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 DesignThe kitchen tends to be one of the busiest areas in the home, and over the last year, it has become more than just a place to cook food. It has evolved into a multifunctional space where everyone gathers to perform a wide range of tasks. With so much at stake, planning a renovation requires careful thought and well-designed plans. Many designers caution against following the latest trends, but there are a few additional design mistakes they also encourage their clients to avoid. If you are considering a renovation or a new construction project, here are our top five biggest kitchen design mistakes to avoid.
Countertops are often underappreciated and underrated in the design world. They are the true workhorses of any space, as they are used regularly and withstand a great deal. We chop, pound, knead, spill, and more all over these smooth surfaces, yet they continue to function day after day. Unfortunately, they are not meant to last forever. Experts recommend replacing them every 10 to 15 years, especially if signs of wear and tear are evident, such as stubborn stains, chips, or cracks.
Walker Woodworking Sometimes, certain areas of home decor have been influenced by trends that are no longer in style and can make the space feel dated or even uninviting. Rooms also serve a specific purpose, and those can change over time. If your children are no longer living with you, their bedroom can be transformed into a craft room or even a guest suite. There are also some new things that are making their way onto potential homebuyers’ lists. We have done some research for you and discovered some of the top new items being used in home design.
It is always fun to watch those home improvement shows. It is always a delight to watch designers come up with a plan that completely transforms the space from drab to fab. Often, after watching those shows, you have a tendency to look around your own home, wishing you could give it an update, but a renovation is not conceivable at the moment for one reason or another. The good news is that you don’t have to undergo a renovation to give your home a lift or freshen it up; sometimes it’s the little things —the details —that can completely revamp your space and make a big impact without breaking the bank. Discover six simple ways you can freshen up your home and even make it feel completely new without going through a renovation.
Here are some steps you can take to ensure your kitchen is healthy and ready for creating dishes that are not only delicious but also beneficial for your family’s health. We know that it is not always easy to stick with the decision to be healthier, but with a well-designed kitchen, it can be. With over twenty years of experience, our design team is well-versed in planning a kitchen design that functions well for your specific needs while also reflecting the style you will love. We serve more than 15 counties and invite you to visit our 5,000-square-foot showroom, where you can walk through multiple kitchen displays to get a feel for the possibilities that await you. Connect with us and let’s start planning a healthy kitchen design.
Walker Woodworking
Greenbrook Design