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 DesignMaking the decision to open our own showroom was not done overnight. It began as the answer to a need for our clients. They needed a place where they could come and explore the possibilities that awaited them for their home renovation. It was important to our owners, Travis and Stacey Walker, that their clients could see and feel the products, enhancing their design experience. As the idea became a reality, the Walkers realized the added benefit of having more than just cabinets featured in the showroom. Greenbrook Design is proud to be an authorized dealer for not just four lines of cabinetry but multiple home furnishings and decor companies like Europe 2 You and Moe’s. Get a peek inside the showroom here and listen to Stacey share her vision of the showroom.
We have all witnessed the transformation this past year, bedrooms become offices, kitchen tables become classrooms, and your basement doubles as a home gym. The problem is that most of these spaces were not ready to accommodate double duty. Multifunctional means one area of the home can handle multiple duties, while this sounds great, no one wants it to look like it’s a three-in-one, which is where good design comes into play. Selecting furniture pieces that can serve several purposes or planning a layout that can fulfill multiple needs is key to creating a home that suits your family’s unique lifestyle and routine. Let’s discuss what goes into designing these spaces and how you can make the most of the space you have.
Walker WoodworkingDesign is more than just creating a layout that is functional and beautiful; it is about turning a house into a home that has an atmosphere just right for you. A functional home is good, but a home where you feel at home is best, which is the end goal for every designer. One way to have a welcoming environment is to draw inspiration from nature, which is a trend that is gaining momentum in the design world.
Walker Woodworking When you think of a closet, you envision a space within a room that opens with a door. For some, it means enough room to hang up clothes or store larger items. It has, however, evolved to become much more than a mere stash and go-to spot for necessities. From hall closets to pantries to linen and bedroom closets, they serve multiple purposes. Today, it can be a mini dressing room, a place to keep all the kids’ sports equipment, and even a place of meditation ( really, it’s a thing). It is a great way to gain extra storage in the bedroom for personal items and is considered an extension of the home.
Walker Woodworking Are you feeling like something needs to change inside your home? Tired of the same old decor pieces greeting you when you come home? Maybe your taste in style has changed, and you’re looking for a little update? The good news is you don’t have to do a full-blown renovation to achieve your goal; sometimes, it takes a little freshening up to update your home.
Walker Woodworking
Greenbrook Design