Design Notes
Life is busy. We spend much of our time working, running errands, and making sure our family has what they need to get through another week. At the end of another busy day, having a home where you can have your own personal space and a little privacy to regain your center is important. Our home is more than just four walls and a door. It is the place where we can withdraw in safety and just relax. Within our homes, there are various areas that serve specific functions, such as the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room, while others fall into a different category: living spaces. Living spaces can be defined as a place where you relax and or gather with family and friends. Sunrooms, living rooms, and even outdoor areas all fall into this category. Sometimes these spaces can use a little rejuvenating and revamping so that they can better serve your specific needs.
Home Decor
It is often the little things that can have a dramatic impact on our spaces, while also adding a touch of fun and function to our lives. Home decor adds personality and purpose to your space as it turns the mundane into marvelous through beauty. This is also a simple way to refresh your spaces without breaking the bank or undertaking a massive renovation. Some ideas for rejuvenating your living spaces include:
- Swap out small furniture pieces.
- Wall art
- Backsplash
- Area rugs
- Accent pieces
Take a moment to evaluate your current home inventory and consider items that are not functional or simply need to be updated. A simple swapping out of a coffee table or even a lamp can do wonders for a space. Select pieces that reflect your personality or make you smile, as this helps create an atmosphere that makes it easier to relax and be yourself. Accent items are another way to sprinkle a little of what matters throughout those spaces intended for our family’s enjoyment. Our home is a place of celebration as well, so having areas where we can gather with ease can make a big difference. Placing extra seating that allows family and friends to sit facing each other or in closer proximity can also help us feel connected. Being mindful of your living spaces and the difference it can make in your home is a great start to creating a little haven for everyone.
Coloring Your Living Spaces
Color is one of the most powerful tools in the design world, as it can impact the mood in the home along with the overall feel. There are countless ways to add color to your home, such as:
- Painting the walls
- Tile
- Furniture
- Art
- Decor items
If you are looking to rejuvenate your living spaces, consider the purpose of each room before selecting a color scheme, as it will have a significant influence on it. There are two sets of color tones: warm and cool, each with a specific purpose. Warm tones, such as red, yellow, and orange, tend to be more stimulating, making them good choices for areas in the home where you gather with family, like game rooms or family dining spaces. Cool tones like blue and green are often perceived as calming, as they typically reflect nature and are ideal for areas of rest, such as a sunroom or living room. Once you have decided on the colors you want for the room, the fun really begins as you select different items to decorate that particular area. From furniture pieces that make an excellent focal point to color highlights like art and even throw blankets, adding a splash of color throughout can transform any space into a place of rest and comfort.
Plan For Comfort In The Home
Making your home feel casual and comfy is a great way to rejuvenate your space. Knowing that there are areas where you can truly destress is great, but the design selection plays a crucial role in this. Comfort should be a top priority in your living spaces, and there are numerous ways to achieve this goal. In your living area, plan for comfort by having soft throw blankets nearby, a candle for the colder months, and sufficient lighting. Game rooms should have plenty of comfortable seating with varying heights and wbe ithin close proximity to each other, making it easy for people of every age to gather together and play. A sunroom should also have a seating area, plus some type of screen to shield you from the glare but still allow the warmth of the sun inside. This is also a great place to incorporate plants, as they are beneficial to the environment, and they yield additional benefits for your health and well-being. Consider placing a few faux plants around the other living spaces in your home, as the calm colors of nature are soothing to the eyes and mind, which can help relieve tension and stress. A home of comfort is one where we can take off our shoes and just relax.
Popular Home Items
There are several items that are trending in the home, things that can help rejuvenate your living spaces in style. Texture is one element that instantly creates balance and makes a space feel visually interesting. Blankets, pillows, and even area rugs can add texture and depth to a room through the layering process. As storage is a constant need throughout the home, designers are getting creative in how they can maximize space with style. Large baskets (another texture asset) and colorful bins can be placed within an area, providing storage and still blending in. Unique items are also popular, as homeowners seek ways to showcase their personality and style in their own homes. If your spaces don’t reflect who you are, it may be time to rejuvenate them so that your home truly becomes what it was meant to be for each person, a place of comfort and joy. Don’t forget the outdoor spaces; they are still one area that continues to gain popularity as we enjoy spending time in nature. Take a moment to browse sites like Houzz and Pinterest to see what other items are trending and how they are being used in homes. You might find the inspiration you’ve been looking for in your space.
Paint companies like Sherwin-Williams have already announced their amazing Color of the Year choice, Redend Point, which draws from nature’s calm color palette. Benjamin Moore’s choice of Raspberry Blush, though, is closer in shade to the color selection made by the one company everyone in the fashion world looks to, Pantone. Designers and manufacturers alike waited with eagerness to hear Pantone’s color of the year announcement, and for 2023, their choice was Viva Magenta, a color described as a “crimson red tone that presents a balance between warm and cool. This hybrid of red and pink is a reflection of our current world’s relationship of living in both a physical and digital world. More and more homeowners are learning to blend their work and home lifestyles, which have become deeply entwined over the last couple of years. We know that color is much more than a splash of paint on a wall or cabinet; it speaks a language all its own, something Pantone seems to grasp and express well. So what influence will 2023’s Viva Magenta have on us? Let’s explore the answers today.
Greenbrook DesignWhen you first moved into your property, you took the time to come up with the perfect design for a space you’ll call home. However, over time, circumstances change, and so do people. And, now, you’ve found yourself in a situation of wanting to change things up a bit. If you’re wondering how to tell it’s time to redesign your home, sit tight and let us walk you through all the major signs.
Greenbrook DesignHomes are a collection of things we love, and sometimes those things can come from places outside the traditional sources, such as your typical home furnishings stores. Increasingly, designers and homeowners alike are discovering the benefits of antique stores. These places, often thought of as the last stop for items no one else wanted, have become a popular shopping stop for those who want to have something unique in their home and enjoy the thrill of “treasure hunting”. More and more design styles are also embracing vintage finds, seeking to blend them together to create something special, such as the grand millennial and mid-century modern styles. Millennials are also enjoying the freedom to branch out in their design choices, creating a home that is customized to their own personality. Antique shopping can be a wonderful way to uncover those special touches that can make all the difference in your home, so let’s explore how to get started and what to do with all of the treasures you find.
Walker WoodworkingMore designers and contractors are incorporating this secondary space into the kitchen to gain square footage and have an area that works as an extension of the kitchen. Let’s dive deeper into what a butler pantry is and what the benefits are for you.
Walker WoodworkingThis is why we have created multiple door profile styles so that each of our clients can find the one that perfectly tells their story to everyone. At times, they are not able to pinpoint one that speaks to them, which is why we offer custom door styles as well. Several of our clients have opted for mullion cabinet doors, which always add a beautiful touch to their space.
Walker Woodworking
Walker Woodworking