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.
Greenbrook DesignThe world of interior design has run the full gamut of trends, from minimal to over-the-top and back again. Your home is meant to be your happy place, and a good design can affect the atmosphere. There are multiple styles to choose from, including modern, traditional, farmhouse, and transitional. Each possesses characteristics that make them unique in their own way, but sometimes what is offered is not enough, which is where the term mixology comes in, and no, we are not referring to the mixing of cocktails. There is a beauty when mixing and matching design styles, cabinets, and furnishings to create a space that perfectly reflects you. For a long time, designers were taught that things needed to remain within a certain realm of style in order for them to look good, but over the past few years, those boundaries have been broken down to make way for homeowners to express themselves in their own way. Out of this, there have been some new terms used to describe the shift in styles, such as grand millennial. If you like a few elements from multiple styles, then mixology may be your new best friend.
Walker Woodworking Is Biophilia Design For You? We love the looks nature inspires, which is why we have multiple products available for you to browse inside our showroom. From unique artwork to furniture pieces, we invite you to visit us and spend time browsing our 5,000 square foot showroom located in charming Uptown Shelby and find the inspiration you’ve been looking for to create the perfect environment in your home.
The world of design draws on multiple elements to create the perfect space for homeowners, a place that represents them and their particular style. Color plays a vital role in the design process, and its effects go beyond just adding a splash to the room. Color can affect our mood, communicate a message, lessen eye strain, and even play a part in remembering certain events. It also has the ability to influence the size of a room with certain colors, causing the area to feel larger, while other shades create a more intimate feel. Color selection can be a fun and rewarding process, plus it provides you with a great way to tell your story. More homeowners are discovering the beauty of contrasting colors, and this choice is gaining popularity in the design world. From two-toned kitchens to opposites in cabinets and tile, contrasting colors can spice up your design and make a stunning statement. Let’s explore more about what contrasting colors are and how they can help you tell your story.
Greenbrook Design While cabinet hardware is essential for functionality, it’s also a key element in the overall look and feel of your space. When selecting hardware, there’s more to consider than just appearance. How do you want your cabinets to open? Do you prefer knobs, pulls, or a combination of both? Should you go with cup pulls for a traditional touch or sleek bar pulls for a modern edge?
These decisions may seem small, but they can have a significant impact on both the usability and aesthetic of your cabinetry. Hardware serves as the finishing touch—bringing together the design while also making everyday tasks more comfortable and intuitive.
Walker Woodworking You are ready to begin your renovation, but you are unsure whether you want to go with custom or semi-custom cabinets. While custom cabinets will provide you with the exact fit you need for your space, they are at the higher end of the price range. Semi-custom cabinets tend to be a more budget-friendly alternative while still giving you the style and function needed for your space. Many homeowners are discovering the benefits of choosing semi-custom cabinets and are learning that they can still get the look they want while staying within their budget. Let’s talk more about what semi-custom cabinets are, the benefits they bring to your project, and some of the options we offer here at Greenbrook Design.
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