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.
Our very own hometown talent, nationally recognized photographer Randy McNeilly, has earned multiple prestigious awards for his exceptional artwork—proudly on display in the Greenbrook Design showroom.
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