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.
Will kitchen islands go out of style? The answer is no. The kitchen island is often the focal point in the kitchen and one of the most sought-after features in a kitchen renovation; in fact, it is one of the most versatile areas in the kitchen. Need a place to do some homework? How about a family dinner or brunch? Looking for a surface where you can spread out when cooking? Some extra storage for large pots and mixers would be nice, too. All of this and more can be accomplished with a kitchen island; some might even call it a mini kitchen within the kitchen. This flexible workstation can be created to reflect any style, accommodate any size, and suit any need. Today, we want to answer some common questions about the kitchen island, explore the benefits, and explain why it will never go out of style.
As the COVID-19 pandemic slowly comes to an end, you may be ready to update your home and make a few changes. Perhaps being stuck inside during lockdowns gave you time to identify areas that needed cleaning, upgrading, or other home improvements. If you want to start rebuilding your house but aren’t sure how to get started, see how these tips can help, brought to you courtesy of Greenbrook Design.
Walker Woodworking When space is limited, it is valuable and greater thought is invested in creating a design that maximizes square footage to provide a functional space for the homeowner. Both manufacturers and designers alike are continuously thinking of new ways to give their clients the things they need, but using less space. One such item is the Murphy bed, yes, the one used in multiple comedy routines, but it has evolved into a stylish piece, yet remains as functional as ever. It is also comparable in price point to a traditional bed. Could the Murphy bed be the solution to your limited space problem? Let’s unpack exactly what it is and how it can help give you additional room in your home.
Walker Woodworking What to do when you don’t have the luxury of square footage? How can you create storage when there is not a lot of room, to begin with? Can you make small spaces work for you? These are good questions that we have helped our clients answer numerous times. While it may present more challenges than a larger home, it is possible to have the necessary storage for you to keep everything you need on hand. Small is not bad; in fact, it comes with multiple benefits, and a good design can help you maximize the space you do have to build a home that is exactly right for you. Let’s talk about some creative storage solutions for small spaces.
Walker Woodworking We always say details matter, and that goes beyond a project. Your home is filled with details that tell your guests who you are and what matters to you. Artwork, pottery pieces, and furniture are just a few things that give homeowners a chance to show off their style. Another area is hosting, and tablescapes have become a beautiful, fun way to share your own unique design choices with family and friends. Whether it is for a small gathering to enjoy time with those you love or to celebrate a special occasion, there are many ways to create the perfect look. By combining different colors, patterns, or materials, you can create a tablescape that will dazzle your guests, whether you prefer an elaborate or simple design.
Walker Woodworking
Greenbrook Design