Design Notes
Each year, new design trends are announced with the intention of highlighting what many homeowners and interior designers have enjoyed using or even a new way to use a traditional material or method. Another bonus to trend announcements is how it can become the spark needed to create the perfect space for someone. When it comes to refreshing your space or designing a brand new one, lighting plays a vital role in the process. Sufficient lighting should be a top priority in any area of the home, as it can help minimize eye strain and even reduce stress and accidents. As they are a key component in interior design, it is worth exploring the latest lighting trends announced for 2023. The lineup features a wide variety of sizes and styles that can be used throughout your home. We will unpack some of the top ones here in this blog.
Sustainable lighting
Sustainability remains a crucial topic in the world today, as people continue to seek ways to make their homes more environmentally friendly. Both designers and manufacturers are also regularly pursuing more effective ways to provide their customers and clients with more eco-friendly choices, and the category of lighting is no exception. Of course, the light bulb itself is a major contributing factor, as it can be a significant user of energy and heat. LED bulbs are a wonderful substitute that provides the same levels of light but with a much lower energy output, plus they tend to last longer. Materials also matter, and lights made from recycled items, such as glass and even metal, are a great way to reduce your carbon footprint while still achieving an amazing light. Bamboo is also a smart option if you are looking for a touch of wood in your fixture. Thrift and antique stores offer another resource for lighting options. Reuse and reduce are both checked off the list when going with this route, plus it can lead you to some pretty unique styles. If you want to have a lighter impact on the earth this year, these sustainable options may offer you a great place to start.
Maximize Natural light
While natural light is obviously a sustainable option, it is also one of the healthiest for you and your family. This is an important factor as many homeowners are seeking to create a wellness environment in their home. Natural light varies in intensity throughout the day, triggering different reactions in our bodies. This is why spending so much time in areas without it can be hard on us. Lack of exposure can lead to depression and even fatigue. This is one reason why designers are increasingly incorporating natural light into various areas of the home. If you have large windows in your living area, consider minimizing your window treatments to maximize the natural light or opt for ones that complement it, such as motorized blinds. Adding a few mirrors to your space can also help reflect the existing light. Natural light is a wonderful asset to your space, but remember to have some things in place to compensate when the sun goes down, such as sufficient lighting and privacy features for areas that are more personal, such as bedrooms and bathrooms. There are also lighting options that can mimic the sunlight, which can be a great option for rooms with no natural light. Take a moment to scan your home for the sunniest spots that can brighten up your day.
Unique lighting choices
We are all familiar with the traditional lighting choices from past decades, but now light fixtures are becoming miniature works of art. Varying materials and even shapes are trending with homeowners who desire to make a statement by breaking out of the box. Wicker shades, reclaimed wood, oversized light bulbs, and various metals are all finding a place in the lighting industry as they combine to form gorgeous products. These unique choices can be used anywhere in the home and are not limited to the ceiling. Floor and table lighting with specialized features are a wonderful way to accent a space and personalize it for you. Even incorporating color into your lighting, whether through colored glass or bulbs, will transform your room into a stunning new space. Don’t forget about lampshades. From fabric to transparent, they work well as an additional highlight or even focal point, especially in a prominent place like the kitchen island. Laundry, dining, and home offices are also benefiting from these unique choices, as they add another dimension to the entire design. Places like Pinterest and Houzz can be a good source of inspiration as well as antique stores where the old can illuminate a whole new look.
Recessed lighting
Still a popular choice, recessed lighting, also known as downlights, is installed directly into the ceiling or mounted onto it, offering targeted lighting. This is perfect for showcasing unique features in the home such as built-ins, upper cabinets, artwork, and accent walls. Having sufficient lighting is crucial, as it can protect your eyes from fatigue, and recessed lighting is particularly effective at eliminating areas in the home that tend to have shadows. This option works well in kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, and other tight spaces, such as the laundry room. In part, this is due to the directional lighting, and the fact that they don’t take up any additional headspace is a big bonus. Another perk is the ability to turn them on and off separately from the rest of the room, allowing you to simply flip the switch if only a little light is needed. Recessed lighting also comes in a variety of styles, which can be used in modern, contemporary, or minimalist, making it a versatile design element. If you want to include extra lighting in your space but want control over how much you use throughout the day, then recessed lighting is a wonderful option. Discuss the options available with your designer and determine which one would work best for your specific space.
Connection has become a priority in the home over the last couple of years. It can be considered the most basic function of the home, as this is where we gather with family and friends to celebrate, congratulate, and comfort one another. Designing with socializing opportunities has been at the forefront of design for decades, exemplified by spaces such as sitting rooms and large dining tables. This need for connection has made a strong comeback, and designers are once again looking for ways to bring families together. We want to have a home where we can relax and easily engage with one another, but many homeowners also desire spaces that are unified while still retaining a unique character of their own. Let’s talk about how to create a home with connecting spaces.
Several variables are involved in selecting the perfect tile, including material, pattern, and color, as well as factors that influence style and placement. Tile is also a versatile and durable design element, making it a suitable option for frequently used areas. Let’s explore how you can incorporate tile in the home.
Greenbrook DesignThe kitchen tends to be one of the busiest areas in the home, and over the last year, it has become more than just a place to cook food. It has evolved into a multifunctional space where everyone gathers to perform a wide range of tasks. With so much at stake, planning a renovation requires careful thought and well-designed plans. Many designers caution against following the latest trends, but there are a few additional design mistakes they also encourage their clients to avoid. If you are considering a renovation or a new construction project, here are our top five biggest kitchen design mistakes to avoid.
Countertops are often underappreciated and underrated in the design world. They are the true workhorses of any space, as they are used regularly and withstand a great deal. We chop, pound, knead, spill, and more all over these smooth surfaces, yet they continue to function day after day. Unfortunately, they are not meant to last forever. Experts recommend replacing them every 10 to 15 years, especially if signs of wear and tear are evident, such as stubborn stains, chips, or cracks.
Walker Woodworking Sometimes, certain areas of home decor have been influenced by trends that are no longer in style and can make the space feel dated or even uninviting. Rooms also serve a specific purpose, and those can change over time. If your children are no longer living with you, their bedroom can be transformed into a craft room or even a guest suite. There are also some new things that are making their way onto potential homebuyers’ lists. We have done some research for you and discovered some of the top new items being used in home design.
Walker Woodworking 