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 Woodworking Two rooms in any home have the most potential to affect the property’s appeal and value when it is put on sale: the kitchens and bathrooms. Kitchens are valued because they function as a hub where people socialize and meals are prepared. Bathrooms are important because they are where people go to relax and unwind with a hot shower. The condition of a home’s kitchen and bathroom influences its market value.
Greenbrook DesignOur top priority is helping our clients achieve a space that is suited to their needs and unique lifestyles. Here are three ways we strive to do this and help you create a safe and well-thought-out space for you and your family.
Walker Woodworking Whether you’ve recently purchased a new construction house or you happen to live in a historic home, there are several things you can do to make your home more technologically advanced. From unique features on kitchen appliances to the latest security accessories, where do you begin when upgrading to a smart home? Read on for some tips, tricks, and easy hacks that will help you discover how to make your housework harder and smarter for you.
Smart home technology. From voice-activated faucets to thermostats, technology has finally caught up to the home. Alexa’s name is spoken hundreds of times daily while performing multiple tasks, allowing homeowners to manage various tasks even when not at home.
GreenbrookIncluding nature’s elements in the home design remains a popular choice. Placing extra windows into the room to allow more light in or choosing eco-friendly options, such as granite countertops, are favored ways to accomplish this. Wood, however, remains the number one choice with most clients as it adds warmth and texture to the room. It also blends with multiple styles, including modern industrial and farmhouse. Even though there are numerous design benefits to incorporating wood into the design, not everyone has access to reclaimed wood or can afford to install it. Stikwood is the perfect solution.
Walker Woodworking 
Walker Woodworking