Whether you’re using custom home builders or renovating, home projects can be incredibly fun. What kind of flooring to use, choosing between granite or marble, lighting fixtures–so many options! But there are dilemmas along the way that many homeowners have trouble with. Fortunately, there’s also solutions to them.
Space Planning
When it comes to design, space planning is key. An open floor plan is more popular than ever, combining the kitchen and family room into one cohesive gathering area, making the area seem larger. Living and dining rooms are also commonly combined to create a much larger space than before.
For home renovations, take out a wall or two to achieve this kind of open space. With custom home builders, place walls accordingly.
Lighting
Great lighting can be underestimated in home design. It enhances the feeling of the home and make small rooms seem more open and fresh. For low ceilings, bounce light upward from lamps to visually raise the ceiling. In a large room, you can make it seem more intimate and warm by using soft light concentrated on certain objects or areas around the room. Kitchens can look warm and expensive by simply adding under-cabinet lighting.
Color
A small room will open up immediately when the walls are painted in a lighter tone, such as beige, gray or light blue. A large room can become more cozy with a deeper color on the walls. Bold colors can make a statement and turn a drab room into a focal piece.
When choosing a color scheme, look for colors that complement each other. Coastal colors such as blue, gray, white and tan go beautifully together. Make a statement with deep colors like red or navy blue in an accent wall or pillows. Bring in a bright color with a few accessories–the sky’s the limit.
Theme
There are many themes that can be chosen for your home. Modern, rustic, vintage, traditional, to name a few. Design that goes along with these themes can be displayed in paint color, accessories, and furniture. Choose your theme for the home and plan accordingly. Sticking to one style throughout the home makes everything look much more cohesive and visually keeps the flow of the home smooth and uninterrupted.
Balance
A large room with a tiny fireplace can seem off balance. A small room with a couch big enough for twenty people will look cramped. Make sure your furniture is appropriately-sized for the room it’s in and arranged in a way to accent the room’s features. In the case of something permanent like an existing fireplace, adding some trim and a mantle can open it up and visually increase its size.
Extremes
Although bold choices can be a great accent to a home, they can be tricky in some cases. A deep red kitchen cabinet may stand out beautifully, but it’s also very costly and labor-intensive to change once they become out of style. Using bold colors and trendy styles can be achieved easily through accessories, rugs, and paint rather that more permanent fixtures and cabinetry.
Details
Existing homes can have different trims and wall treatments that don’t fit into your style. Instead of ripping them out, try painting them a bright white to look more modern and crisp. If you’re looking for a traditional, rustic look, stain them a darker, natural color. When using custom home builders, trim they use can create anything from craftsman style, to coastal, to tuscan.
It can be exciting to be involved in home design. Be smart about it, plan accordingly, and then enjoy your reward–a beautiful home!