DESIGN NOTES
Health and wellness are a high priority for many today, especially in the home, which is why interior designers are placing a great emphasis on the renovation or remodel plans for the home. Natural light brings a wealth of benefits for your family and also gives the home a beautiful warmth. We want to share some reasons why you should consider designing with light and give some tips on how to do it.
Bringing The Outdoors In
It is safe to say that we spend more time indoors than out since most of us work indoors and get home after dark. This means we can suffer from a lack of vitamin D, something essential to the well-being of everyone in the family. By allowing more natural light into the home, you can bring a little sunshine in, which means you need to focus on the areas where you spend the most time, such as the office or kitchen. Light is an important element in the design, so be sure to talk with your designer about how to bring more light into your favorite home spaces. See a mountain retreat that utilizes natural light.
Beat The Winter Blues
While winter is a beautiful season, it is no secret that it also comes with shorter daylight hours. Lack of sunlight is known to heighten the chance of depression, so it is important to make sure there are plenty of areas in the home that have natural light. Consider having a sunroom, or multiple windows in the kitchen or living room. Nothing chases away the blues like a bright spot in the home.
Natural Light Increases Productivity
For those who work from home, it can be difficult to stay motivated, especially if your home office has no windows or is poorly lit. It can feel like you are trying to operate in a fog. Allowing natural light into a workspace increases your ability to focus and helps you become more productive. This is also important to remember with children who have homework; by the end of the day, they are feeling tired from all that’s gone on, so it’s helpful if they can have a place to do their assignments, making sure they stay on track.
Natural Light Design Tips
It’s important for the wellness of your family that you incorporate natural light into the design of your home. Here are a few tips to help you get started.
- Mirrors: Sometimes a room only has one window, and it is not feasible or practical to add any more. Mirrors are a great way to maximize the light you have. Consider placing one where the sunlight can bounce off into other areas of the room.
- Window treatments: We agree that a well-done window treatment can add class and elegance to a room, but sometimes, they can also hinder the amount of light that comes in. If you want to allow more light into the room, choose lighter fabrics or even a simple valance. They can still give the desired effect while letting enough light into the area.
- Color: Bold or dark hues and shades can hinder natural light from doing its best since dark colors absorb light. We understand that white rooms are not everyone’s style, but a light palette such as gray, pastels, and even eggshell white still offers color without blocking natural light.
If natural light is an important factor for you, be sure to discuss it with your designer so you can evaluate your space and make plans to utilize it to the fullest for the wellness of your family. Here are a few other reasons natural light is good for your family’s well-being.
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.
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.
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.
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.








Walker Woodworking
Walker Woodworking
Walker Woodworking 
Metropolitan Woodworks Inc
Greenbrook Design