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.
Greenbrook DesignMany of our clients come to us from an hour or more away, often from the greater Charlotte metro area. A common question we hear is, “Why make the drive to Shelby when there are design centers closer to home?” It’s a fair question—and one we completely understand. That’s why we’d like to share a few key reasons why we believe the experience, service, and value you’ll find at Greenbrook Design make the trip well worth it.
Walker WoodworkingThere are many elements that help assemble the perfect design for your space, such as color, texture, and pattern, but one, in particular, plays a key role in making a statement: the focal point. Without a focal point, a room can feel busy or even boring, as it lacks something that immediately draws the eye. This is one of the reasons it is essential to include a focal point in the design; however, given its critical role, sufficient thought should be given to placing it in the optimal location. How do you design the perfect focal point that stands out without overpowering everything else? How do you best use focal points in a room or design with it in mind? Let’s explore the answers to getting the most out of your focal point.
Greenbrook DesignThe sofa is often one of the first things we notice when entering the living room since it tends to be the largest object in the room. We love to stretch out to watch TV or curl up under a blanket to read a book. Sometimes it also ends up being the quick solution to an additional place to sleep when in a bind. Designers have verified that this is a key piece of furniture for the living room, making it a sizable investment when the time comes for it to be replaced. As it is so important to the design, it stands to reason that there should be some things considered before making your next purchase. What things, exactly, should you look for before finalizing your choice, and what makes a sofa perfect for your home? Read on to find out some helpful tips that can assist you in picking your next sofa.
Home is the place where everyone can fully relax and be themselves. It is the center for all of our main activities, but sometimes we need a space that caters to our specific needs, especially when it comes to husbands and wives. This is why his and her spaces were invented: to give each an area to call their own, tailored to function just for them. From bathrooms to bedrooms and even the home office, having something that functions for your unique lifestyle routine can make a big difference in how you accomplish your day-to-day tasks with minimal stress and maximum success. When designing for these spaces, what should you include? What areas matter most, and how do you create the perfect his and her space within the same square footage? Let’s answer those questions for multiple areas within your home.
Walker WoodworkingPersonal Expression Through Design. There is no denying the truth found in the statement, your home is your castle, and who doesn’t want a custom castle? Now, more than ever, there are items available to help you completely personalize your spaces to reflect your unique personality. There is freedom to break the traditional design rules of the past and express yourself in so many ways by combining what you love into something new. Every area of your home should tell guests your story; it should speak to them of the things that matter most to you. By selecting colors, textures, patterns, shapes, and art that accurately reflect your individual tastes, you can achieve that goal. Don’t be afraid to step outside of the box and share what matters to you. At its core, that is what design is about: using a combination of varying elements to tell your story to the world.
Walker Woodworking
Greenbrook Design