When making a significant investment in transforming your perfect-home-in-the-perfect-location by making it your own, keep these design tips in mind.
Open up. You can almost never go wrong by opening up your living space. When you have an open floor plan that easily flows from one area to another you increase function but also bring friends and family together. It is possible that we are so self-sufficient and isolated with everything at our fingertips by cell phone, we lose the beauty of togetherness. By opening up your space, you may just open up the lines of communication and encourage some good ‘ole fashion quality time with the ones you love.
Color your world. Color- whether bold or subtle- reflects the mood of a space. Bold colors can be exciting and stimulating, especially when introduced in unpredictable ways. Common ways of splashing a space with color are through bright throw pillows, plush rugs or bold window dressings. More courageous ways of ensuring your guests enter your world with Oohs-and-Ahhs may be painting an entire wall a vibrant shade of fuchsia. Or, perhaps, dramatizing your room with a complete white or neutral palette with a single vivacious focal point. Whether we’re talking about your house or, more aptly, your home- don’t ever settle for run of the mill. Add your own dash of color to everything and everyone you come into contact with.
Light it up. Have you ever walked into a dark room and just felt downright depressed? Light plays a significant role in our lives. It’s important to take this into account when considering a design. You can really add drama with a you-can’t-miss-me chandelier in a main entry. You can also make the heart of your home- your kitchen- cozy, warm and inviting for your family to sit down and stay a while by adding under cabinet lighting for late night snacks and pendant lighting over bar or counter areas for task lighting. Don’t be afraid to consider lighting not only as a basic need but as a design element. The same is key in our lives- be known for lighting up any room you walk in to!
Out is the new In. There are many ways to love and appreciate the outdoors without actually having to leave your home. Incorporating live plants and other natural elements like wood accents bring a little bit of the outside in. If you’re really adventurous, add a four-season sunroom or patio room that lets the sunshine in each day without having to worry about weather or pests. You can also incorporate outdoor living spaces by adding an outdoor kitchen, a firepit, or, perhaps, a vintage swing on your front porch. As a child, coloring outside the lines was erroneous- as an adult, being on the inside may not always let you experience the freedom of branching out.
Don’t blend in. A key component in any design is to give a room a focal point- whether it is beautifully farmed artwork, an ornate piece of furniture or a large picture window. It’s okay to experiment and do something out of the ordinary. Don’t let HGTV dictate your style- create your own! Dr. Seuss may have said it best when he said ‘Why fit in when you were born to stand out’.
They bottom line is- make it your own. If you’re unsure of where to start- find a local Class A Contractor with a Certified Interior Designer on staff that can walk you through the process from start to finish. They can help you plan, as well as, produce your finished product so that you are completely in love with your home.
