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.
Home is the place where everyone can fully relax and be themselves. It is the center for all of our main activities, but sometimes we need a space that caters to our specific needs, especially when it comes to husbands and wives. This is why his and her spaces were invented: to give each an area to call their own, tailored to function just for them. From bathrooms to bedrooms and even the home office, having something that functions for your unique lifestyle routine can make a big difference in how you accomplish your day-to-day tasks with minimal stress and maximum success. When designing for these spaces, what should you include? What areas matter most, and how do you create the perfect his and her space within the same square footage? Let’s answer those questions for multiple areas within your home.
Walker WoodworkingPersonal Expression Through Design. There is no denying the truth found in the statement, your home is your castle, and who doesn’t want a custom castle? Now, more than ever, there are items available to help you completely personalize your spaces to reflect your unique personality. There is freedom to break the traditional design rules of the past and express yourself in so many ways by combining what you love into something new. Every area of your home should tell guests your story; it should speak to them of the things that matter most to you. By selecting colors, textures, patterns, shapes, and art that accurately reflect your individual tastes, you can achieve that goal. Don’t be afraid to step outside of the box and share what matters to you. At its core, that is what design is about: using a combination of varying elements to tell your story to the world.
Walker Woodworking While these inspirational photos spark our imagination, they can also raise a common concern—will that beautiful design actually work for our lifestyle, especially with young children or busy households? The good news is that designing for function in mind doesn’t mean sacrificing style. A luxurious, classy home can also be highly practical and comfortable for everyday living. By thoughtfully blending form and function, you can create a space that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. And the best part? Elevating your home’s style doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Here are a few easy, functional ways to enhance your home while keeping it elegant and family-friendly.
Walker WoodworkingWhen it comes to most areas in the home, there are things that often get overlooked because they are thought to have little value or impact. The bathroom sink falls into this category, but it holds more value than you may realize. The right sink can add a touch of character to your bathroom space and enhance its overall appearance and style. We have come a long way since the caveman days, when sinks were made from whatever material was handy, such as wooden bowls or even a turtle shell. Today, there are numerous options available as manufacturers have explored various styles and materials to create sinks that suit each homeowner and serve different purposes. With such a wide variety, it can be challenging to determine which one is best for you and your specific needs. Today, we want to explore the selections offered and what they have to offer you.
Greenbrook Design Increasingly, homeowners are not only interested in using eco-friendly products and materials but also in designing their homes to have the least possible impact on the environment. This has led to a rise in zero waste kitchen concepts, with designers seeking to meet their clients’ requests in a way that provides a functional, environmentally friendly, yet stylish kitchen. We know that certain materials are better than others, and incorporating more natural elements into our home is beneficial, but what exactly does it mean to design a zero-waste kitchen or bathroom? We aim to answer that question, while also providing you with helpful tips for your upcoming renovation.
Walker Woodworking 