Design Notes
Did you know that the atmosphere in your home has a direct tie to your health and well-being? The home creates an atmosphere, but if your kitchen layout drives you crazy, hindering you from getting the meal done, or your office is so dysfunctional you can’t be productive, your wellness will be thrown off. All of the elements in your home play a part in your health, and a good design can help you feel better.
At Greenbrook Design, we specialize in taking the dysfunctional to the functional level. Your home is meant to be a place of rest, where you can look forward to coming home and just unwinding. Today, we want to share a few of our best tips that will help you receive the wellness you and your family need.
Purposeful Design
Each room in the home has a function, a reason why it is there, but it must be brought out through the design and specified to your family. If you don’t design the room for yourself, it can result in frustration as you attempt to do your normal routines but are hindered by the lack of function in the space. This leads to a negative attitude and a fear of even entering the dysfunctional area. It is always best to take the time to sit down and mentally go through what you need to accomplish in each area of the home before meeting with your designer. Here are a few things to consider:
- How many people? If there is more than one person in an area, certain things need to be considered, such as sufficient space for movement. Irritation from constantly bumping into the other person creates a bad atmosphere and mood.
- What time of day? Will you use this space predominantly at night or during the day? Rather, during the day or night, you may need to have some additional thought given to lighting as well as window treatments.
- Is this a multifunctional space? Does your kitchen also double as the kids’ homework station? Consider including a large island where they can spread out without getting in the way of meal prep.
Planning is key to the design, but you need to know what is important first. Time spent going through your needs is never a waste.
Helpful Elements
Certain design elements can help create a relaxing atmosphere in the home, and by including them, you can create a space to unwind and look forward to coming home. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Natural light: Light influences our moods, and natural light is a must in many areas of the home, including the main living areas such as the kitchen and family room.
- Fitness: Exercise is more than just staying fit; it also allows us to relieve stress from a weary day at the office. Consider including an area with some fitness equipment.
- Comfort: We all need cozy areas in the home that have some of our favorite things, such as a reading nook, a place to watch our favorite sports game, or even a little area where we can put our feet up and rest.
We all need a little help to get back to our center, to clear our minds, and to leave the day’s business behind. This is an important part of creating the perfect home environment for the whole family. Read a few more things that are helpful to include in your home design from the National Kitchen and Bath Association.
Outdoor Spaces
Fresh air is sometimes just what we need to escape from the day’s events. Having an outdoor space gives your family a comfortable, refreshing place to gather and spend time doing something fun together.
- Outdoor kitchens are perfect for changing up the routine by having dinner outside.
- Having a back deck means you can sit around a table and talk about what everyone did, or maybe play a game or two.
- A play area allows the kids to burn some energy out in the fresh air, which means they will probably go to bed early.
Talk to your designer about adding an outdoor area so you and your family can have places both inside and outside to go and relax. We can also be your source for outdoor lighting and furniture. See outdoor spaces that the whole family enjoyed.
Whether you prefer a classic Christmas theme, a winter wonderland, or something unique, planning and personalizing your holiday decor can be a rewarding experience for you and your loved ones. Remember to prioritize safety, get creative with DIY crafts, and consider sustainable choices to make your holiday celebrations memorable and eco-friendly. You can transform your home into a magical holiday haven that captures the season’s spirit. Happy decorating, and may your home be filled with the joy of the holidays!
Greenbrook DesignCreating a relaxation corner can also help you unwind and recharge. Whether it’s a comfortable chair with a good book, a meditation cushion, or a cozy nook with soft blankets and pillows, having a designated relaxation space can promote calm feelings and reduce stress.
By making these modest design changes to your home, you can enhance both its function and comfort, creating a welcoming environment that supports your daily life and overall well-being.
Walker WoodworkingAn island in the kitchen serves multiple purposes beyond just being a workspace while cooking. It also provides extra storage and seating. The beauty of an island is that it is a flexible element in the kitchen, accommodating virtually any size while simultaneously allowing you to maximize your kitchen space. When homeowners plan to renovate their kitchen, they often have several design questions. This post covers some of the most common issues.
Greenbrook DesignThe kitchen is often where culinary creations are created and family memories are made. It’s a space that holds immense significance and is often the focal point of a house. Many homeowners dream of having a luxurious kitchen with high-end appliances, top-notch materials, and exquisite design, but creating such a kitchen can be prohibitive. Fear not, as there are creative and practical ways of designing a luxury kitchen on a budget without compromising style or functionality. Learn some tips and tricks on creating a luxury kitchen on a budget in this blog.
As the leaves change colors and the air turns crisper, autumn brings a delightful array of autumn textures that can effortlessly enhance the interior of your home. From chunky knit throws and woven baskets to rustic wood accents and plush fabrics, these rich, tactile elements add depth and warmth to any space. Fall is the perfect time to infuse charm into your surroundings, embracing the season’s cozy ambiance. By incorporating autumn textures into your home’s design, you can create a welcoming atmosphere that reflects the beauty of nature and amplifies the comfort and tranquility of the season. Here are a few design ideas to help you get started.
Walker Woodworking 
Metropolitan Woodworks Inc