Design Notes
Home is about comfort, about reflecting yourself through the design choices you make. While we don’t recommend changing it up every other month, there are times when you need to hit the refresh button. Revisiting your space periodically can significantly enhance the home’s atmosphere as well. Many designers recommend redecorating every four to five years for several reasons, including:
- Avoid a dated room
- Shift in function
- Inventory what you have
Sometimes, certain areas of home decor have been influenced by trends that are no longer in style and can make the space feel dated or even uninviting. Rooms also serve a specific purpose, and those can change over time. If your children are no longer living with you, their bedroom can be transformed into a craft room or even a guest suite. There are also some new things that are making their way onto potential homebuyers’ lists. We have done some research for you and discovered some of the top new items being used in home design.
Undercounter Wine Refrigerators
Wine is a classic beverage and enjoyed by many. Increasingly, homeowners are opting for a wine cellar or dedicated room where they can enjoy a glass before bed or with friends in the evening. This shift has prompted designers to become creative in finding ways to incorporate it into their designs. For some, the option to build a new dedicated space is not possible, which has led to the popularity of the under-counter wine refrigerators. A significant benefit of choosing this option is that it allows you to store your wine safely and securely, ensuring it maintains the ideal temperature and minimal exposure to light. It also means that it is readily available in an area where most of the family gathers, such as the kitchen. You can choose to have it placed in a beverage center, which takes up less room but provides an additional storage area for wine glasses as well. Similar in size to a dishwasher, this appliance won’t take up much room, meaning you are ready to enjoy a glass at any time of day or night.
Farmhouse Style Vanities
The farmhouse style is one that has remained popular because it is warm, inviting, and welcoming, making it feel like you can come as you are whenever you like. It truly creates a home-like atmosphere for everyone, including guests and family alike. While it has been utilized by many designers, including famous TV personalities, as a kitchen style, it has begun to make its way into other areas of the home, including the bathroom. Your vanity is the main focal point of the design and tends to set the tone and theme of the space. As the farmhouse style is also practical and functional, it is a perfect fit for the bathroom. Some of the characteristics of the farmhouse look are:
- Classic wood material
- Metal accents
- Large sinks
James Martin Vanities is a great option for those looking to upgrade their bathroom vanity rather than undertake an entire renovation, as they have a much shorter lead time. If the vanity is in stock, it can be as little as two to three weeks. They offer a broad selection of vanities, ranging from single to double. Some of the more farmhouse styles include:
- Bristol
- Copper Cove
- Malibu
Greenbrook Design is an authorized dealer for James Martin, and we have several vanities on display in our 5,000-square-foot showroom.
Lighting
Sometimes all you need to do in your home is shed some new light, and new light fixtures can do exactly that. Good lighting is an important part of designing a new space and can be accomplished through several means, such as:
- Accent lighting
- Light fixtures
- Task lighting
By sourcing various lighting options, you can reduce or minimize the amount of shadows a room has. Be sure to keep in mind the function of each area, as that impacts the lighting decisions. Under-cabinet lighting is essential in the kitchen, and both table and floor lamps are beneficial in the living room and bedrooms. Some of the newest lighting trends for 2022 include:
- Large light fixtures
- Unique shapes
- Soft lighting options
- Organic feels like woven shades
Lighting is also important as we age; forcing our eyes to read or do tasks in a poorly lit area of the home can cause unnecessary strain. This is also not a huge investment compared to a renovation, but it can yield multiple benefits. Light also influences our mood; a room with sufficient illumination can make you feel more relaxed and comfortable. Read a few more things about the newest lighting trends for 2022 in this article from The Spruce.
