When building a home, ideas are flowing from every direction and can be overwhelming! Many people wonder “where to start” or “what is most important?” Well we are here to give you the details! Let’s talk about the top three most important things to focus on when designing a home for your family. You want your home to be a place of comfort. Creating space that feels luxurious and livable all at the same time!
Colors! The “C”
Interior paint colors are the backdrop of the home! We like to stick to one main color or very few colors allowing more creativity for furnishings & accessories. When selecting colors, we typically have three main categories... whites, neutrals & colors! Our favorites for whites are Benjamin Moore (BM) Chantilly Lace, White Dove (BM),and Sherwin Williams (SW) Swiss Coffee making the home appear light and airy. If you are looking for a moody & cozy feel then we suggest trying Flint (BM), Rosemary (SW) or Urbane Bronze (SW).These bold colors work great on cabinetry as well. Working with a neutral color palette allows you to add layers without getting too fussy! Give these neutrals a try: November Rain (BM), Gray Owl (BM),Natural Cream (BM) and Drift Of Mist (SW) are some of our favorites!
Color Shown: Rosemary by Sherwin Williams
Flooring! The “F”
This is the big one! Not only does it create character in your home, but it also receives the most wear and tear on a daily basis. When choosing your flooring, durability and maintenance are top priority. Floors can add dimension, pattern and texture to liven up any space. Wood floors flowing though out the home (except in the “wet” areas) helps the space to seem open and grand. Remember if you are making a pattern with the wood (i.e herringbone) then it is best to wrap a border to frame it out. Tiles with patterns and colors are always fun to add personality but we suggest doing these in smaller areas (powder bath or laundry room) so you don’t get tired of them! We love mixing natural stones both polished & honed with porcelain tiles. While natural stone requires maintenance, porcelain tiles are durable and cost effective. Keeping natural stones off the floor will help you keep your sanity & allow you to use them in splashes, counter tops, or even the ceiling!
Butler pantry: Marble ceiling with gold inlay
Lighting! The “L”
Lighting is the “jewelry” of the home and gives personality to any home! Mixing metals & textures is one of my favorite parts of design. However, you must be cautious. It is important to make sure that the flow is cohesive & sound throughout the home. Proportions are key to making sure your lights are not only beautiful in the space but also have function and purpose. A simple way to choose the width of your light fixture is to start by measuring the length (in feet) and the width (in feet) of the room. Adding these together will give you the number to stay near for your light (in inches). Example: If the room is 10ft x10ft we can aim to pick a 20 inch fixture!
Foyer: Alabaster light, patterned wood floors, bold black door, mixed with antique furniture.
Thoughtful design always elevates the aesthetic of your home and can shape the way you feel. Don’t be scared to take risks & make your house uniquely yours! Sentimental items bring character and charm to any home!
Provided by Granite Outlet Designs