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!
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.
Greenbrook Design