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.
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.
Greenbrook Design