Design Notes
Connection has become a priority in the home over the last couple of years. It can be considered the most basic function of the home, as this is where we gather with family and friends to celebrate, congratulate, and comfort one another. Designing with socializing opportunities has been at the forefront of design for decades, exemplified by spaces such as sitting rooms and large dining tables. This need for connection has made a strong comeback, and designers are once again looking for ways to bring families together. We want to have a home where we can relax and easily engage with one another, but many homeowners also desire spaces that are unified while still retaining a unique character of their own. Let’s talk about how to create a home with connecting spaces.
Plan With Connection
To design with connection takes intention; it means having a plan in place when renovating or redoing your home. When looking to format a plan for creating a unified look, keep these things in mind:
- Somewhere to sit
- Remove distractions
- Strategic placement of furniture
- Good lighting
It is essential to prepare the room for connection, ensuring there are ample seating areas available. When we take a seat, it gives us a place to rest and focus on what’s around us, but having enough seats is not enough. There needs to be a strategic placement of the seating, in fact, all of the furniture. Don’t place pieces where they block each other or interrupt the flow of the room. Let the couch face the oversized chair with a table in between to allow for beverages to be set down. Ensure that there is sufficient lighting, just enough to see, but not so much that it overpowers. Consider different levels as well; a light that shines into someone’s eye can quickly dampen their mood. Limiting distractions is another key element to the design phase. If there is a TV in the living room, you can opt to have it placed inside a cabinet so that it can be closed when company comes. Connecting with our families and guests matters, and your design can assist or hinder it.
Connect The Spaces
Once you have considered the concept of connecting your spaces through design, it is time to implement it in the actual project. Building a connection among areas in the home takes thought. Consider how they relate to each other and whether sight lines are present between the rooms. It is essential to consider these factors because they will help create a cohesive design in the home, resulting in a comfortable environment. Some ways to bring a united sense through design include:
- Color
- Furniture style
- Light
- Design style
Choosing to connect with color is a key component when planning a design. Color is an easy way to bring spaces together and can be done in multiple ways. From accent pillows, artwork, and furniture, you can carry a color theme throughout your home. This tool is often seen in coastal homes, as they typically feature a beach color theme throughout every area. It is not necessary to go all out; simple uses are all that is needed to achieve a connection. Light is another asset that can be used by selecting similar fixture frames or using the same finish, such as brass or nickel. Some companies offer lights that vary in size but share a similar style. Furniture is a great way to tie rooms together, such as through a shared material or pattern. You can opt to have pieces that are wicker, antique, or similar in design style. All of this brings cohesion to multiple areas in the home and can make it feel as if everything belongs together. Give some thought to your overall design style as well; this can have a strong influence on the connection in the home. Farmhouse, contemporary, or traditional homes have unique elements that are characteristic of them and can be incorporated throughout the home itself. Be sure to give this part of the design phase ample consideration, as it carries significant weight and has the greatest impact. It is helpful to have a plan in place, but you also need to know how to execute it effectively. This is also a benefit to your designer as they try to assist you in creating a home that feels like it was meant for you.
Incorporate The Character
Connection is what we crave most in our home, but that does not mean there is no room for a unique flair of character. In fact, this is how we create our own stamp and put our personality into the home. It is possible to design a cohesive home that is also peppered with character representative of your personality. Consider something that matters to you and incorporate it into the design. Have a special photo? Maybe a favorite color or pattern? What about a furniture piece that means a lot to you? All of these elements can be seamlessly integrated into your design scheme without disrupting the overall plan. Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box when it comes to this. Character adds visual interest and a personal touch to the design that would be missing. A designer can be of great value when trying to decide how best to fuse the things you love into your overall design. Including character with connection means a home that is a true reflection of you and what matters.
Walker Woodworking 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.
Walker Woodworking 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.
Walker Woodworking 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.
Greenbrook 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.
Greenbrook Design 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.
Walker Woodworking