Sustainability is a hot topic nowadays and everyone is finally starting to catch on to the importance of living a more eco-friendly lifestyle. When it comes to monitoring your carbon footprint, a great place to start is in the heart of your home.
Your home and your daily living can contribute more than you realise to your overall impact on the environment, and it’s important to be aware of your usage and waste. If you want to be more environmentally conscious and live a more sustainable lifestyle, then take a look at these four steps to up-eco your home.
Check Your Insulation
You might not even realize it, but poor insulation in your home could be costing you (and the planet)! If your home isn’t properly insulated, you’ll be losing precious heat in the winter months which will lead to an increase in your heating usage.
You might need to have professionals come in and check the insulation in your home and assess whether it needs to be maintained. You can even check your garage door seals to see if they need to be replaced too.
Improve Energy Efficiency
When you know your home is properly insulated, you can start considering how to make it more energy efficient overall. You can make small changes like changing your lightbulbs to energy-saver options, and installing a programmable thermostat. You could upgrade your home appliances (like washing machines and dishwashers) to more energy efficient ones too.
If you’re willing to go big, you can even install solar panels to get yourself off the electrical grid. This will be a big expense upfront, but it will save you money in the long run and it’s much kinder to the planet. Similarly, you could consider making your next car purchase electric!
Conserve Water
Most of us take our water for granted – it comes out of our faucets at will and we never really think about how much we use, or what we would do without it. However, water is a precious resource that shouldn’t be wasted. We all need to be paying closer attention to our water consumption and taking steps to reduce it.
Fortunately, there are loads of tactics you can use to help reduce your water usage at home and they don’t even need to make much of an impact on how you live your life. Start by closing the faucet when you’re brushing your teeth, and using leftover pasta water to feed your plants. Baby steps count!
Reduce Waste
Finally, if you want your home and lifestyle to be more sustainable, start paying attention to how much waste you create in your home. Consider this when grocery shopping and replacing broken items.
Try to avoid plastic where you can, and plan your grocery shopping in a way that helps you avoid wasting too much food – a meal plan is a good tool here. Utilise your leftovers (or donate them) and start recycling if you don’t already. You can even reuse old items in new ways to reduce your waste, such as old peanut butter jars to store stationary.
Depending on the type of house exterior design you have, you can drastically change the look of your home with the right paint colors. Choose from many shades of already existing colors, or get creative with a color you want that may not be listed on the can.
Interior and exterior house design comes down to selecting the right paint for the job. Read on to learn how to select the perfect paint color for your exterior home design!
Consider Your Home’s Style
Before you start browsing paint swatches, take a moment to consider your home’s architectural style. Different styles call for different color palettes.
For instance, a Victorian gothic-inspired home might benefit from classic and elegant colors. While a modern house could pull off bolder and more contemporary shades. Sticking to a color scheme that complements your home’s style ensures a harmonious and visually appealing result.
Evaluate Your Surroundings
Your home doesn’t exist in isolation; it’s part of a neighborhood and landscape. Take a look at the surrounding houses and natural elements. Choose a paint color that blends well with the environment.
If you live in a wooded area, earthy tones might be a good choice. If your neighborhood has a mix of vibrant colors, consider a more neutral hue that stands out while still fitting in.
Mind the Material
Not all exterior surfaces are created equal. Different materials, such as wood, stucco, brick, or vinyl siding, require different types of paint.
Make sure to choose a paint that’s suitable for the material of your home’s exterior. This ensures proper adhesion, longevity, and a professional finish.
Test in Various Lighting Conditions
Paint can look very different under various lighting conditions. What seems like the perfect color in the store might appear completely different under natural sunlight or artificial lighting.
To avoid any surprises, test your chosen paint colors on a small section of your home’s exterior. Observe how they look during different times of the day to make an informed decision.
