Design Notes
Personalization is becoming a hot topic and is increasingly relevant in multiple fields, including interior design. It is important to have a space that is not only functional but also representative of your unique style. Design is not made up of just one element but is a beautiful blending of many to create a unified result.
Though our roots are in custom cabinets, we soon realized that we needed to expand our inventory to include lighting, flooring, countertops, and hardware. These elements help to complete the look and feel of a design, bringing in that last bit of the owner’s reflection.
Selecting just the right home accents and elements is often a fun process for our clients. It is an opportunity to add a little bit of themselves to the design, whether they choose the more traditional piece of hardware or go bolder with a contemporary piece. Each has a place and purpose in the design world, so we thought we would discuss a few options.
Lighting
Lighting can greatly affect a room’s atmosphere. Soft lights can create a more relaxing vibe, while bright lights give off an energy of their own. Here are a few things to keep in mind when making the selection.
- Design: Choose a light that complements the room’s overall style. It can transform the room, so it’s important to think through the overall design.
- Budget: Lighting can be expensive. Knowing how much you want to spend on each design element will help make the selection easier. Do you want to spend more on lighting because it is important to you, or do you want to divide it evenly among all the different elements, such as hardware and home decor? This is important to have in place so you can get all you want from your list.
- Types of lights: Ceiling-mounted fixtures, pendants, chandeliers, and sconces are just a few of the options available. It is good to talk with a designer who can help you find the perfect type of light to complement your overall design style.
- Know the purpose: No two rooms are the same, and neither are their needs. For an in-depth look at the specific needs of each room, read this blog posting. Understanding the function of each room will help you know which light is a good fit for your space.
Flooring
Tile, wood, or laminate? There are several flooring options to choose from and factors to consider, such as moisture, durability, and budget. Each type has its own pros and cons. Before making your choice, it is essential to understand the differences and which ones are important to you and your design.
- Tile: Is durable, timeless, and low-maintenance. Depending on your selections, it can also be suitable for the budget. Traditionally, it has been considered one of the cheaper options available. Water-resistant and eco-friendly are some additional benefits of tile flooring. The downside is that tile flooring is often cold and can be slippery, which may not be suitable for senior homeowners.
- Wood: Floors bring a touch of nature and add a bit of warmth to the overall feel of the design. They are also durable and easy to clean. Real hardwood floors can also be stripped and restained if you decide you want to change the room’s color scheme or are simply tired of the current hue. Wood floors are a bit on the higher price point, and they can also be a noisier option since every sound can be heard when you walk. Wood floors are likely to be damaged during water leaks that could require replacement.
- Laminate: Flooring has come a long way and is an excellent imitation of the real wood flooring. It is considered an eco-friendly choice since it is made to look like wood flooring without actually having to cut down trees. Installation is a simple process because it usually comes in planks or tiles and snaps together. Another thing to mention is that it cannot be refinished as wood flooring can, so once any damage is done or you tire of the color, the entire floor has to be replaced. With the improvements in laminate over the years, it is more resistant to water damage. Laminate usually has various levels of quality that determine the price.
Countertops
Countertops are more than just a workspace; they have become a work of art. They come in various materials, including granite, quartz, marble, and quartzite, each meeting a different need or requirement for your particular lifestyle. More color options are available now, meaning that countertops can be a focal point and functional. To learn more about the differences in the material choices and which one might be better suited to your lifestyle, you can read our blog here.
Hardware
The cabinets have been installed, and everything looks good, but one thing is missing: hardware. Hardware is always the finishing touch to cabinets, similar to jewelry. What is unique about these accessories is the fact that they are the most touched. While we will admire our lights and simply walk on our floors without a second thought, we will physically touch and use the hardware on our cabinets. They provide more than beauty to our cabinets; they are also functional, so picking something that works well for you is essential. Read more about hardware in this blog post.
Walker WoodworkingOne of the main questions asked during the design meeting is what color the owners want for their kitchen cabinets. Were they looking to do a natural wood or a color instead? While many will opt to do the wood, many enjoy adding a splash of color to their kitchen or mixing and matching. It is a great way to break up the area and create a focal point, but with so many options available, how do you know which one is right for you? While it is up to you in the end, there are three colors that have stood out for some time and will most likely continue to do so. White, gray, and blue remain high on the selection chart, so let’s talk about these popular colors and why they may be the right fit for you.
Walker WoodworkingWhile the kitchen was often viewed as the place where food was merely prepped and served, it has transitioned into a command center as people gather to talk or enjoy a snack while getting some work done. Layouts have slowly shifted to accommodate this change, which has produced the open concept. This floor plan allows families to stay connected even when they are doing things in different areas of the home. While not as popular as it was in the 1990s and early 2000s, many families still choose this floor plan because of their desire to stay close to their family and guests. Today, we want to discuss the open floor concept, the elements that make it up, and if it is the right fit for your family.
Greenbrook DesignYou have just waved goodbye to your last child as they head out to college. While you adjust to not having kids in the house, you also begin to realize that you now have more space, but you’re not sure what to do with it. There are many ways to reuse the space, expand existing spaces, or make room for something new. Let’s take a look at the design possibilities available to you.
In the second of our three-part series on selection tips, we want to focus on tile. Backsplash, shower walls, and flooring are just a few of the many uses for tile since it is beautiful, durable, and timeless. Sometimes considered a small part of the design, it has the potential to make a big impact on the design. Here are some helpful tips when choosing tile.
While cabinets tend to be the focal point of the main spaces, such as kitchens and bathrooms, it is the details that add the final touch to the design. The selection process can be one of the highlights of the design phase, but it can also be overwhelming with multiple styles, colors, and options. In this three-part series, we want to give our best tips for the top three categories of selections and help make this as enjoyable and simple as possible. Our focus today is hardware.
Walker Woodworking 
Walker Woodworking