Life, Styled
Over the last year, our homes have undergone a shift in their function as they have become our office, gym, and classroom. It was not just a place we went to recharge before running out to work or the next game; it became the central hub for everything, where we spent large amounts of uninterrupted time inside. With so much additional time spent inside, it quickly became apparent to many homeowners that their current layout was not adequate for their new needs, often leaving them feeling frustrated by the lack of space. This deficiency has led to a readjustment of space, a call to renovate the home, and to provide a more functional design for everyone. There are also other reasons motivating homeowners to reevaluate their current living situation, such as greater flexibility at home, an open concept, personal space, and plenty of storage. While kitchens and bathrooms are still among the most renovated areas in the home, new emphasis is being placed on four additional sections in the home, which we want to highlight today.
Home Offices
Working from home has become common for many individuals, resulting in a need for a space that they can call their own, a place they can separate work from personal life. More and more homes come with an office space built in, but for those with older homes, they are realizing the urgency of a renovation. Working from home is not always an easy adjustment, especially when you have been used to having everything you need for your job within easy reach. To maintain productivity and efficiency on your projects, it is critical that you have a sufficient work area that accommodates all your needs, including online meetings, ample storage, and a professional environment. A dedicated office space comes with multiple benefits, including limited distractions, reduced risk of misplaced important papers, and the ability to handle private calls and meetings. Some things you should include in your home office design are:
- Favorite artwork
- Sufficient desk/workspace
- Natural light
- Open shelving
- Ample storage
Since we spend a lot of time in our office, it is important to create an environment that motivates and inspires us to do our best. Take time to research a design and find inspirational pictures to share with your designer. For a few more helpful tips, read this helpful post.
Laundry Room
Easily labeled as one of the most important areas of the home, the laundry room is often the most overlooked. As the place where clothes get sorted, cleaned, and dried, it has the potential to be overrun with various clothing items, such as sports jerseys and school uniforms. Designers today strive to create a laundry room that is both stylish and functional for their clients because they understand that the influence a clean, orderly space can have on your mood. When preparing to renovate your laundry room, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Storage
- Countertop
- Lighting
This is a multi-functional space in the home that not only keeps your clothes in prime condition but also stores overflow from other areas in the home, like the kitchen and closet. Cleaning products, extra paper supplies, and even pet food can make their way into the laundry room, giving rise to the need for a well-designed space. There are several ways to create ample storage in your laundry room. Cabinets and shelving give you practical storage while still keeping everything looking neat and tidy. Don’t forget that your washer and dryer can be incorporated into the look by becoming a statement piece. Discover some additional storage and organization tips from Good Housekeeping.
Pet Spaces
We love our pets; they are always there for us, so it seems only right that we should include them when designing new spaces in the home. Some things to keep in mind when designing for a pet include:
- Material
- Storage
- Space
- Feeding area
Our pets are like family, so they should be considered as we renovate our homes and make adjustments to our layouts. When buying new furniture, we might worry that it can get damaged by our fur babies, but there are certain materials that are durable, such as leather and microfiber. Read a detailed list from The Spruce. It is always a good idea to keep toys and scratch posts nearby to help distract your pets from playing on the furniture. This does mean that there should be a designated place to store all those toys when they are not in use, as well as for food and treats. Think about adding a special cabinet or basket where you can place these things so they are within reach but can be put away when you have company. A good design can help you give your pet what they need and still look aesthetically pleasing to you.
Beverage Spaces
We all enjoy getting off work and relaxing with our favorite beverage, but since many of us work from home, it means we can’t just swing by the store on our way back from the office. Having your own beverage space inside the home is becoming increasingly popular with buyers. Installing a beverage cooler in your family room or kitchen frees up more space in the refrigerator for the other essential items, plus you will always have a cool drink waiting for you. It also has multiple benefits such as:
- A separate area to relax with friends
- Additional storage for glasses and even paper products
- Perfect temperature for your beverages
Having a separate area means fewer people underfoot when you host a party or have extended family over, and less mess in the kitchen. It also allows your guests to enjoy a quiet place after dining. Learn more about why this is a great addition to your choice here.
Walker WoodworkingHome is a special word because it represents comfort, refuge, and family. Our home is meant to be the culmination of everything we cherish, which is why designers work tirelessly to create the perfect environment. Recently, however, there has been a movement to rethink how we design in order to minimize our carbon footprint. Interest in sustainability has increased in recent years as homeowners and designers seek ways to reduce waste and minimize environmental impact. One way is selecting sustainable materials for use in our home products. From furnishings to accent pieces, there are certain items that are more eco-friendly and come with benefits for you and your family. Let’s talk about the sustainable design approach and the top five sustainable materials you can incorporate into your home.
Walker Woodworking Window treatments are a great accent to any area of the home, including home offices, laundry rooms, and dining areas. Each has various needs that should be considered, as well as the style that best suits the particular area. Home offices are where you will spend a large portion of your daylight hours, so be sure to consider the location of your computer in relation to the window and any potential issues with glare that may arise.
Walker Woodworking Many elements make up a beautiful kitchen, but without a doubt, the countertops and backsplash are the focal points. These materials have become more than just practical tools in the kitchen. They are now works of art and an opportunity for homeowners to add a touch of themselves to the design. Of course, there must be a balance between the two, where they work together to create a cohesive design. Multiple ways exist to create both beautiful and functional looks in the kitchen. Here we answer some common questions surrounding the topic.
Greenbrook DesignFresh air, open outdoor spaces, and cooking on the grill are just a few of the benefits associated with having an outdoor space, which is becoming increasingly popular among homeowners. Our homes are our refuge, but an outdoor space is the perfect solution to curing cabin fever without having to pack up and drive somewhere. With spring just around the corner, we thought it would be a good time to highlight the reasons why an outdoor space matters, what elements should be included, and how to bring it all together to create the perfect outdoor space for everyone to enjoy.
Everyone enjoys returning to a well-organized, spacious kitchen after a long day. It’s even better if your kitchen includes a nicely organized pantry!
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