Consider the Climate
The weather conditions in your area play a crucial role in the durability of your exterior paint. If you live in a region with extreme temperatures, high humidity, or frequent rain, opt for a paint that’s formulated to withstand such conditions. This will help prevent peeling, cracking, and fading, keeping your home looking fresh and well-maintained for years to come.
Consult Professionals
Home painting can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not well-versed in paint types and finishes. Enlist the expertise of professionals like Green Summit Contracting who specialize in exterior house design. They can provide valuable insights, recommend suitable paint options, and even offer you a glimpse of how your chosen colors might look through virtual tools.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Paint for Exterior House Design
The right paint for exterior house design is an important decision. It should be a choice you can be proud of and that will last. Be sure to do the proper research and consult a professional if needed to ensure a quality finish.
So don’t wait – contact a local professional today and get started on finding the best paint for your exterior design project!
Was this helpful? If so, please keep browsing our blog for more handy home improvement tips.
Would you like to design a residential space that matches your needs and preferences?
Whether you’re moving into a new home or re-designing your present abode, you need to know your options. As you plan your future home, you may consider a variety of home architecture styles.
From modern to classic designs, there’s plenty of variety on the market. Each home style serves the needs of a variety of families, so you need to do your research thoroughly.
To help you out, we’ve outlined some of the most common home architecture styles below. Let’s dive in.
Art Deco
Art Deco architecture is a style of home architecture that was popular in the 1930s. It features bold, geometric shapes, such as zigzags and chevrons, as well as bright colors and high ceilings. It also includes intricate metalwork on doors and windows.
Modern Art Deco home architecture often includes features like modern tubular steel construction. Art Deco homes often use bright, reflective glass and chrome accents for a more dramatic effect and increased curb appeal.
Asian
In Asian countries, there is a wide range of home architecture styles to choose from. Each county has its style of home architecture with its unique features and characteristics.
In Japan, traditional homes often feature tatami mats. They have intricately painted sliding doors called fusuma. And it also features paper-thin walls called shoji.
In India, typical house styles include the Kerala-style nalukettu, which has traditional courtyards. There is also the Bengal-style muktanasthana. This type of Indian-style architecture includes large open spaces for lavish entertaining.
In China, the hutongsa traditional lane-style of houses is still popular. It features arched doorways, tiled roofs, courtyards, and gardens that connect the houses.
Craftsman
Craftsman is a home design characterized by a balance between functionalism and ornamentation. The homes have clean lines and use natural materials, such as wood and stone. Furthermore, these homes emphasize comfort and warmth through natural lighting and ventilation.
They feature extensive use of exposed beams, columns, and rafters, as well as built-in cabinets and shelving. They also feature large porches that wrap around the house, providing shade and a place to relax. So if this type of design appeals to you, you are gonna need to work with people like thisconstruction company to achieve its style.
Contemporary
Contemporary homes combine clean lines, expansive windows, and simplistic, efficient designs. A contemporary design often features an open home floor plan which promotes airiness and increased light flow. These homes often use smooth surfaces, such as glass and metal, to achieve an air of modernity and sophistication.
Mediterranean
The Mediterranean architectural style features a white stucco exterior and a red-hued tile roof. It has been popular for centuries in the Mediterranean Sea, Italy, Spain, and the Southwestern United States.
The style features bright, open floor plans, courtyards, patios, gardens, and arches. The interior design includes high ceilings, wood or tile floors, and arched doorways. Also common in this design are large windows allowing a great amount of natural light to enter the building.
Modern
Modern home architecture is often sleek and airy. It utilizes advanced technologies like solar power and green insulation. Modern homes often feature floor-to-ceiling glass walls and surfaces. This maximizes the use of natural light and reduces energy costs.
Natural elements like stone, wood, metal, and glass elements can be mixed for unique, beautiful results. Unique materials and shapes can also be used to create modern focal points.
