Life, Styled
We’ve all spent time scrolling through Pinterest or Houzz, admiring the elegant home styles that exude sophistication and charm, dreaming of bringing that same look into our own spaces. While these inspirational photos spark our imagination, they can also raise a common concern—will that beautiful design actually work for our lifestyle, especially with young children or busy households? The good news is that designing for function in mind doesn’t mean sacrificing style. A luxurious, classy home can also be highly practical and comfortable for everyday living. By thoughtfully blending form and function, you can create a space that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. And the best part? Elevating your home’s style doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Here are a few easy, functional ways to enhance your home while keeping it elegant and family-friendly.
New Lighting In The Home
The standard lights that come with your home are often a base model and appear in a host of other homes, which can easily make your home feel boring and even outdated. After all, contractors usually choose cost over looks. This is where a designer light fixture can make a world of difference. Changing out a light in your room can take it from drab to fab in an instant, and don’t be afraid to think outside the box when it comes to finding the right one for you. Light fixtures can be a wonderful way to express your personality in a space. Maybe you want something bold or bespoke. Antique stores and flea markets can provide an opportunity to locate vintage lights, or you can check out a local showroom featuring some of the latest creations from popular designers. Newer selections may also be more energy efficient than your current light fixtures, which can lower your utility bill, just an added bonus. By changing out a few light fixtures, you can create a whole new vibe in your space, making it feel like a room from your favorite Houzz project.
Window Treatments
Never underestimate the importance of home window treatments; without them, your space can look empty and even cheap. There are no end to options for fabric, style, and size, meaning you can find something you love within your budget. Window treatments also come with several benefits, including:
- Privacy from others
- Protection from harmful UV rays
- Power bill reduced
We love large windows that allow natural light into a space and let you enjoy the beauty of nature, but when the sun sets, we all want privacy. There is nothing worse than having a large window in a main area of the home that cannot be sealed off after dark. It can make us feel vulnerable and exposed, but with the right window treatments, you can make it work to your advantage. Companies like Graber Blinds also provide energy-efficient design options that protect against window drafts, distracting glare, and UV damage. From shades to drapery, they offer a wide range of styles and sizes, ensuring you’ll find exactly what you need for your space, whether indoor or outdoor. When aiming to create a more elegant feel in your room, opt for materials that reflect this choice, such as linen and cotton; many man-made fabrics tend to appear cheap. The right window treatments can make a significant difference in your home.
Custom Storage
Storage is a critical part of any area in the home and should be included in the design of a renovation or remodel, but that does not mean you still can’t have a space that looks elegant. Think about areas that can be naturally enhanced and utilized for storage, such as your entryway. A mudroom or drop zone can dramatically reduce the number of items that get lost or scattered around the front door, adding a bit of luxury at the same time. A custom-built drop zone can include features designed with your family in mind, such as a shoe rack or a charging station for devices that need to be taken to school or the office. Add some deep cubbies dedicated to each family member where they can place their hats, scarves, backpacks, or other accessories that might get misplaced otherwise. This will also save you time during the morning rush to get out the door on time. Custom-built-ins are another way to increase your storage capacity while creating a beautiful statement piece in your room. They are a wonderful choice for living or family rooms where extra books and games can be neatly tucked away but within reach. Storage is essential and can be elegant if done correctly.
Color In The Home
Color is one of the most effective design elements available, which can refresh any space with ease. You can easily paint an entire room to make it stand out or come together. You can opt to do an accent wall, which makes a stunning statement, especially in bedrooms or living areas. Color can unify an area or add some visual interest, plus it is one element that is versatile to work with anywhere and with anything. When aiming for an elegant or classy vibe, there are specific guidelines that can help achieve this look more effectively. Bold and dramatic colors, such as black, instantly make an area look luxurious and modern, while soft neutrals evoke a sense of calm charm and character, suitable for any occasion or setting. Browse places like Pinterest or interior design blogs that showcase the many ways you can incorporate and harness the power of color throughout your home. From simple accessories to accent walls, color can give your home the new vibe you are looking for without hindering the function and flow of your space.
Accent Pieces
Selecting accent pieces is not just about adding a few things to fill a space in your living or dining room. They serve an important purpose; after all, details matter because they can influence the overall feel of a room. Too many and the room feels cluttered, too few and it will feel empty. Knowing just the right balance can go a long way in making your home feel like it belongs in an interior design magazine. Adding a gold-framed mirror near the entryway can make it feel a little luxurious, or a modern piece of art hanging above your mantle. Blending the perfect combination of accent pieces can go a long way to creating the elegant vibe you want in your home. Don’t forget that there are many pieces that add a little extra function to your space as well, such as an ottoman that doubles as a storage space for blankets. Take some time to browse some of your favorite shops for something new and useful for your home.
Walker Woodworking Now that your dream kitchen is finally a reality, you might find yourself hesitant to use it—it looks so clean, pristine, and untouched. While deep cleaning may be necessary every few months, the real key to maintaining your kitchen’s beauty and functionality is consistent, light maintenance. Incorporating a few simple habits into your routine can make a big difference over time.
Greenbrook DesignFor homeowners working within a budget, selecting the right cabinetry is crucial. Wellborn offers high-quality semi-custom cabinets that provide excellent value without compromising style or function. Discover how this choice ideally suited one homeowner’s needs and budget during their kitchen remodel.
Greenbrook DesignThinking about remodeling your kitchen? If so, you’re likely wondering what “insider secrets” designers rely on to create beautiful, functional spaces. Our design team has worked on countless projects, and we’re here to share the top ten recommendations we give our clients—tips that can make a big difference in the outcome of your kitchen.
Whoever said you can’t mix business with pleasure clearly never partnered with Greenbrook Design. When the owners of the historic Campbell Building—also home to Greenbrook Design—envisioned transforming part of the space into a modern event venue, Uptown Indigo, along with a stylish loft apartment, our team embraced the challenge. We quickly developed a thoughtful plan to seamlessly integrate residential comfort with commercial functionality, demonstrating how great design can serve both work and lifestyle needs in one beautifully cohesive space.
Greenbrook DesignConsidering a kitchen remodel but feeling uninspired by the usual neutrals? While classic stained wood tones and the ever-popular white and gray palette have their place, they’re not the only options available. For those looking to make a bold, personal statement with color, exploring less conventional combinations can bring fresh energy to the space.
Walker Woodworking
Walker Woodworking