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.
We use it every day but hardly pay any attention to it, yet it can impact the overall design of the home. We are, of course, referring to your flooring, and its importance should not be overlooked or underestimated. It is the largest design element in the home, which means it tends to serve as the foundation of the look and feel in the room. It has the ability to make or break your space and is subconsciously the first thing we notice in a room. Since it is used consistently, it must be durable and functional for the particular area, whether slip-resistant or waterproof. Flooring should also complement the overall design style you choose and be carefully considered before finalizing your choice. Here are some aspects to remember when making your selection.
The kitchen backsplash tends to be overlooked during the planning session for a renovation, but it has a big impact on the overall look of the design, and it should not be underestimated. To many, it may seem like such a small element, but it has the power to bring style, class, and protection to the heart of the home. When walking through a model home or flipping pages in an interior design magazine, the kitchen always has a backsplash that often draws our eye. Coming in multiple sizes, styles, and shades, the kitchen backsplash has come a long way from being a simple surface to creating a glamorous highlight that immediately draws the eye.
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.