Plantation
Plantation architecture refers to a style of home that was popularized in the 19th century in the Southern United States. It features column-adorned wraparound porches and tall ceilings with elaborate moldings. They are reminiscent of the grand estate homes of the French and Spanish colonists in the South.
Plantation homes are usually built on large properties. They incorporate the land’s landscaping and foliage into the design of the home. These homes were built to be durable and inviting.
Prairie
Prairie architecture is a style that draws inspiration from the natural beauty of the American Midwest region. It was first popularized in the early 20th century by influential architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright.
Prairie homes are typically two stories. They have steeply pitched roof lines, broad overhangs, and expansive windows to create an open, airy feel. Many of them feature an open floor plan, with public areas like the living room, dining room, and kitchen flowing smoothly into one another.
The façade will be brick or masonry and accented with large square columns for lavish detailing. The most distinguishing feature of Prairie architecture is its emphasis on horizontal lines. The overall effect is majestic and timeless.
Townhouse
Generally considered to be a type of row house, townhouses are often stacked in groups of two to four stories and have a multi-level roof. Typically there are rooms on every level, with a full or half bath and kitchen either on the first floor or basement level.
This design gives townhouses a unique and compact feel. So they are ideal for busy professionals and families living in crowded urban areas.
Victorian
Victorian home architecture is well-known for its grand and ornate architecture. It often features unique elements such as steeply pitched roofs and heavy, ornate front and back porches.
These homes are often constructed of brick or wood and painted in either bright or muted colors. They typically feature expansive bay or bow windows, tall ceilings, and a variety of decorative elements. This decoration can come in the form of columns, wreaths, and dentil molding.
Other features may include columns or pilasters with capitals, arched entrance ways, and ironwork. Inside, these homes often boast carved moldings, hardwood floors, and ornate fireplace mantels.
Home Architecture Styles and Designs Fit for Your Needs
Home architecture is a reflection of the cultures, styles, and materials used in different regions and eras. That’s why each type of home architecture boasts its unique attributes.
So if you’re starting to build a home, you should explore the different types of home architecture. This will help you select a style and shape that best suits your needs. Discovering the characteristics of each type of architecture is the first step in finding your family’s dream home!
For more articles, check out the rest of our site.
When you want a stylish and functional home, it might feel like an impossible task. If it’s stylish, it can’t be functional, and functional doesn’t usually equal style. That’s how it might seem, but in reality, you can use many tips and tricks to make your home both beautiful and usable. Read on to find out more.
Assess Your Space
The first thing you should do if you want to make any changes to your home, no matter what they might be or what the intention is behind them, is to assess your space. How much room do you have, and how much do you need? What furniture and other decorative items do you want to keep, and which ones do you want to remove (perhaps by selling or donating them if they are in good enough condition)? Once you know this and understand what is left behind after decluttering and rearranging, you’ll have the best – possibly blank – canvas to start working on.
At this point, it’s important to choose your style, which is crucial if you’re going to enjoy the place you’re living in. Is your home a cosy cottage or a contemporary classic? Turning to Pinterest is a great place to start, but if you are looking to learn from the experts, you could view the websites of Mayfair interior designers to give you some advice and guide you in the right direction when it comes to combining style and functionality. With their help, you can create a space that does everything you want it to and that also reflects your style.
Find Good Storage Solutions
If you want your home to be beautiful but also help you go about your daily life, storage solutions are vital. The good news is that you no longer have to add ugly-looking cupboards, cabinets, and shelving to your home because modern storage ideas can be lovely to look at. Think about your overall design for your home and find storage solutions that will work with that. If you have a retro look, look for retro storage. A modern look needs modern storage.
If space is limited, then adding larger storage units to your home may not work. In this case, smaller ideas, like baskets (particularly those that can be kept on stairs), are great, and so are coffee tables, ottomans, and even chairs that have hidden storage in them. Since you will be using these items anyway, it makes sense for them to do double duty and help you to keep your home functional and stylish at the same time.
