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.
Walker Woodworking 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.
Walker Woodworking 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.
Walker Woodworking 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.
Greenbrook Design Window treatments have made an interesting journey through the years in interior design. From floor to ceiling and mere window length, they have travelled the full circle of style. Today, window treatments can come in a variety of forms and options, plus they do more than just block out the sun; they can finish the look of a room and add the necessary touch that brings out the homeowner’s personality. Windows are our connection to nature and are an essential part of the home, which means they deserve proper consideration and care. They are also an area of the room that naturally draws the eye of the homeowner and guest alike. Most of the time, however, windows tend to be overlooked.
Greenbrook Design There’s nothing quite like the warm weather and smell of blooming flowers that come with springtime. While you may have grown used to cozying up indoors during the colder months, now you can start spending more time tending to your garden, playing with your kids in the yard, and kicking back on the patio while enjoying the sun.
But in order to fully enjoy your time outside (and potentially save yourself from having to pay for expensive home repairs in the future), you will need to perform some basic home maintenance. To help you get started, here are some key areas to tackle this spring, brought to you by Greenbrook Design.
Walker Woodworking
Walker Woodworking