We’ve all spent more time at home in the last 10 months than ever before. Whether you or your partner have been working from home, have kids who have been in virtual school, or just finding yourself having more nights “in” than “out,” you may have discovered that your home isn’t working for you in this new normal.
The good news is that you don’t have to undergo a home renovation to create a space that’s comfortable, functional, and enjoyable to be in. Here are some of our tips for
Rethink Your Layout
You don’t have to have a big budget to update your home’s flow. It may just take adding a cozy armchair to a bedroom to create a space for rest. There’s also a chance you have existing rooms that are not needed for their original function. A formal dining room or living room can become multifunctional areas, instead.
For those who are looking to do a remodel, you might consider a more flexible layout, with spaces designated for certain activities, such as reading, relaxing, exercising, and more. While open floor plans have been a trend in recent years, they’re not conducive to quiet spaces. If your family functions better when you each have a place to retreat, an open floor plan may not be the best fit.
Consider a Designated Home Office
Remote work is likely not going away, with many companies announcing more flexible work approaches — even when the pandemic is over.
If you’ve spent too many hours on the couch with a laptop on your lap, think about how your home (no matter its size) can incorporate a more dedicated office space.
Perhaps you never used your formal living room. Take this time to add built-in bookcases and French doors that close off the room from outside distractions, so you can get more use out of a neglected space!
You might also find a nook in a hallway, or blocking out a corner of a guest bedroom. Get creative with the space you have so your family can comfortably be productive at home.
Bring the Outdoors In
If you’re interested in a more permanent change, adding a sunroom or three-season porch can help create a calming atmosphere in the home, even in inclement weather. Large windows and sliding glass doors can also invite more greenery and sunlight into your space.
If an addition is not in the cards, you can add skylights to your home or add more indoor plants to your home’s interior. Brighten up dark corners with soft lamps, or change out your overhead lighting to something more pleasing. Having a space that’s brighter can take away some of the gloom of staying inside.
Design for Comfort and Ambiance
Instead of merely incorporating the latest trends, homeowners can more heavily consider how comfortable and at-home their space makes them feel.
As you sit and look around your space, what elements of it make you feel comfortable? What elements no longer feel like “you”? Take this time to change around your home’s aesthetic, if you wish.
Whether that’s creating cozier hang-out zones, finally clearing out those closets, or replacing that impractical glass coffee table that you notice smudges on every time you pass, now is the time to make your home reflect your family’s style and needs.
Make Your Home Smarter
Make your house work for you — literally. Features such as smart thermostats, appliances, and devices can make daily life easier and more integrated.
Voice-activated technology will boost your home’s functionality, especially in places like the kitchen, giving you the hands-free ability to turn on lights and faucets, for instance.
Add a Little Luxury When Possible
Your vacation schedule has likely been altered, but how can you create a zenlike and relaxing experience in your house?
Amenities such as soaking tubs in your bathroom will continue to be popular. Even the materials you choose for your home design — from rattan to linen — can give you that retreat vibe you’re looking for.
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Rethinking your home design doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with the rooms you spend the most time in or think first about the activities your family spends the most time doing.
Then consider what you’re working with — are there unused spaces? Parts of the house that seem to attract clutter and chaos? Items that bother you every time you see them? Once you have your starting point, the solutions may fall into place.
If you’re still having trouble envisioning a more functional and comfortable home, please contact the design team at RSI today. We have decades of experience creating dream homes for our clients and can’t wait to talk with you about your needs and your vision. Schedule your design consultation or stop by one of our home design showrooms for inspiration!