Create Zones
It’s not always possible to remove things from your home. If you need them or like them, they should stay, and decluttering just to make space won’t be a good idea if you have to purchase new items to make up for the ones you have disposed of. So what can you do?
One option is to create zones in your home. This will help to keep the right things in the right places, and even if you still have a lot of those things, they can be stored more neatly in their own zones. As an added benefit, you can also be sure you’ll always be able to find what you need when you have zones in your home.
When you consider your home’s exterior, you want something beautiful and durable. One of the most important aspects of your exterior is your roof. Your roof protects you and your family from the weather, heat, and the occasional hail storm.
If you’re considering a new roof for your home, metal roofing is a great choice. Metal roofs have come a long way from their rusty and clunky predecessors. They’re sleek, visually appealing, and long-lasting.
Metal roofs come with a lot of advantages, but also some disadvantages. If you’re on the fence, we can help make your decision easier.
Read on to learn all about the pros and cons of metal roofing.
Pro: Affordable Longevity
Metal roofs can last up to 50 years or longer, making them longer lasting than any other type of roof. Most warranties last 20 to 30 years, ensuring that homeowners can enjoy their roofs without worry.
Not to mention, a metal roof is energy efficient, helping homeowners save money on energy bills. Metal roofing eliminates the need for shingles, which prevents roofing materials from entering landfills. All in all, the pros of metal roofing make it a valuable investment for its low cost and longevity.
Pro: Unbeatable Strength
It offers unbeatable strength for both residential homes and commercial buildings. This material is not as easily affected by extreme weather conditions as other roofing materials and is highly resistant to damage caused by wind, rain, and hail.
Metal roofing also offers superior fire safety. It will not burn or spark, and the reflective properties of metal help reflect the heat that has penetrated the roof. Metal roofing is resistant to mold and mildew growth, so it requires virtually no maintenance.
Pro: Eco-Friendly Durability
It is often made from recycled materials, such as aluminum or steel, and can be installed with minimal disruption to the land and ecosystems nearby. This new roof helps reduce energy and resource usage required during the installation process. Metal roofs also provide superior resistance to weather elements and UV rays, including strong winds, snow, and hail.
Con: Corrosion Susceptibility
One of the most notable drawbacks to metal roofs is their susceptibility to corrosion. This can cause the metal to deteriorate over time, leading to rust damage and other problems.
Over time, corrosion can cause the metal to become discolored, as well as corrode and become weak, leading to potential structural problems. Corrosion can also occur in areas exposed to extreme weather conditions, such as areas with a lot of rain and coastal areas.
Con: Installation Challenges
Metal roofing can be difficult and time-consuming to install. It often requires the assistance of professional metal roofers and can be more expensive than other roofing materials. This can make the installation process a drawn-out and costly experience.
Also, the risk of leaks and other installation errors is higher than with other roofing materials. It is recommended to hire such a service related to this process. Check out https://www.terminusconstructiongroup.com for more info on professional services.
Exploring Your Options With Metal Roofing
In conclusion, metal roofing is an excellent choice for those looking for a durable, cost-effective option for their home. Aside from being more expensive than other alternatives, this type of roofing is a durable and visually appealing option that can last for decades. If you’re looking for a long-term solution for your roofing needs, consider metal roofing for your home.
With the condition of our planet being as well documented as it is, there is no excuse for leading wasteful and irresponsible lives. Global warming has, is, and will continue to have a devastating impact on communities around the world.
This isn’t the first time humanity has needed to drastically change the way we live so we can protect our planet; this is a burning issue that we’ve known about for decades. As the climate changes and the effects get felt in some of the poorest countries, more and more people are starting to realize that a change needs to happen – for the good of everyone on Earth.
What we drive, buy, consume, and use all contribute to our carbon footprint, and we drastically need to reduce that. Follow these seven tips below to reduce yours from today:
1. Know Your Usage
Do an energy audit of your home because that is the only way to get an accurate insight into how you use or waste energy. After digging deeper into your usage, you will be better informed on how to be more energy efficient.
