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 WoodworkingThe kitchen sink is probably one of the most important elements in the kitchen, since it’s where we wash dishes, rinse food, and wash our hands. There are so many options, such as stainless steel, porcelain, and ceramic. Then, of course, there are multiple styles and sizes. At Greenbrook, we are always looking for new items that will meet a need for our clients, and sinks definitely are one of them, which is why we are an authorized dealer for the Karran Sinks.
Walker Woodworking Old meets new to create a blend of something beautiful, which is one way to summarize grand millennial style. While minimalism is still a popular trend, many millennials are finding comfort and freedom of expression from their beloved family heritage. Grand millennial is a combination of the new with things of the past, like that old wingback chair from grandma’s attic, and breathing new life into it through reupholstering it. This style also pairs perfectly with many people’s desire to recycle and reduce waste by repurposing existing materials. Let’s unpack this style a little more and find out if it is right for you.
Greenbrook DesignUsing smart devices to help manage your home not only makes your life easier. However, many forms of smart home tech also reduce utility usage and improve your home’s carbon footprint. You’ll improve your life and become more eco-friendly all at once! Here’s how to get started:
Health and wellness are a high priority for many today, especially in the home, which is why interior designers are placing a great emphasis on the renovation or remodel plans for the home. Natural light brings a wealth of benefits for your family and also gives the home a beautiful warmth.
Metropolitan Woodworks IncContrast is a design element that is used often since it makes a statement, creates visual interest, and provides a touch of elegance to the space. White and Black, dark mixed with warm metals like gold, copper, and brass. Many interior designers are choosing to use this tool and these color combinations more in their creations, and it seems that this trend is only increasing in popularity. Let’s explore the different ways you can add dark colors to your space, balanced with enough light to make a beautiful presentation in your home that both you and your guests will enjoy.
Walker Woodworking