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.
Greenbrook DesignUsing smart devices to help manage your home not only makes your life easier. However, many forms of smart home tech also reduce utility usage and improve your home’s carbon footprint. You’ll improve your life and become more eco-friendly all at once! Here’s how to get started:
Health and wellness are a high priority for many today, especially in the home, which is why interior designers are placing a great emphasis on the renovation or remodel plans for the home. Natural light brings a wealth of benefits for your family and also gives the home a beautiful warmth.
Metropolitan Woodworks IncContrast is a design element that is used often since it makes a statement, creates visual interest, and provides a touch of elegance to the space. White and Black, dark mixed with warm metals like gold, copper, and brass. Many interior designers are choosing to use this tool and these color combinations more in their creations, and it seems that this trend is only increasing in popularity. Let’s explore the different ways you can add dark colors to your space, balanced with enough light to make a beautiful presentation in your home that both you and your guests will enjoy.
Greenbrook DesignAt Greenbrook Design, we specialize in taking the dysfunctional to the functional level. Your home is meant to be a place of rest, where you can look forward to coming home and just unwinding. Today, we want to share a few of our best tips that will help you receive the wellness you and your family need.
Walker Woodworking The kitchen is undeniably the most used area of the home, whether it is making the morning coffee before heading out the door, making the kids a snack when they come home, or sharing the day’s events as you make dinner. It is the central hub of the house, and where everyone can just relax. This also means that there is a lot going on, making it important that things have a place and stay there. There is nothing worse than a kitchen that is messy, cluttered, and dysfunctional. We wanted to share some organizational tips and helpful tricks that can help you organize your kitchen.
Walker Woodworking 
Walker Woodworking