Common areas that need addressing include the following – changing incandescent light bulbs, switching lights off when they are not in use, and taking shorter showers. Many people are guilty of the same patterns when wasting energy.
2. Insulation Is Paramount
Insulation dramatically decreases the amount of heat lost through roofs, walls, and flooring – meaning far less energy is required to heat your home. Properly installed insulation reduces and frequently removes the reliance on electricity and gas power at home.
Once your reliance on energy gets reduced, your carbon footprint automatically reduces too. Installing decent insulation can reduce your home’s carbon footprint by over 30% – not to mention the savings you’ll enjoy on monthly heating and cooling costs.
3. Choose Native Landscaping
Gardeners unwittingly contribute to the problem of climate change in multiple ways, one of the most significant being the decision to plant trees and bushes that are not native to that area.
Landscaping your yard with native trees, flowers, bushes, and shrubs virtually eliminates added sources of emissions and reduces air and water pollution at the same time. Create the perfect garden for birds and insects in your area and enhance your home’s curb appeal by going native with your plant selection.
The landscape’s native plants require less water and no chemical pesticides or fertilizers – only homemade compost occasionally.
4. Go Solar
Solar power produces no emissions during the generation process, making it one of the most eco-friendly energy sources ever invented. Multiple assessments and studies have proven that solar power significantly reduces the carbon footprint in a household.
Before you get solar fitted in your home, jot down any questions to ask a solar installer to put your mind at ease. Some of the most common issues and concerns have probably been addressed in the past, so trust in their knowledge and experience to guide you along your journey.
5. High-Efficiency Appliances
Apart from the more obvious ways to reduce your carbon footprint at home such as turning your water heater down and taking shorter showers with a low-flow showerhead, there are other clever ways to reduce your energy consumption.
Once solar power has been installed in your home, you will find that you need to make a few necessary lifestyle adjustments, and investing in high-efficiency appliances can help in the long run.
One of the biggest advantages to investing in high-efficiency household appliances is being able to do the same or more, with less. High-efficiency washers use up to two-thirds less water per wash when compared to older models – and they use less energy since there is less water being used.
6. Wash In Cold Water
Almost 90% of the energy used during the average washing cycle of your machine goes towards heating the water. Using cold water to wash your clothing eliminates the need for that extra energy.
Studies have shown that washing in cold water is better for your clothing as well – resulting in happier clothes and a happier planet. You can drastically decrease your carbon footprint simply by making the switch to washing in cool water.
7. Install A Smart Thermostat
Thermostats are used by certain appliances such as water heaters to regulate the cooling and heating of said appliances. Smart thermostats take that one step further by using algorithms and specialized sensors to boost energy efficiency.
That makes them a smart and simple way to lower your energy consumption and reduce your footprint simultaneously.
Many people remain unaware of an option open to them when they choose to build a home. However, the barndominium is an excellent choice for a variety of reasons. Don’t let the nickname barndo fool you or the fact that this housing option was created to allow caretakers to stay close to their animals. Today, it serves as the perfect solution for many people wishing to buy a home and design it the way they want.
The Benefits of a Bardominium
The Barndominium works for a range of housing styles, including vacation rentals and luxury homes. What makes this the perfect residence in upscale rural areas known for their vineyards and expansive ranches? Why would a person wish to invest in a residence that is unlike anything they are familiar with in terms of the building methods used? These serve as only a few of the countless questions a person may have before deciding if this option is right for their needs.
Customization
When a person chooses to construct a barndo, they find they have countless options available to them. The building often comes as nothing more than a shell with basic framing on the interior. As a result, the owner finds they can finish the interior however they desire. One person might want an open floor plan that allows the interior to be wide open other than bedrooms and bathrooms. Another individual may choose to have separate areas for each part of their daily life. It’s all a matter of what the owner wants and needs when it comes to the residence, as no two families are alike.
