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.
Greenbrook DesignEvery home has a story, and it is mainly told through interior design. Each element plays a part in conveying what matters most to you and reflects a part of your personality. Over the years, an increasing number of individuals have stepped outside the traditional design box and incorporated elements that hold meaning for them or are connected to a cherished memory. This shift has led more companies to expand their product line to include unique items made from various materials. Designers have followed suit and are looking for ways to deliver a tailored look for each client. These results sometimes give rise to interior design trends, and 2023 has some fun and elegant ones. Let’s see if any of them interest you as you prepare to hit the refresh button in your home.
Walker Woodworking It’s a New Year, a new you… But does your resolution list include some remodeling? If it does, it’s probably best to start with your kitchen – from the floors and work your way up. Kitchen floors are often victims of damage throughout the year, and now is the perfect time to give them a fresh new look. Let them shine like you’re going to the following year! There are numerous flooring options to consider for your new kitchen. So, if you don’t know where to start, we’re here to help!
Greenbrook DesignOne of the most exciting and anticipated times of the year has arrived, as numerous paint and design companies announce their Color of the Year choices. Designers and manufacturers alike look forward to this pronouncement as it provides inspiration and even direction for the coming year. Many companies use these colors to shape the new products that will be released in the coming year, and homeowners often enjoy incorporating them throughout their homes for added enjoyment
Paint companies like Sherwin-Williams have already announced their amazing Color of the Year choice, Redend Point, which draws from nature’s calm color palette. Benjamin Moore’s choice of Raspberry Blush, though, is closer in shade to the color selection made by the one company everyone in the fashion world looks to, Pantone. Designers and manufacturers alike waited with eagerness to hear Pantone’s color of the year announcement, and for 2023, their choice was Viva Magenta, a color described as a “crimson red tone that presents a balance between warm and cool. This hybrid of red and pink is a reflection of our current world’s relationship of living in both a physical and digital world. More and more homeowners are learning to blend their work and home lifestyles, which have become deeply entwined over the last couple of years. We know that color is much more than a splash of paint on a wall or cabinet; it speaks a language all its own, something Pantone seems to grasp and express well. So what influence will 2023’s Viva Magenta have on us? Let’s explore the answers today.
Greenbrook DesignWhen you first moved into your property, you took the time to come up with the perfect design for a space you’ll call home. However, over time, circumstances change, and so do people. And, now, you’ve found yourself in a situation of wanting to change things up a bit. If you’re wondering how to tell it’s time to redesign your home, sit tight and let us walk you through all the major signs.
Walker Woodworking