Life, Styled
Home is more than just a place to prepare for the next day, to sleep at night, and to eat your meals. It is a place where memories are made. It is where you can take a break from your routine and do something fun with your family. While everyone enjoys gathering in the kitchen, it is not the most ideal area of the home to play a board game or watch a movie. Many homeowners enjoy the idea of having a separate area where the kids can play, or they can host a Super Bowl party. Carving out a place in the home dedicated to just fun is a great way to enjoy family time without worrying about making a mess. Let’s talk about some ways to build your home for entertainment.
Family Game Room
From board games to air hockey, new memories are sure to come out of the family game night, and there is no better way to have fun. The problem is often finding the right place to play that doesn’t disrupt the home’s normal routine, or where everyone can get comfortable. Whether it is a spare room transformed into a fun zone or tucked away neatly in the basement, here are some things that are a must:
- Seating: Everyone deserves a good seat, so take time to think about how many people will occupy the room and what type of seating you want. Will you need a couple of big couches or individual seats? Browse Pinterest or even Houzz to get ideas, or speak with your designer. In addition to cabinet design, we also offer room layout design for an additional fee.
- Surfaces: Do you enjoy card games or board games? These require large, flat surfaces like a table, but don’t forget about height. This ties back to seating. If you have chairs, then a large table is best, but if you are seated on couches, a low coffee table would be better. Aging adults and small children may sit more comfortably at a standard table height, whereas teenagers may like a pub-height table.
- Storage: When game time is over, it is nice to have a place to store everything until the next round. Make sure there is a storage area, like a closet or built-ins, to ensure that everything has a place of its own.
- Sufficient lighting: Strain on the eyes is no fun, so be sure to incorporate enough light. Recessed lights, lamps, and accent lighting can provide this.
Game time is meant to be a fun time for everyone, and by making sure all the essential elements are there, it will be a memorable night for everyone with room for a rematch or two.
Wine Room
Work is hard, that is something we can all agree on, and most of us would also say that we enjoy coming home to relax. A wine room is a perfect place to forget about the stress of work and just unwind with your favorite beverage. Having a designated space means you can zone out beyond the kitchen perimeter. Some other benefits include:
- Gatherings: A wine room is a special place to hang out with friends and family. Add some extra seating, and you will always be ready for a party.
- Accessible: Everything you need is in one place. Glasses, cups, and even plates for snacks are all right there for you to use.
- Clean up: Consider what size sink you need in the design, as it is the perfect place to dump ice or clean up a spill.
- Countertop: A wine room doesn’t have to be small. You can extend out with a larger countertop and enjoy sitting with friends.
This can be a great place in the home to enjoy after work or with friends on the weekend. Super Bowl parties can get a boost by adding a TV screen, and you will be the talk of the neighborhood.
Home Theater
Who wants to enjoy their favorite movie on the big screen without having to actually leave the house? Having a home theater can do just that, not to mention how much better video games can be played. Some helpful design tips and added benefits are:
- No interruptions: We have all experienced the noisy moviegoers who insist on talking during the most critical part of the film, or the person who has to constantly go to the bathroom. A home theater means the people there are invited by you.
- Pick your seats: If you want to sit up front, you can; if you want the most comfortable seat in the house, you can. Design tip: Think about how you want the seating arranged before purchasing.
- More options: Hooking up your smart TV or gaming system means a whole new level of fun. Stream your favorite movies and shows from places like Netflix or play your favorite video games.
- Think through your space: One important task is to make sure you have the lighting you need, the furniture to store all your stuff, and the right layout.
This is meant to be a place that is fun for everyone, so don’t forget to ask for opinions and carefully consider everything you want to have included in this space.
Play Area
Inviting family and friends is always a good idea, but a better one is having a place where the kids can play without getting in the way of their parents. A play area is a perfect solution because it provides kids with a safe place to interact and have fun. It is also great for them to use on a daily basis, where their imagination can soar. Consider these things when designing a playroom.
- Safe storage: This is a big one because we love our children and want them to be safe, so securing any furniture to the wall is critical. Also, have built-ins and shelves that are on their level so they can have easy access to their items.
- Furnishings: A table with chairs is perfect for them because it allows them to play games or color in a designated area.
- Color: Pops of color can brighten the room and create a fun atmosphere for the kids.
- Reading nook: For the child who loves to read, maybe add a little reading corner with a chair just their size and a shelf full of their favorite books.
Children feel special when they have a place just for them, so if you’re unsure what they would like, consider adding a playroom.
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.
Walker Woodworking
Walker Woodworking