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!
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.
Greenbrook Design