Design Notes
Home trends and styles change every year as designers track the elements that seem to be gaining popularity and why. While it is not recommended to follow the latest trend simply because it seems like the ideal choice, there are reasons why some trends become popular, eventually becoming a staple in design. 2022 brought several trends in home decor, some of which have been around for a while but are now gaining traction for good reasons. Let’s explore some of the top options on the list so you can understand the benefits they offer and determine if they are a good fit for your home.
Nature Inspired Designs
Nature has remained an important aspect in design for quite some time, not just because it looks pretty and adds a touch of color to the space, but because it has several benefits, such as:
- Reducing stress
- Cleaning the air
- Improve mood and concentration
Choosing to let nature inspire some of your design choices is a great way to create a soothing atmosphere in your home since the color green is known to produce a calming effect. Real plants also clean the air in your home, which is wonderful for a healthier environment for your family. It can also be a help for those who work from home, as it can aid in concentration and even productivity. Consider placing a few in your workspace or home office. There are several options that are a good choice for those who don’t feel confident in their green thumb ability, like:
- Fiddle leaf fig tree
- Sweetheart plant
- Succulents
Many of these options require little sunlight and water, yet they provide your spaces with beauty and charm. Nature-inspired design is not limited to just plants; you can also incorporate elements like wood accent pieces or landscape artwork. Bringing a little nature inside could be just what your family needs.
Multifunctional Spaces
Functionality is a key phrase for many people, especially when it comes to interior design choices. Homeowners want to maximize the use of their spaces, especially when square footage is limited. Opting for furniture pieces that can serve dual purposes is a smart decision, such as a coffee table that can also store blankets or board games. Also, consider areas of the home that can serve more than one purpose. The kitchen island can serve as both your dining room table and provide extra storage. A guest bedroom can double as a home office when you select the right furniture pieces. More and more, homeowners are realizing the value of multifunctional spaces that allow them to get extra use from traditional areas in the home, which is why interior designers look to maximize the space you already have. Spend some time on places like Houzz and Pinterest, where you can glean inspiration from others who have discovered great hacks on creating multifunctional areas. Another important aspect is understanding the role of each room in your home and how it can be repurposed for other purposes as well. Understanding your needs is the key to developing a good plan.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Options
Another important issue for homeowners is selecting sustainable products and eco-friendly options, which can lead to energy savings through energy-efficient designs. Choosing this option can reduce your utility bill while also making more environmentally friendly choices. When it comes to selecting eco-friendly materials, think about:
- Recycled
- Reused
- Reclaimed wood
Many of the items we would consider trash can often be turned into something useful or remade into another product entirely. Not only is it great for the environment, but it can also be beneficial for your family, as it reduces the use of toxic chemicals and conserves our natural resources. When undertaking a home remodel, consider items that can be reused, such as old wood beams, which can be used for accent walls, materials for small home projects, or even as a piece of furniture. Several companies also offer recycled products, such as glass, which can be used in multiple areas of the home. Don’t forget to look around at some of the things you already own that can be reused or repurposed to serve another need. Often, eco-friendly options provide charm and character that standard ones cannot, giving your home a one-of-a-kind feel.
Minimalist Design
This trend is here to stay for the foreseeable future as it eliminates the temptation to gather clutter while still creating an elegant look for the home. The goal is to accomplish a great deal with limited resources. Simplicity, clean lines, and a soft color palette are the main ingredients for a minimalist decor. Think whites, grays, and even some blacks traded for simplicity. If you assume that a home will look dull and boring without the extras, you are wrong. Sometimes the best designs are the ones that focus on what matters. A furniture piece can now take center stage, such as a couch with curves that captures the attention, rather than everything else. This does not mean you can’t have color and accent pieces, but if you prefer something more subdued, you can opt for that style instead.
Geometric Floor Patterns
Flooring is an important part of the home as it is the most used section and should be given some thought. A pattern can completely alter the look of the flooring, and there has been a recent shift to geometric floor patterns. Some examples include:
- Herringbone
- Chevron
- Honeycomb
- Diamond
- Hexagon
There are multiple ways to highlight the beauty of these patterns, such as color and size, though a neutral color palette is recommended when using a larger geometric pattern, or it can be a little overwhelming. That is not to say you cannot use some pops of bold in the pattern, especially in smaller areas like bathrooms or mudrooms. Consider opting for solid-color area rugs or furniture pieces, as they can balance out the room’s design and provide a focal point for the eyes. Geometric patterns offer several benefits, including adding visual depth to your home and conveying a sense of authentic style that reflects your personality. From stunning foyers to soothing bathrooms, geometric floor patterns can help create a luxurious ambiance that welcomes you home every day.
Walker Woodworking Too much clutter can detract from your home’s wellness and leave you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and even depressed if it sticks around long enough. It can also make it difficult to concentrate, which can affect the entire family. It’s important to set about decluttering in an eco-friendly way to ensure that you aren’t throwing out things that could be put to good use elsewhere. With so many landfills already overflowing, it’s imperative for us all to do our part and keep recycling.
Keep reading for some great tips from Greenbook Design on how to declutter your home in an eco-friendly way.
Greenbrook DesignWarmer weather is just around the corner, meaning we can finally spend more time outside doing what we love, like grilling, swimming, and sitting around fire pits. One thing that all of these have in common is that they can be done in your own backyard. Outdoor spaces are trending this year and for good reason, since they provide a change of scenery for homeowners without having to drive somewhere, plus they add more usable space to your home. Enjoy fresh air, cool summer nights, and time with family all within the safety of your own home. Here are a few reasons and benefits to adding or upgrading your outdoor space.
Greenbrook DesignColor. It is what gives our world variety and speaks a language all its own. It is a versatile element that is used in various professions such as art, entertainment, and even cooking. Interior designers thrive on color to express their client’s personality and tell their story. Color is also the common thread that ties other elements, like texture and pattern. Woven together, they create a sense of unity and influence the mood. It is fairly common knowledge that each color implies a mood, such as blue is calm, green represents growth, and yellow expresses happiness. The colors you select for your home can have an effect on the atmosphere, and more and more homeowners are looking to add a little comfort with color.
Walker WoodworkingThe kitchen sink is probably one of the most important elements in the kitchen, since it’s where we wash dishes, rinse food, and wash our hands. There are so many options, such as stainless steel, porcelain, and ceramic. Then, of course, there are multiple styles and sizes. At Greenbrook, we are always looking for new items that will meet a need for our clients, and sinks definitely are one of them, which is why we are an authorized dealer for the Karran Sinks.
Walker Woodworking Old meets new to create a blend of something beautiful, which is one way to summarize grand millennial style. While minimalism is still a popular trend, many millennials are finding comfort and freedom of expression from their beloved family heritage. Grand millennial is a combination of the new with things of the past, like that old wingback chair from grandma’s attic, and breathing new life into it through reupholstering it. This style also pairs perfectly with many people’s desire to recycle and reduce waste by repurposing existing materials. Let’s unpack this style a little more and find out if it is right for you.
Walker Woodworking 
Greenbrook Design