Design Notes
No one would argue that we are connected, but in what way? Now more than ever, we are connected through technology; a quick DM here and a text there tells someone that we are thinking of them, but what about a physical connection among people? Today, homeowners are looking for spaces in the home that encourage interaction and connection with each other. Designers have realized this need and begun to create connections using certain design elements. We will share our top three ways to build connections within your home.
Connection Through Open Floor Plans
An open floor plan connects multiple rooms while keeping each space’s individual functionality intact. Usually, the kitchen is the focal point, drawing people into the heart of the home. With sightlines to the crucial areas in the house, like the family room, people feel more connected and able to interact. Open floor plans allow parents to keep an eye on their children, interact with them, and socialize after spending much of the day apart. There are several other advantages of having an open floor plan:
- Unhindered traffic flow: Without walls or other barriers, everyone can move more easily without constantly bumping into one another or waiting for someone to move past.
- Flexible layout: Ever get tired of the layout in your room? Open floor plans make it easier to change things up and create something new.
- Multiple uses: Because it is a large space, you can also use the family room as a recreation room. This is a great option if you have limited space because you can get more out of it.
Choosing a design with fewer barriers creates an inviting, inclusive environment that facilitates connection to those you care about. See one of our open floor plan projects here.
Connection Through Large Windows
Blues, greens, and browns are prominent colors found in nature. They are calm and create a relaxing setting. Incorporating nature into the design can help you forge a connection because it sets the perfect mood for gathering together. Large windows are a great way to let the best of nature in, inviting sunlight and calming scenery while keeping the allergies and heat out.
A few other noteworthy mentions about Windows:
- Free artwork: Large windows create a perfect frame for the natural beauty found outside your home.
- Natural light: It is a known fact that natural light can help with mood and has other health benefits for the body. Read more about it in this blog.
- Resale value: These benefits will also make the home valuable to potential buyers.
By using bigger windows in the home, you create a backdrop where everyone feels at ease, perfect for those family dinners where everyone is encouraged to share their day’s events.
Connection Through Entertaining
There is no greater connection than when you are with those you care about, such as family and friends. We are always free to be our true selves and express our fears, dreams, and plans. Building with a gathering in mind means that there will be plenty of opportunities to socialize and connect with others.
Some great ways to build for entertaining are:
- Open floor plan: Eliminating walls encourages communication and fosters a sense of connection.
- A great kitchen space: People tend to gather in the kitchen, so it’s essential to have a good traffic flow.
- Good lighting: Just because the sun went down doesn’t mean the party needs to end. With sufficient lighting, the good times can keep on going.
Having a place to entertain means there is space to celebrate what is important: each other. It creates the perfect environment to connect, ensuring that memories will continue to be made in your home.
There are many elements that contribute to creating a welcoming home, including color, patterns, decorative pieces, and furniture. All of this comes together to paint an inviting space where guests leave feeling like family. Sometimes it can be difficult to know where to start or what pieces work best together to create the perfect look. Let’s talk about five ways to create a welcoming atmosphere in your home.
Walker Woodworking Does your home need some renovations to bring it back up to speed for your specific lifestyle? Are you ready to transform certain areas into a more functional and purposeful space? Our experienced design team has assisted hundreds of clients in creating new areas that function exactly as they need. How can we help you prioritize your needs through design? Let us help you find the areas of priority in your home!
Greenbrook DesignAt the heart of any design work is the chance to tell a story—the story of those who live there. Our home is at the core of who we are. It is our grounding, the place we can truly let our hair down and be ourselves. It’s where memories are not just made, but remembered and passed down to the next generation. Homes are meant to be special—a symbol to all who enter of what truly matters to us. That’s why the design choices we make should be influenced by who we are, where we came from, and how our unique experiences shape us. Across the world, people’s design choices are deeply rooted in culture. But in today’s ever-connected world, we’re also seeing a beautiful blending of cultures—where traditional elements mix with modern influences, and regional styles merge to reflect global inspirations.
Since the invention of the light bulb, we have been able to brighten up our homes at any time of day. It has been great to eliminate shadows in areas where there are limited windows or even none at all, and allowed us to achieve more in a 24-hour period. Light fixtures have also developed from being just a practical tool into works of art, giving homeowners the chance to express themselves and add a touch of elegance to any room. Changing out a light fixture can completely alter or transform a room, and with so many sizes and styles, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. As we approach the close of another year, new home lighting trends for 2022 could provide helpful information for selecting your next light fixture that will perfectly illuminate your home.
Greenbrook DesignEvery area of the home has a purpose, a specific role to play in running a house smoothly, whether that is the living room where we relax or the bathroom where we get ready for the day. The kitchen is a place of preparation, the space where we go to cook for our family, but it is the dining room where it is served and enjoyed. This is the space within the home that gives families a designated area to gather around and dine together, as well as for activities like homework, bills, and fun things like family game night. It is a multifunctional space, which means it deserves some extra attention when selecting decor pieces. Let’s talk about the many elements you can use to give the dining room the love and beauty it deserves.
Walker Woodworking 
Walker Woodworking