Furthermore, companies now offer a do-it-yourself option that every potential buyer should consider. The construction team handles the basic tasks. They construct the metal shell, hook up the utilities, and handle tasks such as putting up the drywall. Once this work is complete, they turn the home over to the new owner. This individual then handles all of the remaining details, such as choosing the flooring and fixtures before having them installed. This ensures the home meets the owner’s needs and wishes in every way.
Construction
People find they must wait months to have their new residence inhabitable when they choose to build from the ground up using conventional building methods. That isn’t the case when a person opts for a barndominium. Experienced crews can have the metal shell construction up in a fraction of the time. The homeowner can then take as long as they want or need to complete the interior of the residence. Doing so ensures the home is everything the owner dreamed of when starting the project and remains within their budget at the same time. They finish the home as money allows to ensure they get the perfect residence in every way.
Durability
The metal used to create a barndo ensures the residence will last for decades. In fact, these materials come with a longer lifespan than conventional building materials. Homeowners know they are making an investment in the future that will provide a nice return on investment in the coming years.
Flexibility
One reason people love barndos is the structure can be used as a home or combine elements of both a workplace and living space. It’s all a matter of what the individual wants and needs from their residence. As more people work from home today than ever before, it’s no wonder they are taking a second look at the barndominium option.
Furthermore, potential buyers find they can create a home that allows them to enjoy both indoor and outdoor living. They select those features that will be of most benefit to them. For example, one person might wish to have a rollup door on their residence to accommodate their classic car collection. Another buyer could select oversized windows throughout the home to enjoy the beauty of the landscape even when they must stay indoors.
Creating the Perfect Residence
When designing a barndominium, individuals find they have flexibility. While certain rooms must be situated a particular way to accommodate utilities, the majority of the interior layout can be customized to meet the needs of the owner. Experts recommend planning the home around the way each room will be used.
Once the square footage of the barndominium has been decided, it’s time to begin planning the interior. Many barndos feature a main living area with a loft area above this space. To ensure the home feels open and welcoming, many individuals opt for large windows and a wraparound deck. However, these serve as only two of the countless ways the barndo can be designed for the specific individual or family who will live there.
Finishing the Barndominium
When the time comes to finish the interior of the residence, experts offer some advice that will benefit any new homeowner. They explain that color serves as the best way to make the house a home. When the residence contains a large, open space, add a colorful stripe that extends around the perimeter of the room. Doing so provides the area with an intimate feel. Countless individuals opt for an accent wall, as this helps provide the large open space with a focal point, and homeowners should consider making the ceiling the accent wall.
Large furnishings serve as the perfect pieces for barndominiums. These furnishings include oversized chairs and sectionals, among other things. When placing the furniture, group pieces together to distinguish different living spaces. Many people tend to arrange their furniture in a way that leaves the residence looking like a furniture store. Using this technique that can be avoided.
Allow the furnishings to tie the different areas of the home together. A single color palette across the different spaces serves as a great way to accomplish this goal. If you are concerned about becoming bored with this color, choose a neutral palette. By doing so, you can change up the look of the space simply by changing accessories in the different rooms. Add some new throw pillows or choose lamps in a different color to achieve this goal.
Area rugs serve as another great way to separatedifferent living spaces in an open concept home. The rugs help to define the different areas and separate them. Again, try to keep the rugs in the same color palette for a look others will envy.
Barndominiums serve as a great option for individuals looking to build a home. Speak to a builder today to learn whether this option meets your needs. Many people find it is exactly what they want for their new residence, as these structures have so much to offer.
When a person is about to renovate a home, build a new home, or just redecorate the home they are living in or just purchased, the question often comes up about hiring an architect or an interior designer. In some cases an architect is the right choice, in others, an interior designer is the best one to hire, and in other cases, the homeowner or commercial building owner should hire both. It is important when taking on a large renovation or building project to hire the right team of professionals.
