from color to pattern; everything should make it a place you enjoy using, rather than just serving a purpose. Design details matter, and with traditional rules being replaced with out-of-the-box thinking, it is easier than ever to accomplish this task. You deserve to have a well-functioning and lovely bathroom that is designed with you in mind. Designing a bathroom should be all about you!
Greenbrook Design It’s hard to believe that the farmhouse style has only recently become so popular, thanks to its warm colors and romantic charm. It was once a haven for those seeking to escape city life and return to simpler times. Nowadays, farmhouse design is about elegant simplicity in every piece of furniture. Whether you live in a bungalow or a mansion, incorporating modern farmhouse design into your home is easier than ever. Here are some tips to help you get started.
Greenbrook DesignWanting the custom kitchen of your dreams can be overwhelming and isn’t always budget-friendly. However, an easy, cost-effective way to have the kitchen of your dreams is closer to your grasp than you think.
Walker WoodworkingAlthough having a professional come in and assist is sometimes the best solution, there are certain things that you can do to get a head start or do it all by yourself. Clutter is a friend to no one and can quickly overwhelm and suffocate you. Although it is never easy to begin the task of removing piles of junk from a home, the end results are well worth the investment of time and effort. But that is only half the battle; the other is knowing what to do after it has all been neatly tucked away. Use these tips to organize like a pro—start with a plan and be deliberate about its implementation. As you regain control over your home, you will feel the stress melt away as you enjoy coming home again.
Greenbrook Design