Years ago, design styles were very defined, and we stayed within those particular boundaries, but things have shifted dramatically over the last few decades. People are looking for more ways to express who they are and what they love throughout their home. Their styles can also be influenced by where they live, as those who reside in the country or the suburbs of a town tend to enjoy a more relaxed design, while those in the heart of downtown incorporate a more contemporary look in their home. This, however, is also beginning to see a change as the urban blends more with the suburban, either through city limits expanding or people moving close to the city. Many homeowners want the familiar touches of suburban life while enjoying the benefits that urban life has to offer. This results in a need for design to alter and adjust in order to provide exactly what is required to make someone feel perfectly at home. Let’s discuss some of the ways you can blend urban with suburban and create a style that says welcome home to you.

Start With What You Have!

If you are not enjoying your space and are considering a change in address, just pause that urge for a second. If you have been in the home for just a year or have been there for a few years, take some time to look around at what you already have and evaluate the things that can be modified or adapted to suit your needs. A lot can be done if you have good house bones, such as a wall taken out or a layout adjusted to accommodate your current lifestyle. Building an addition to your home can sometimes even be cheaper than moving to a new location. If you have a large enough backyard, consider extending an area of your home, such as the kitchen or living area. This could allow you to rearrange the entire layout and enable you to maximize the square footage of your home to the fullest. It is also good to think about your daily routine as well, so you can design for the function and flow of everyone in your household. Do you need a drop zone in your entryway or a dedicated office space? Your current home may have just what you need to solve these issues.

Wellness Is Multidimensional

We know that this is a popular subject in the design world right now, as many realize just how much of an impact the overall look and feel of the home has on us. Wellness in the home is a combination of both the physical and mental components, so your design should encompass both of them. There are several products that can increase your sense of wellness, like a landing zone and additional storage that allow you to stay organized with ease and alleviate stress. Nature provides a wonderful retreat for both the body and mind, which is why outdoor spaces have seen a large surge in popularity. The color palette of blues and greens found in nature has a calming effect and can make it easier to forget the stress of the day. Another reason outdoor spaces are beneficial to our well-being is that they provide a place for us to connect with each other in a calm environment. You can also bring some of the vibe indoors through color choices and even textures like wood and natural fabrics. Home should be our place of comfort and where we can recharge our batteries. The design of our home has a great impact on this, so be sure to give it some thought and get ready to feel your best.

Optimal Functionality Is A Focus

The need for function in the home has always been a high priority, but with many of us working from home and spending more time within our four walls, it has climbed to the top of the list. Designers are working diligently to give their clients the functionality they deserve and require to accomplish their tasks with efficiency. As always, functionality is achieved with a well-thought-out plan. Knowing what things are important to you and how they must be done is the first step in optimizing functionality in your home. Do you have a cup of coffee in the morning but are tired of having to walk all around the kitchen to fill your mug? Having a coffee station means all the items you need are in one spot, from the pot to the sugar stock, to have a great start to your day. What about other areas in your home? Is your laundry room functional, or do you constantly bump into things, have nowhere to store your cleaning supplies, and wish there was a place to hang up your clothes to air dry? A good design could give you exactly what you need. Connect with a designer to transform your home from frustrating to functional.

Bring It All Together

Today, style is more about blending functionality with beauty than anything else. Homeowners have been given the freedom to express themselves and personalize their space, making it a great time to refresh your home. We invite you to visit our showroom located in beautiful Uptown Shelby and browse over 5,000 square feet of pure inspiration. Let us assist you in finding the perfect home decor items, accent pieces, and more that say welcome to you.

When space is limited, it is valuable and greater thought is invested in creating a design that maximizes square footage to provide a functional space for the homeowner. Both manufacturers and designers alike are continuously thinking of new ways to give their clients the things they need, but using less space. One such item is the Murphy bed, yes, the one used in multiple comedy routines, but it has evolved into a stylish piece, yet remains as functional as ever. It is also comparable in price point to a traditional bed. Could the Murphy bed be the solution to your limited space problem? Let’s unpack exactly what it is and how it can help give you additional room in your home.

What to do when you don’t have the luxury of square footage? How can you create storage when there is not a lot of room, to begin with? Can you make small spaces work for you? These are good questions that we have helped our clients answer numerous times. While it may present more challenges than a larger home, it is possible to have the necessary storage for you to keep everything you need on hand. Small is not bad; in fact, it comes with multiple benefits, and a good design can help you maximize the space you do have to build a home that is exactly right for you. Let’s talk about some creative storage solutions for small spaces.

We always say details matter, and that goes beyond a project. Your home is filled with details that tell your guests who you are and what matters to you. Artwork, pottery pieces, and furniture are just a few things that give homeowners a chance to show off their style. Another area is hosting, and tablescapes have become a beautiful, fun way to share your own unique design choices with family and friends. Whether it is for a small gathering to enjoy time with those you love or to celebrate a special occasion, there are many ways to create the perfect look. By combining different colors, patterns, or materials, you can create a tablescape that will dazzle your guests, whether you prefer an elaborate or simple design.

Window treatments have made an interesting journey through the years in interior design. From floor to ceiling and mere window length, they have travelled the full circle of style. Today, window treatments can come in a variety of forms and options, plus they do more than just block out the sun; they can finish the look of a room and add the necessary touch that brings out the homeowner’s personality. Windows are our connection to nature and are an essential part of the home, which means they deserve proper consideration and care. They are also an area of the room that naturally draws the eye of the homeowner and guest alike. Most of the time, however, windows tend to be overlooked.

There’s nothing quite like the warm weather and smell of blooming flowers that come with springtime. While you may have grown used to cozying up indoors during the colder months, now you can start spending more time tending to your garden, playing with your kids in the yard, and kicking back on the patio while enjoying the sun.

But in order to fully enjoy your time outside (and potentially save yourself from having to pay for expensive home repairs in the future), you will need to perform some basic home maintenance. To help you get started, here are some key areas to tackle this spring, brought to you by Greenbrook Design.