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 deficiency has led to a readjustment of space, a call to renovate the home, and to provide a more functional design for everyone. There are also other reasons motivating homeowners to reevaluate their current living situation, such as greater flexibility at home, an open concept, personal space, and plenty of storage. While kitchens and bathrooms are still among the most renovated areas in the home, new emphasis is being placed on four additional sections in the home, which we want to highlight today.
Walker WoodworkingYou love your home, but there are some areas that are no longer working for you, if they ever did at all. You have made the big decision to renovate your kitchen, to give yourself the space you have always envisioned, but it feels overwhelming. How do you know which layout will work best for you? Which style best represents you, and what wood type will pair perfectly with certain colors? The kitchen can be a more difficult renovation because it involves multiple facets, such as plumbing and electrical. Adding in the appliances, lighting, and cabinets decisions can be enough to make your head spin. Planning is a critical part of a kitchen renovation, making it a key area of focus, which is why an experienced designer can help you accomplish your dreams on time and on budget.
James Martin Vanities has not disappointed us but provided many of our clients with a bathroom vanity that suited their unique needs, and the shorter lead times have allowed them to get the upgrades they needed within their timeframe. Our goal will always remain to provide our clients with the best possible products that fit their project, whether that is a custom, semi-custom, or predone option like the James Martin Vanity. We are here to assist you in finding the vanity that works for you, which is why we offer a variety of options. Are you ready for a change? Come visit our showroom where we have multiple vanities available for you to browse, and if you like one, you can take it home with you.
Walker Woodworking The kitchen sink has often been used to describe someone who packs everything they can think of when going on a trip, but in reality, it is a vital part of the kitchen and one of the most frequently used elements. It’s how we maintain a clean environment as we wash our hands, food, countertops, and dirty dishes. Our entire meal prep revolves around the sink since it is where most of the food is cut and prepared to be turned into a delicious dish for the family, and all the pots are filled. With so much happening around the sink, and it fulfills many roles, the type you choose is important. It should have the capacity to do everything needed in one easy design, which is why Greenbrook Design is proud to be a dealer for the Galley Workstation, a company that has reinvented the sink. Let’s talk about what it is and why you should choose it for your new kitchen sink.
Home is more than just a place to prepare for the next day, to sleep at night, and to eat your meals. It is a place where memories are made. It is where you can take a break from your routine and do something fun with your family. While everyone enjoys gathering in the kitchen, it is not the most ideal area of the home to play a board game or watch a movie. Many homeowners enjoy the idea of having a separate area where the kids can play, or they can host a Super Bowl party. Carving out a place in the home dedicated to just fun is a great way to enjoy family time without worrying about making a mess. Let’s talk about some ways to build your home for entertainment.
Walker Woodworking 
Walker Woodworking