Design Notes
We know that at the end of the day, it is the details that make a space feel like home. The functional kitchen space is great, and the multipurpose bathroom vanity is a must, but the little things enable every area to reflect you and your personality. There are literally hundreds of ways to utilize accent pieces throughout your home, but one that has been trending for some time is the use of plants, both in your indoor and outdoor spaces. Traditionally, when we think of plants, our minds think of real but faux greenery, and florals have also become popular. Dried is another option that has found its way into the design world. More companies are offering various selections for indoor/outdoor plants, making it easier than ever to incorporate these things into your home, whether you suffer from allergies or not. What are the benefits of using them, and what are the best ways to style your home with them? Let’s find out.
Using Live Flowers and Plants
There are a few things that can brighten a room, such as fresh flowers. Because they come in so many varieties and sizes, they can be used in multiple areas of the home. From luscious, leafy plants to vibrant flowers, it is a wonderful way to add color to any room. You can create contrast in a calm room of neutrals by adding some simple green terracotta, or even opt for larger varieties of greenery. There are several fun ways to incorporate them into the design, such as using a bar cart. Instead of layering them on shelves and the floor, you can place them on the cart to create a beautiful mini landscape that is easy to move when needed. Don’t forget that you can also go up with hanging plants that can become their own works of art or make a visual statement in a room. Of course, they are a “natural” fit for the back deck, sun room, or patio and instantly add a feeling of warmth and a sense of home. Placing smaller plants on the bookshelf is a perfect complement to the books, and they also make a unique bookend. Some decorative planters can even be placed on the wall, providing a great way to clean the air and fill the space with varying colors from nature’s own palette. While the possibilities are endless, it is essential to consider which plants require more sunlight and which ones are toxic to any pets you may have. Flowers and greenery blend well with minimal and farmhouse design styles, so consider adding them to your list of decor items for your new space.
Using Faux Plants
As much as we may like the real deal, there are times when it is not possible to incorporate real flowers and plants, especially if you have allergies, young children, or pets. Thankfully, there are many companies that do a wonderful job of creating faux plant options, such as Mud Pie, which offers stunning pieces like elegant wooden trays with moss inside. They work great for table centerpieces and can be paired with other items to make your table the envy of all. Layering is a great way to maximize the look, especially moss trays coupled with varying sizes of pots. It immediately creates a soft, inviting look for any space in the home. This is also helpful in areas with high usage, like the home office. Working for hours in one space can become wearying on the mind and body. By incorporating a touch of nature throughout or in concentrated areas, it can help ease stress, increase productivity, and enhance focus. Faux plants give you the beauty and calm of the outside without having to water or worry about whether or not the baby or dog has gotten into it. Not to mention if you travel often or don’t have a green thumb. If you think the plant looks a little too fake, take a tip from a designer and simply re-pot it. There are many hanging baskets and planters that look amazing on their own and can work great as a decor piece. Be on the lookout next time you are at your favorite craft store. You might just find something amazing in the faux plant area that you had previously not noticed.
Using Dried Flowers In The Home
Sometimes you want the beauty of fresh flowers to last forever, and that is where dried flowers come into play. They can create stunning arrangements in the home, especially those with a traditional or farmhouse feel. Dried flowers retain much of their original beauty and can be placed in multiple areas in the home, such as the entry or foyer, and the kitchen. They are always a beautiful addition to any space, and they also help alleviate many allergy problems. Of course, one benefit is the fact that they don’t need to be replaced as often as their fresh counterparts. They can provide as much beauty as the original and add a soft touch of nature to your home.
Benefits Of Decorating With Flowers
Besides making your home look absolutely amazing, flowers, both fresh and faux, come with several benefits, including:
- Clean air
- Calm environment
- Reducing stress
- Increasing positive emotions
It is a well-known fact that plants purify the air in your home, but the color green is also associated with reducing stress. There is also evidence that suggests it can help our eyes recover a little when we take a break from our screens to look at it. Placing several plants, no matter if they’re real or not, in your office space provides a nice moment of rest for your eyes. When you incorporate natural elements into your home, it immediately creates a calming environment for everyone to enjoy, whether with just your family or with guests. The atmosphere of a room is just as important as the layout and comfort of the furniture, which is why many designers encourage the use of natural and faux plants in the home. Even just a few scattered around can yield benefits to your family, so consider making a stop at your local nursery for some ideas.
Connection has become a priority in the home over the last couple of years. It can be considered the most basic function of the home, as this is where we gather with family and friends to celebrate, congratulate, and comfort one another. Designing with socializing opportunities has been at the forefront of design for decades, exemplified by spaces such as sitting rooms and large dining tables. This need for connection has made a strong comeback, and designers are once again looking for ways to bring families together. We want to have a home where we can relax and easily engage with one another, but many homeowners also desire spaces that are unified while still retaining a unique character of their own. Let’s talk about how to create a home with connecting spaces.
Several variables are involved in selecting the perfect tile, including material, pattern, and color, as well as factors that influence style and placement. Tile is also a versatile and durable design element, making it a suitable option for frequently used areas. Let’s explore how you can incorporate tile in the home.
Greenbrook DesignThe kitchen tends to be one of the busiest areas in the home, and over the last year, it has become more than just a place to cook food. It has evolved into a multifunctional space where everyone gathers to perform a wide range of tasks. With so much at stake, planning a renovation requires careful thought and well-designed plans. Many designers caution against following the latest trends, but there are a few additional design mistakes they also encourage their clients to avoid. If you are considering a renovation or a new construction project, here are our top five biggest kitchen design mistakes to avoid.
Countertops are often underappreciated and underrated in the design world. They are the true workhorses of any space, as they are used regularly and withstand a great deal. We chop, pound, knead, spill, and more all over these smooth surfaces, yet they continue to function day after day. Unfortunately, they are not meant to last forever. Experts recommend replacing them every 10 to 15 years, especially if signs of wear and tear are evident, such as stubborn stains, chips, or cracks.
Walker Woodworking 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.
Greenbrook Design
Walker Woodworking