Life, Styled
When you first moved into your property, you took the time to come up with the perfect design for a space you’ll call home. However, over time, circumstances change, and so do people. And, now, you’ve found yourself in a situation of wanting to change things up a bit. If you’re wondering how to tell it’s time to redesign your home, sit tight and let us walk you through all the major signs.
It’s getting a bit crowded
The house may seem too cramped now that your family (or lifestyle) has expanded since you purchased it. Or, your children may have reached an age when they need more personal space. If you and your loved ones are constantly bumping shoulders, it may be time to hire an architect to assist you in either reconfiguring your home’s layout (by, say, knocking down some walls to make rooms more open) or building an extension (if you have space on your lot to do so).
You and your partner may benefit from rearranging and creating separate spaces. No matter how much you love each other, experts say that it’s good to incorporate each of your personalities in different spaces because:
- It’s a healthy way to preserve individuality
- You’ll both have a much-needed time for yourselves
- This won’t tear your relationship apart (it will only make it stronger)
You’re not making the most of it
A guest room that hasn’t been used in a decade can be collecting dust. Or perhaps you use your dining area exclusively for festive dinners. The best thing to do with large amounts of wasted space at home is to put that room to good use. You may build a spacious master bedroom fit for a king by knocking down a wall that separates the current master bathroom from a seldom-used guest room.
If you seldom use your formal dining room, you can consider knocking down the wall that separates it from the kitchen. The resulting open space would be ideal for hosting guests and would provide extra usable kitchen space.
The way you use your space is not working anymore
Are you irritated when preparing a meal because you lack sufficient counter space? Do you have too much stuff and not enough space to put it? If your house isn’t conducive to regular activities, you may want to consult an architect to determine the reasons and explore potential improvements.
If you need additional room in your kitchen for food preparation and cleaning, you might remove some walls and install a bar. Who wouldn’t want a fancy-looking bar on their property? Perhaps you’d like a built-in TV stand in front of the living room fireplace or several spacious walk-in closets. Whatever the case, consult professionals about it and make your property your dream home again.
Is your house outdated? It may be time to redesign your home
Perhaps it’s the kitchen’s linoleum flooring or the bathroom’s 30-year-old bright brass fittings. Is the fireplace in your living room a relic from the ’60s? Have you got dark-stained cabinetry that makes your kitchen seem like a cave?
If you think your house is falling behind, a renovation is probably in order. Whether it’s a whole kitchen renovation with new, white cabinetry and brushed nickel hardware or a living room update that includes a new stone-veneer fireplace, plush new carpeting, and neutral paint throughout, don’t be afraid of change now and then. Once you rejuvenate your home, you’d be surprised how refreshing it can be.
Don’t hold on too tight to old furniture
When you see your old, worn-out sofa, you probably see all the good memories that you made on it. However, those fond memories often don’t look quite as nice with the new, modern furniture. You don’t have to put it in the trash, though! You can contact a reliable storage professional and ask them to help you pack your furniture and put some pieces away into a storage facility.
Improve the quality of life and increase the value of your home
Renovations can be costly, particularly if you plan to undertake major projects, such as building an extension or renovating the kitchen. Renovating may be expensive. However, a home equity loan may be an option if you have enough equity in your property to get financing. Contact your bank to discuss alternative home improvement loan options.
If you plan to invest a significant amount in remodeling your house, ensure it will be worthwhile in the long run. Additionally, ensure that you can recover at least part of your investment if you decide to sell. If you decide to sell your home two years after spending $100,000 upgrading the kitchen, you will likely not recoup a significant portion of your investment. A good alternative is to discuss some luxury-like designs on a budget with your designer. With the right help, you don’t have to spend a fortune for your home to look expensive!
Walker Woodworking We love spaces that look beautiful, but many times we underestimate the little things that can have the biggest impact. Facets provide our bathrooms and kitchens with a clean and elegant way to wash our hands, our food, and our dishes. They are a functional part of the design, but that doesn’t mean they have to be boring. With the numerous styles and finishes offered by manufacturers, it can be challenging to determine which one will best suit your home. Several other factors should also be considered, including durability, maintenance, and suitability for specific areas of the home. Let’s talk about them here before you head out to buy your next amazing faucet.
Walker WoodworkingIf you have looked at a renovated kitchen and wondered where the appliances, such as the refrigerator and dishwasher, were, you have just experienced paneled appliances. The beauty of these custom panels lies in their ability to cover the appliances, allowing them to blend in seamlessly with the rest of the cabinetry.
Greenbrook DesignMany of our clients come to us from an hour or more away, often from the greater Charlotte metro area. A common question we hear is, “Why make the drive to Shelby when there are design centers closer to home?” It’s a fair question—and one we completely understand. That’s why we’d like to share a few key reasons why we believe the experience, service, and value you’ll find at Greenbrook Design make the trip well worth it.
Walker WoodworkingThere are many elements that help assemble the perfect design for your space, such as color, texture, and pattern, but one, in particular, plays a key role in making a statement: the focal point. Without a focal point, a room can feel busy or even boring, as it lacks something that immediately draws the eye. This is one of the reasons it is essential to include a focal point in the design; however, given its critical role, sufficient thought should be given to placing it in the optimal location. How do you design the perfect focal point that stands out without overpowering everything else? How do you best use focal points in a room or design with it in mind? Let’s explore the answers to getting the most out of your focal point.
Greenbrook DesignThe sofa is often one of the first things we notice when entering the living room since it tends to be the largest object in the room. We love to stretch out to watch TV or curl up under a blanket to read a book. Sometimes it also ends up being the quick solution to an additional place to sleep when in a bind. Designers have verified that this is a key piece of furniture for the living room, making it a sizable investment when the time comes for it to be replaced. As it is so important to the design, it stands to reason that there should be some things considered before making your next purchase. What things, exactly, should you look for before finalizing your choice, and what makes a sofa perfect for your home? Read on to find out some helpful tips that can assist you in picking your next sofa.
Greenbrook Design