Life, Styled
Home is the place where everyone can fully relax and be themselves. It is the center for all of our main activities, but sometimes we need a space that caters to our specific needs, especially when it comes to husbands and wives. This is why his and her spaces were invented: to give each an area to call their own, tailored to function just for them. From bathrooms to bedrooms and even the home office, having something that functions for your unique lifestyle routine can make a big difference in how you accomplish your day-to-day tasks with minimal stress and maximum success. When designing for these spaces, what should you include? What areas matter most, and how do you create the perfect his and her space within the same square footage? Let’s answer those questions for multiple areas within your home.
His and Her Spaces In The Bathroom
When it comes to his and her spaces, the bathroom is the first area that comes to mind. This is the one area of the home that is the most personal and private. It is also one of the most frequently used spaces in the home, which means it has a higher need for both functionality and customization tailored to each person sharing it. From styling hair to everyday hygiene, tasks often overlap, making his and her spaces essential. Carving out a section that is uniquely yours is important, and through good design, this can be accomplished with ease. Over the years, the customization of bathroom spaces has evolved from merely adding a double sink to incorporating separate vanities and mirrors. Of course, a double vanity is still a great option, especially when space is limited; however, consider extending it from wall to wall with ample countertop space, allowing each person to have a sufficiently sized area. Replacing one long mirror with two individual ones can help make the space feel more personalized for those sharing the bathroom, and it also allows you to add extra lighting, which is a great benefit to any master suite. If the square footage allows, having separate master bathroom vanities ensures that no one is tripping over the other person to get the things they need during their daily routine, plus it allows for everyone to have their own area to store their items. Be sure to discuss with your designer any items that are essential to each person’s routine, such as a docking drawer that can accommodate your blow dryer or curling iron. Perhaps you want to keep your counter clutter-free; adding extra drawers and storage spaces to keep things organized will be essential. Knowing what you need makes it easier to create the perfect plan for an amazing, functional, and stylish space.
His and Her Spaces In The Bedroom
While this may be the least used area in the home, it is the one place where we store the things we use daily, such as our clothes, which leads to the most popular option for his and her closets in the bedroom. The closet plays a key role in the function of any bedroom, as it is the main space where not only our clothing is stored, but also blankets, accessories, and shoes often end up. Poor planning often leads to a messy, dysfunctional closet, resulting in frustration for its occupants. A few things to keep in mind when looking to build a new closet or redesign the old one are:
- Large baskets
- Shelving
- Drawers
These elements provide you with built-in options to give you organization and separation for the individual. Always think through the items that will be stored in the closet. Do you have a lot of shoes that need a place of their own? What about clothing items such as tops, pants, and dresses? Including large baskets that can be easily placed on the floor is a great way to organize oversized blankets or separate your shoes, such as flip-flops and boots. Double-stacked shelving makes it easy to store tops and pants while maximizing space at the same time. The tricky part can be trying to put it all together in a way that creates separate spaces for him and her. Often, the line is drawn by opposite closet sides, which means that a larger space is ideal for this setup. The best solution is to have a separate closet altogether, but the organizational methods can and should still apply, as they make it easier to keep everything in its place, eliminating the stress of clutter and mess. Remember that when you incorporate the right tools into your spaces, it can make it simple to enjoy your space instead of dreading it.
His and Her Spaces In The Home Office
As more people work from home, the need for a designated space has increased among homeowners, prompting them to rethink their current home office or explore ways to create a new one. Several couples now work from home, with some not having the luxury of an office of their own, meaning that special considerations and adjustments are needed for their shared space. Designing a his and her office space requires some creative thinking and planning. Some helpful elements to consider adding would be:
- Built-ins
- Sideboard
- Open desks
- Long countertops
- Sufficient outlets
Including these elements can help create a space that works for everyone. Built-ins are wonderful for storage, plus you can easily separate everyone’s items by cubby. Consider selecting different-colored or patterned cubby boxes so you can easily distinguish which one belongs to whom without having to dig through them all. Since this office will need to be shared, selecting a desk that can accommodate multiple users is crucial. Opt for open desks that don’t have any upper cabinets or storage spaces on top, as that can hinder the ability to use them for both of you. Your layout is also important, and there are several options available. You can have two desks that are back-to-back or one long countertop that goes from wall to wall, enabling you to have your own individual sides. It is also a good idea to combine certain items, such as office supplies and printers, since they are commonly used. A sideboard makes the perfect addition to a his and her office space, as it can store all the shared items inside, and the printer can be placed on top, ensuring that neither desk loses any usable space. A few compromises will also go a long way in helping you create the perfect his and her office space.
Greenbrook DesignHomes are a collection of things we love, and sometimes those things can come from places outside the traditional sources, such as your typical home furnishings stores. Increasingly, designers and homeowners alike are discovering the benefits of antique stores. These places, often thought of as the last stop for items no one else wanted, have become a popular shopping stop for those who want to have something unique in their home and enjoy the thrill of “treasure hunting”. More and more design styles are also embracing vintage finds, seeking to blend them together to create something special, such as the grand millennial and mid-century modern styles. Millennials are also enjoying the freedom to branch out in their design choices, creating a home that is customized to their own personality. Antique shopping can be a wonderful way to uncover those special touches that can make all the difference in your home, so let’s explore how to get started and what to do with all of the treasures you find.
Walker WoodworkingMore designers and contractors are incorporating this secondary space into the kitchen to gain square footage and have an area that works as an extension of the kitchen. Let’s dive deeper into what a butler pantry is and what the benefits are for you.
Walker WoodworkingThis is why we have created multiple door profile styles so that each of our clients can find the one that perfectly tells their story to everyone. At times, they are not able to pinpoint one that speaks to them, which is why we offer custom door styles as well. Several of our clients have opted for mullion cabinet doors, which always add a beautiful touch to their space.
Greenbrook DesignRecycling old styles with a modern twist is a phenomenal way to honor the past while creating the future. Nostalgia is a valuable part of the creative process, especially in designing homes, our little personal factory of memories. So, don’t be afraid to try out some of these forgotten interior design styles that are making a comeback. It’s nice to freshen up your whole concept and take a little walk through a time capsule. Let your creativity fly in the limbo of styles, and wonder what else will be new soon.
Walker WoodworkingWe all have an idea of what our dream home would look like, after all, that is what places like Houzz and Pinterest are for, right? You wish you could have those little personalized spaces and upscale feel in your home that makes it stand out from the ordinary. Sometimes we believe that the home we envision is far too luxurious for our budget, but that is not true. But with a little creative thinking, anything is possible! There are many ways to stretch a budget through good planning and a few helpful tricks that can give you the luxury you desire without breaking the bank. Let’s explore the various ways to achieve designing a luxury home on a budget and bring your dreams to life.
Walker Woodworking
Greenbrook Design