Backsplash
Backsplash is a great way to add color, texture, and unique patterns to your kitchen. It also plays a crucial role in protecting your kitchen wall from stains and making cleanup a breeze. There are a great many choices available, ranging from simple, clean whites to fun patterns that add visual interest to the kitchen. Walker Zanger is one of the dealers featured in the Greenbrook Design Showroom, and they recently launched a new line of backsplash tiles that they curated. Twelve new natural stone mosaics were presented in this line, and they are stunning. This company toured the world to uncover mosaic tiles that not only had style but also gave great value. These tiles are cut with precision and thoughtfully designed to provide clients with a collection that offers multiple design options and patterns, transforming their space from drab to fab in an instant. They have bold colors such as Ebony clouds, which is a stunning contrast of black and white. Calypso is a great choice for those who enjoy a more traditional style. Take a peek at this elegant collection from Walker Zanger to see all of the options.
Hardware
This is one of the best options for those interested in doing a small revamping of their space but not ready for a full renovation. Not only is it beautiful, but hardware is one of the most functional components. It protects the cabinets from the natural oils in our hands, as well as the dirt we carry, and allows us to easily open and close doors and drawers while preparing dinner in the kitchen. It also makes a visual statement when choosing ones that have a sharp contrast, such as black matte against white cabinets. From bathroom cabinets to even the desk in your home office, hardware can make a big difference. One new trend that is surfacing is the idea of building it directly into the cabinet door, such as notched pulls. This is a beautiful option for those who prefer a minimalist style.
Walker Woodworking Organization is a key part of a successful life. You make a plan, you know what you need, and how you will accomplish your goals. This strategy requires you to lay everything out so you can be prepared, which is why people love apps that help them stay on track or write it down in an old-fashioned paper planner. An organization can also infiltrate multiple areas of life, such as time management and home layout, meaning it has made its presence known in the design world. More and more designers are seeking ways to integrate organization into their designs, to the extent that a new term has been coined to describe this approach: organizeology. Let’s unpack what organizeology means!
If you are looking to hit the refresh button on your home, color is always a great way to start. From simple accent pieces, such as pillows and rugs, to repainting an entire room, choosing a new color can inspire you and help you regain your focus. The color of the year for 2022 are a wonderful place to start and can guide you down the right path for your home. Come visit our showroom in Uptown Shelby, NC, where you can walk through our 5,000-square-foot space and experience the possibilities for your home.
Walker Woodworking Lighting is a crucial aspect of interior design; it significantly influences the mood in the home and alleviates eye strain when there is minimal natural light or when it gets dark. More often than not, a home suffers from insufficient lighting instead of overillumination. For seniors, lighting is even more critical, as the muscles in the eye weaken over time and the pupil size decreases, making it harder for light to enter. Better lighting reduces the chance of bumping or falling over an obstacle and lessens the strain on the eyes as you look around. Good lighting also helps create a comfortable and relaxing environment, exactly what you want for your well-deserved retirement. Let’s talk about how you can have the best lighting, what the benefits are, and which lighting choices are best for certain areas in the home.
Greenbrook DesignColor matters. It is a part of how we tell our story, especially within our homes. In the last few years, homeowners have ventured off the traditional path of neutrals, such as white, gray, and beige, to bring in pops of bold hues like red, green, and even blue. As the demand for brighter colors increases, both manufacturers and designers have risen to the occasion by creating and incorporating a more diverse color palette for their clients. Traditional products, such as tile, furniture, flooring, cabinets, and even glass, come in a wider selection of bold colors, which provide homeowners with the opportunity to blend a variety of bold colors and neutral colors together in a stunning final design. Although color is a fun element in the world of interiors, it can be challenging to determine the right amount and the various ways it can be incorporated into the home to create the perfect balance for everyone to enjoy.
Walker WoodworkingHome is a reflection of you, and one of the best ways to do that is through color. Color is more than a collection of tints and shades; it has more impact on our mood than anything else and can influence the look of our home more than we realize. Color psychology has been studied for decades, with recent findings revealing just how powerful color truly is in the home. Size and style can change by simply selecting different colors for your furniture, accent pieces, or wall color. As color plays such a vital role in the atmosphere and presentation of the home, it can feel a little overwhelming or even intimidating to make color choices. We have compiled a list of 15 simple ways you can add color to your home.
