Design Notes
Cleanliness, functionality, and ease-of-use are the top three focus areas in the home now that many people are using their home as a workspace. Often, a prolonged time at home reveals the design flaws present. Perhaps you are one of those in need of a home that suits your current lifestyle. Some of the ways that homeowners are accomplishing this are:
- Countertops that are germ-free
- Reducing clutter by creating a better space
- Cabinets that have an anti-germ surface
Our top priority is helping our clients achieve a space that is suited to their needs and unique lifestyles. Here are three ways we strive to do this and help you create a safe and well-thought-out space for you and your family.
Cleanliness
In light of our current situation (COVID-19), cleanliness is a top priority in the home. The safety of our family is important to us, but other benefits come from building good cleaning habits:
- Higher productivity: Nothing will zap your motivation like a messy area. When things are in disarray, piles of clothes and paper are everywhere, and you can’t find anything, it can be difficult to get anything done. A clean workspace or room can help give you that little boost you need.
- Minimized stress: We live in a very fast-paced environment that often comes with a side of stress. When your home feels cluttered and messy, it can negatively affect your body and mind. When your home is organized, it gives you peace of mind that everything is in order.
- Healthier choices: The environment in our home can influence our choices. We tend to gravitate toward unhealthy stuff like junk food when things are dysfunctional. This means, however, that a cleaner home can help us subconsciously make better choices.
With the home expanding to include the office and school zone, it is important to keep everyone feeling safe, especially from germs, as much as possible. Several of our products come with germ-free benefits, such as the antimicrobial textured laminate cabinets from Cabico, of which we are an authorized dealer. Quartz countertops are also less likely to retain germs because of their non-porous material. Talk to your designer about other options available to ensure your family stays safe in your home.
Functionality
Your home is more than just your dwelling place. It is where you make dinner for your family, manage your finances, help your children with their homework, and entertain guests. The home serves multiple purposes, and the flow and function of your space should reflect that need. A functional home also has the potential to increase resale value. Some things to keep in mind when designing a new home or remodeling your current residence:
- Placement of rooms: It is important to keep areas that are separate but complement each other. For example, the dining room should be near the kitchen, and the bedrooms should be near the bathrooms.
- Visualize your daily routines: How do you start your day? With a cup of coffee while scanning the headlines? Maybe you should consider having your kitchen and breakfast area facing east to allow for soft morning light. Perhaps you have little time in the morning to get everything out the door. Adding a mudroom with individual cubbies allows you to prepare the night before and saves you time and frustration.
- The little things: Because they are small, they are easy to overlook, but that doesn’t mean they are unimportant. Light switch placement. Put it where your hand naturally goes and at a good height for everyone to reach. There is legroom in areas such as the breakfast bar and bathroom vanity. Zero-step entry into your home also makes it easier to enter and exit, especially when carrying several things.
By visualizing what you want to accomplish in each area of the home, you can formulate a plan to ensure things are where they need to be, resulting in less stress and more time with your family.
Ease-Of-Use
Another term to describe this would be universal design, meaning the home works well for various ages and physical needs. Here are a few examples of what we mean:
- Comfort-height countertops: Whether you are prepping for a meal or just grabbing a snack, your countertop should not limit or create a problem due to height. It should be at a comfortable height for all, including the kids and grandparents. The standard height is 36 inches, but you can also include an area that is 30 inches to accommodate those who need to sit while they work.
- Hardware placement: Hardware is a beautiful accent to cabinets, but its placement is important. Before finalizing its placement, consider who will need to access it.
- Pullout shelves: There is nothing more frustrating than trying to get something out of the cabinet and being unable to find it. Pullout shelves solve that problem and can be used in multiple areas of the home, including the pantry, bathroom, and closets.
Your home should be the one place where you can relax and be yourself. By making a few adjustments that match your lifestyle, you will find that home truly is a great place to be. Read a little more here.
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.
Greenbrook DesignRecycling old styles with a modern twist is a phenomenal way to honor the past while creating the future. Nostalgia is a valuable part of the creative process, especially in designing homes, our little personal factory of memories. So, don’t be afraid to try out some of these forgotten interior design styles that are making a comeback. It’s nice to freshen up your whole concept and take a little walk through a time capsule. Let your creativity fly in the limbo of styles, and wonder what else will be new soon.
Walker WoodworkingWe all have an idea of what our dream home would look like, after all, that is what places like Houzz and Pinterest are for, right? You wish you could have those little personalized spaces and upscale feel in your home that makes it stand out from the ordinary. Sometimes we believe that the home we envision is far too luxurious for our budget, but that is not true. But with a little creative thinking, anything is possible! There are many ways to stretch a budget through good planning and a few helpful tricks that can give you the luxury you desire without breaking the bank. Let’s explore the various ways to achieve designing a luxury home on a budget and bring your dreams to life.
Greenbrook DesignThese products usually come in refillable, recyclable, or compostable packaging and containers. Some have no packaging at all if you buy them from your local health food stores. You can also switch to more sustainable cleaning products, such as vinegar and hot water. For toilet paper, look for options with compostable packaging. You can also switch to a bidet to achieve complete waste-free status.
Being eco-friendly is at the heart of minimalism. If you want to adopt this light, sustainable, and freeing lifestyle, making eco-minimalist changes in your bathroom is a great first step. For more tips on achieving an elevated lifestyle, visit us here at Greenbrook Design.
Walker Woodworking As one of the most used areas in the home for our intimate needs, the bathroom should be designed as a place of refuge and relaxation from the cares and stresses of life. This means that it should reflect your personality in every way, from color to pattern; everything should make it a place you enjoy using, rather than just serving a purpose. Design details matter, and with traditional rules being replaced with out-of-the-box thinking, it is easier than ever to accomplish this task. You deserve to have a well-functioning and lovely bathroom that is designed with you in mind. Designing a bathroom should be all about you!
Walker Woodworking 
Walker Woodworking