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.
Walker WoodworkingYou love your home, but there are some areas that are no longer working for you, if they ever did at all. You have made the big decision to renovate your kitchen, to give yourself the space you have always envisioned, but it feels overwhelming. How do you know which layout will work best for you? Which style best represents you, and what wood type will pair perfectly with certain colors? The kitchen can be a more difficult renovation because it involves multiple facets, such as plumbing and electrical. Adding in the appliances, lighting, and cabinets decisions can be enough to make your head spin. Planning is a critical part of a kitchen renovation, making it a key area of focus, which is why an experienced designer can help you accomplish your dreams on time and on budget.
James Martin Vanities has not disappointed us but provided many of our clients with a bathroom vanity that suited their unique needs, and the shorter lead times have allowed them to get the upgrades they needed within their timeframe. Our goal will always remain to provide our clients with the best possible products that fit their project, whether that is a custom, semi-custom, or predone option like the James Martin Vanity. We are here to assist you in finding the vanity that works for you, which is why we offer a variety of options. Are you ready for a change? Come visit our showroom where we have multiple vanities available for you to browse, and if you like one, you can take it home with you.
Walker Woodworking The kitchen sink has often been used to describe someone who packs everything they can think of when going on a trip, but in reality, it is a vital part of the kitchen and one of the most frequently used elements. It’s how we maintain a clean environment as we wash our hands, food, countertops, and dirty dishes. Our entire meal prep revolves around the sink since it is where most of the food is cut and prepared to be turned into a delicious dish for the family, and all the pots are filled. With so much happening around the sink, and it fulfills many roles, the type you choose is important. It should have the capacity to do everything needed in one easy design, which is why Greenbrook Design is proud to be a dealer for the Galley Workstation, a company that has reinvented the sink. Let’s talk about what it is and why you should choose it for your new kitchen sink.
Home is more than just a place to prepare for the next day, to sleep at night, and to eat your meals. It is a place where memories are made. It is where you can take a break from your routine and do something fun with your family. While everyone enjoys gathering in the kitchen, it is not the most ideal area of the home to play a board game or watch a movie. Many homeowners enjoy the idea of having a separate area where the kids can play, or they can host a Super Bowl party. Carving out a place in the home dedicated to just fun is a great way to enjoy family time without worrying about making a mess. Let’s talk about some ways to build your home for entertainment.
Walker WoodworkingThe kitchen is the center of the home, which means it should be given good consideration when planning its layout. This is especially true when it comes to cabinet design. Closed, glass front, and open shelving are the options available for kitchen cabinets. Open shelving has become a popular choice with homeowners and designers alike due to the elegance and style it brings to the kitchen. Let’s talk about the benefits it can bring to your home and some helpful design tips.
Walker Woodworking 
Walker Woodworking