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 DesignColor matters. It is a part of how we tell our story, especially within our homes. In the last few years, homeowners have ventured off the traditional path of neutrals, such as white, gray, and beige, to bring in pops of bold hues like red, green, and even blue. As the demand for brighter colors increases, both manufacturers and designers have risen to the occasion by creating and incorporating a more diverse color palette for their clients. Traditional products, such as tile, furniture, flooring, cabinets, and even glass, come in a wider selection of bold colors, which provide homeowners with the opportunity to blend a variety of bold colors and neutral colors together in a stunning final design. Although color is a fun element in the world of interiors, it can be challenging to determine the right amount and the various ways it can be incorporated into the home to create the perfect balance for everyone to enjoy.
Walker WoodworkingHome is a reflection of you, and one of the best ways to do that is through color. Color is more than a collection of tints and shades; it has more impact on our mood than anything else and can influence the look of our home more than we realize. Color psychology has been studied for decades, with recent findings revealing just how powerful color truly is in the home. Size and style can change by simply selecting different colors for your furniture, accent pieces, or wall color. As color plays such a vital role in the atmosphere and presentation of the home, it can feel a little overwhelming or even intimidating to make color choices. We have compiled a list of 15 simple ways you can add color to your home.
There are many elements that contribute to creating a welcoming home, including color, patterns, decorative pieces, and furniture. All of this comes together to paint an inviting space where guests leave feeling like family. Sometimes it can be difficult to know where to start or what pieces work best together to create the perfect look. Let’s talk about five ways to create a welcoming atmosphere in your home.
Walker Woodworking Does your home need some renovations to bring it back up to speed for your specific lifestyle? Are you ready to transform certain areas into a more functional and purposeful space? Our experienced design team has assisted hundreds of clients in creating new areas that function exactly as they need. How can we help you prioritize your needs through design? Let us help you find the areas of priority in your home!
Greenbrook DesignAt the heart of any design work is the chance to tell a story—the story of those who live there. Our home is at the core of who we are. It is our grounding, the place we can truly let our hair down and be ourselves. It’s where memories are not just made, but remembered and passed down to the next generation. Homes are meant to be special—a symbol to all who enter of what truly matters to us. That’s why the design choices we make should be influenced by who we are, where we came from, and how our unique experiences shape us. Across the world, people’s design choices are deeply rooted in culture. But in today’s ever-connected world, we’re also seeing a beautiful blending of cultures—where traditional elements mix with modern influences, and regional styles merge to reflect global inspirations.
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