Design Notes
Over the last several years, there has been a shift in the definition of home. What once meant a place to come home to after a long day has evolved into something more: a place that reflects and expresses who we are and what we love. This has led homeowners to become more creative in their choices and to be willing to push beyond the traditional rules and elements of design. For years, we felt obligated to live within the expected design ideas, but now new styles, such as grand millennial and Bohemian, have gained popularity, with more being explored. There is great freedom in being able to think outside the box and incorporate elements that were previously not combined, and now they can be with amazing results. This experimentation with personal expression extends beyond the intimate areas of the home, such as the bedroom and living areas, and into kitchens, home offices, and even bathrooms. Let’s talk about some of these spaces and how you can weave more of you into them.
Ways To Personalize Your Kitchen
While white kitchens have continued to remain a popular choice for homeowners, many are tired of the trend and want it to be more fun and exciting. Some great ways to brighten up the kitchen include:
- Backsplash
- Contrasting island color
- Range hood
- Countertop
- Lighting
The heart of the home can truly be transformed into a work of art when the right elements are blended together or even made to stand out and make a statement. A backsplash is a wonderful way to add visual interest and texture to your kitchen. From whimsical mosaics to bold color choices, you can instantly transform drab spaces into fab ones. Two-toned kitchens are also trending because they allow you to add a color you love, or even a beautiful wood stain that brings warmth to the overall design. Range hoods are also becoming a way for homeowners to add a pop of personality to their space, with some opting for a stunning metal hood or a rustic farmhouse style done in shiplap. Lighting is another great way to blend a part of your personality into the kitchen. Whether it is a unique fixture that blends metal, glass, and wood, or a fun pairing of sizes over the island, let yourself “shine”. Countertops now come in a wider range of patterns and materials, so have fun visiting the slab yard and finding one with vein patterns that resonate with you. Alternatively, you can pair wood countertops for your island with traditional countertops on your perimeter.
Ways To Personalize Your Bathroom
Although the bathroom is considered a functional area in the home, that doesn’t mean it has to be boring or traditional in appearance. Several designers are now bringing back wallpaper, but not in the same way as the old days, when it was on every wall in bold, bright patterns; however, that is still an option. Wallpaper used on an accent wall in the bathroom can create a dramatic effect that will take it to the next level of excellence and elegance. Countertops are also a great way to have some fun by finding one with a unique vein pattern or a dark color against a light vanity. It makes it stand out and takes your breath away. Floor tile is a wonderful way to incorporate something different and unique to the bathroom and can really give it a “wow” factor. Tile companies like Crossville and Daltile offer a wide variety of tile, including those that resemble wood, which can add warmth to your bathroom space. A freestanding soaker tub can be an expression of your personality, as there are several shapes and sizes for you to select from now as well. Even the color of your bathroom vanity can be a way for you to highlight something you enjoy as well.
Ways To Personalize Your Living Room
The living room is one spot in the home that tends to be used often, so it makes sense that it should reflect you in every area. Accent pieces and furniture are the key features that will be noticed right away whenever someone visits, so pick items that really represent you. Don’t be afraid to embrace color, even bold ones, in furniture pieces like the sofa. Even manufacturers have responded to the demand by designing sofas that have unique textures or a fun blend of metal and fabric. Select accent pieces, such as pillows, table lamps, and home decor items, that you love. Who says they even have to match each other? There are several amazing design styles that are a blend of various elements, resulting in something that is uniquely their own. Include pictures of things that matter to you or special family memories to personalize it to you. Canvas prints are a beautiful way to fill your walls with the people you love most. The living room is meant to be a place that truly feels like the place where you can come and let your hair down.
Ways To Personalize Your Home Office
As more people work from home, adding a personal touch to your home office can be considered essential. With many people spending 8 to 10 hours in this space, it is essential that there are elements inside that give your eyes a rest and refresh your creativity. Consider the things you enjoy and use them as your foundation for reinventing your space. Do you like inspirational quotes? Find some that hold a lot of meaning for you and have them transformed into a work of art for your wall. Love the outdoors? Bring in some potted plants to brighten up the space; they will also purify the air and are beneficial for your eyes when you need a break from the computer screen. Find a chair that feels comfortable to you, as you will be sitting in it for most of the day. Alternatively, consider adding a comfortable armchair where you can sit while working on your laptop or reviewing files. Incorporate some favorite framed memories from vacations or adventures to make it truly personal, and consider adding some fun accent pieces that bring a smile to your face. Having an office that you enjoy coming to every day, one that reflects your personality, can make a significant difference in your performance levels. Just a few simple upgrades or adjustments are all it takes.
Walker Woodworking We love spaces that look beautiful, but many times we underestimate the little things that can have the biggest impact. Facets provide our bathrooms and kitchens with a clean and elegant way to wash our hands, our food, and our dishes. They are a functional part of the design, but that doesn’t mean they have to be boring. With the numerous styles and finishes offered by manufacturers, it can be challenging to determine which one will best suit your home. Several other factors should also be considered, including durability, maintenance, and suitability for specific areas of the home. Let’s talk about them here before you head out to buy your next amazing faucet.
Walker WoodworkingIf you have looked at a renovated kitchen and wondered where the appliances, such as the refrigerator and dishwasher, were, you have just experienced paneled appliances. The beauty of these custom panels lies in their ability to cover the appliances, allowing them to blend in seamlessly with the rest of the cabinetry.
Greenbrook DesignMany of our clients come to us from an hour or more away, often from the greater Charlotte metro area. A common question we hear is, “Why make the drive to Shelby when there are design centers closer to home?” It’s a fair question—and one we completely understand. That’s why we’d like to share a few key reasons why we believe the experience, service, and value you’ll find at Greenbrook Design make the trip well worth it.
Walker WoodworkingThere are many elements that help assemble the perfect design for your space, such as color, texture, and pattern, but one, in particular, plays a key role in making a statement: the focal point. Without a focal point, a room can feel busy or even boring, as it lacks something that immediately draws the eye. This is one of the reasons it is essential to include a focal point in the design; however, given its critical role, sufficient thought should be given to placing it in the optimal location. How do you design the perfect focal point that stands out without overpowering everything else? How do you best use focal points in a room or design with it in mind? Let’s explore the answers to getting the most out of your focal point.
Greenbrook DesignThe sofa is often one of the first things we notice when entering the living room since it tends to be the largest object in the room. We love to stretch out to watch TV or curl up under a blanket to read a book. Sometimes it also ends up being the quick solution to an additional place to sleep when in a bind. Designers have verified that this is a key piece of furniture for the living room, making it a sizable investment when the time comes for it to be replaced. As it is so important to the design, it stands to reason that there should be some things considered before making your next purchase. What things, exactly, should you look for before finalizing your choice, and what makes a sofa perfect for your home? Read on to find out some helpful tips that can assist you in picking your next sofa.
Walker Woodworking 