Design Notes
Home decor is more than just a few splashes of color with a hint of texture and pattern thrown in. It is about creating an environment that is reflective of the things we love but sometimes we like to include a touch of the season into our design choices. These decor pieces can be easily transferred each time a new season rolls in. Seasonal decorating adds a little something extra to the home, helping it truly feel like Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter. Let’s talk about some simple yet effective ways you can create just the right amount of seasonal delight to your home.
Decorating for Spring
Winter has finally said its last goodbye, and you are ready to hang up the welcome sign for Spring. It is a season defined by fresh, pastel colors, an abundance of new blooms, and greener, softer textures. In areas like dining rooms or entryways, you can add twig arrangements accented with colors like chick yellow, lavender, and sky blues, using items like ribbons and decorative pieces. It is a simple way to bring a touch of the season indoors and add a little depth and texture. Greenery in general is a good rule to follow for Spring decorations as it is the perfect representation of the season’s promise of growth and renewal. You can also incorporate a few additional spring colors into your home’s accent pieces, such as a throw blanket, pillows, or an area rug. Tablescapes are also a beautiful way to highlight the season, featuring table runners made from rustic burlap with delicate patterns and centerpieces that incorporate moss, blossoms, and twigs woven together. Combining these elements with the perfect dinnerware will definitely reflect the season to our family and friends. Woven baskets can be used throughout the home to store various items, such as shoes and blankets, or you can opt for a smaller decorative version to hang on your front door, providing a fresh welcome for guests. Add some Spring blooms and a ribbon for a complete look. Spring is a beautiful season of renewal and refreshment, so let’s get your home ready with a few new looks.
Decorating for Summer
Summer is a season of relaxation as kids enjoy their break from school and vacations are just beginning. Warm, sunny days filled with places to go like beaches, mountains, or just downtown, Summer was built for hanging out with the people we love. Our home should be a reflection of that vibe both in and out. Bold colors and comfortable accents are a great start. You can even go with a theme like a mediterranean coastal vibe or rustic cabin getaway by incorporating certain color palettes and textures. Think a playful pattern for an area rug or bright teal pillows for the sofa paired with a calming neutral. Maybe a new splash of paint to your front door can bring a touch of Summer to the outside of your home. Speaking of outdoors, Summer is the perfect opportunity to revamp your outdoor living areas including kitchens and patios to be a place of welcome from the heat. Be sure to have plenty of shaded areas with comfortable seating options available so everyone can enjoy the afternoons and early evening dinners. Summer is also a great time to take advantage of those extra hours of daylight by placing some layers for your window treatments which allow you to work with the light. Maximize the early morning and late afternoon rays when the sun is not as intense but then you can block it during the hottest part of the day. Don’t forget about your front porch by having some easy yet cute decorative containers to store shoes and such as family and friends endlessly make their way in and out of the house. Summer is a delightful season that simply cherishes each today.
Decorating for Fall
Fall is a season of change as we slowly put away the carefree days of Summer and begin preparing for the shift in temperature. Glowing reds, vibrant oranges, and rich yellows are among the main color choices that pair beautifully with natural neutrals, such as white, beige, and wood tones. These color combinations can also work well with a wide variety of decor pieces such as your wreath for the front door or even a tablescape. Incorporating nature’s elements into your home decor creates unique pieces, such as gathering pine cones and placing them in a glass jar to use in your entryway or fireplace mantle. For another layer of interest, you can paint some of them various colors. Apples, pears, pumpkins, oh my! These are also some budget-friendly decorative options. Fall is also the perfect opportunity to use some old wooden crates, mason jars, and other antique items paired with flowers or candles. Other wooden accent items that can be used in and outside the home include dough bowls and even miniature branches or stumps. Combining them with other natural items, such as pine cones, flowers, and even acorns, works well for patio decor or foyers. Don’t be afraid to explore a range of design options, and places like Pinterest abound with inspiration, no matter if you like a minimalist or slightly more abundant style in your seasonal decor.
Decorating for Winter
Winter is a season built for coziness and comfort, both of which should be reflected in your decor items. Start by placing warm blankets strategically throughout your home so that they are readily available when needed by anyone who requires them. They can be laid on the backs of your favorite chairs or couches as well as stored in decorative floor baskets. Candles are another great winter item that not only makes the space smell amazing but casts an inviting glow in the room for everyone to enjoy. Consider adding a few soft area rugs, as they are warmer and can definitely make a space feel very cozy. Maximizing natural light is especially important in the winter months, when there is less of it. Placing some extra mirrors in the room can help reflect the sun’s rays and lighten your window treatments as well. If your home has a fireplace, rearrange the furniture closer to it, as it makes it easier to stay warm and creates a gathering place for everyone to come together. Winter is a beautiful season and should be celebrated inside and out.
Walker WoodworkingOne of the best features of any bedroom is the closet. This is the place where not just your clothes go, but a myriad of other objects as well. As it is considered one of the more functional areas in the room, this means it has certain obligations to meet, including sufficient space and storage capacity. Few things frustrate a homeowner as much as a dysfunctional closet that is a hazard every time the door is opened. Having one that is designed according to your needs, with ways to keep everything organized and in its proper place, is a dream come true. Of course, while closets need to be functional, they can also be stylish and ever personalized to your particular needs. Let’s talk about what goes into designing the perfect walk-in closet.
Finishing a basement or renovating it completely can also increase the value of your home. There is also the possibility of gaining additional income by renting out the basement. A basement is a blank canvas waiting to be transformed into a useful and functional space for you and your family.
Greenbrook DesignHome is our place of refuge, the place where we can recharge and refresh ourselves before heading out for another day at the office, whether that is driving to town or walking down the hall to our desk. Our home is also our safe zone, especially when it comes to our health. We implement things that help us maintain and protect ourselves against illness, such as easy-to-clean surfaces and materials that hinder the growth of bacteria. Multiple companies are dedicated to the health of their customers, which is why they continually develop products that not only limit the spread of disease but also promote overall wellness, whether physical or emotional. Both work together to help maintain our good health. Let’s discuss some great home products that can be utilized in your home to increase wellness for yourself and those you love.
Walker WoodworkingCoffee is a staple ingredient for the majority of people’s mornings. We love the freshly brewed scent as we begin our day and rely on the boost it gives us to get the last of the sand out of our eyes, plus a little bounce in our step. Since it has become such an integral part of the start of the day, it makes sense to create a dedicated area in the home for our beloved beverage. From a sideboard near the kitchen with all the essentials necessary to make the perfect cup or an entire section set aside for its use, there are multiple reasons why you should have a coffee station in your home. Let’s talk about how to design the perfect coffee bar area in your home, as well as some helpful tips for creating it.
Seating is a crucial element in the kitchen, as it serves as the primary hub for nearly all activities that occur in the home. Having a place to sit and talk while dinner is being made or to enjoy that morning cup of coffee makes the kitchen that much more inviting, as well as creating an environment just right for connecting with others. Ensuring there is ample room for everyone can be a challenge for both large and small kitchens, as you cannot simply add a chair or barstool wherever you want. Kitchen islands are a great place for incorporating extra seating options, but built-in seating, often referred to as banquettes, is a wonderful way to gain seats with style. Let’s discuss the benefits of incorporating built-in kitchen seating and explore ideas on how to integrate it into your design.
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