What Does An Interior Designer Do?
An interior designer will have a college degree in interior design where they studied space planning, interior materials, rendering designs and making floor plans, and every aspect of interior design. Where an architect designs the building or home structure and details, the interior designer works with the interior spaces of a building once it is constructed. Interior designers can work with a home builder, an architectural office, or residential and commercial design companies. They can also work for retail home decorating stores or building supply centers. There are interior designers who work independently or have their own interior design companies.
Interior designers can work for design supply companies that people call for carpeting services, interior finishes, and design services. These companies can sell flooring, cabinetry, countertops, window coverings, wall coverings, and more. When a company like this offers design center services, customers get better service and results.
· Designers will meet with clients to learn their needs for the space and then create floor plans and renderings of designs for the interior space that create function and beauty.
· Designers will also cost out the design plan for clients and submit a bid for the materials and labor.
· Once the client approves the design, materials, and cost of the project, the designer will oversee the work of creating the finished design.
· A designer can create a space by creative use of paint, fabrics, and furnishings. Other jobs require building renovation or alterations that require a builder or construction contractor to be hired and supervised by the designer before the finishes are installed.
· Designers must create an interior space that is functional, beautiful and meets all building codes for safety.
· Interior designers must have both aesthetic design skills and the ability to plan the best use of any space.
· Designers must have training and knowledge of architecture, construction, design, sustainability, building codes, and environmentally friendly practices.
What Does an Architect Do?
Architects handle large building projects from the ground up from planning through construction and finishes. They have trained in college for engineering, design theory, and project management. They are trained to design a project, create blueprints and mechanical drawings, cost out the project, solicit bids, manage the building project, choose the contractors, subcontractors, and other professionals, oversee the work, control the money, and solve complex building design problems.
An architect’s services come at a cost and the more involved with a project you want them, the more the cost will be. But the cost is worth it when a building is built correctly and is functional and beautiful. The larger the building project, the more important it is to hire a good architect. An architect can visualize building ideas three-dimensionally. This is important in creating a building that is aesthetically balanced and attractive as well as structurally sound and functional.
Look for the initials AIA after the architect’s name because this means they belong to the American Institute of Architects. This professional organization requires its members to meet high professional standards. Each state has a process for licensing architects who meet their professional standards.
When Should You Hire an Architect or an Interior Designer, or Both?
A residing factor in hiring an architect is the size of the job. If you are building a new home, you need an architect. If you are doing a large renovation that includes removing walls, impacting the footprint of the house with an addition, changing the height or grade of the home, you need an architect. If you are moving staircases or installing a new kitchen or bath, you may need an architect.
An architect is mainly needed for the big structural changes and the exterior or shell of the building. They basically design and build the structure of a building. The interior designer can work with an architect in choosing building features such as windows, doors, finishes. But, their main responsibility is with the interior of the building once it is constructed. They add the finishing touches and the aesthetics.
If you are working with an existing structure and need interior design help, then you need an interior designer. When an existing structure needs a professional to choose and place finishes, floor covering, artwork, furniture, window treatments, and accessories to make the space functional, safe, and attractive, an interior designer is needed.
Then, there are large building and renovation projects of both residential and commercial buildings that will benefit from hiring both an architect for the structural design and concerns and an interior designer for the interior decoration and finishes. Since interior designers and architects have different skill sets, they often work together from the beginning of a large project.
Hiring both professionals does not mean twice the cost. A well-planned project will have a division of responsibilities for the architect and the interior designer. When the project is complete and the building owner has the aesthetics and functionality of both the building structure and the interiors they want, the cost of hiring these professionals will be well worth the investment.
It is important to hire the correct professionals for the job size and complexity. If the home needs an interior designer but does not involve structural changes, then pass on the architect. But when structural changes are being planned, don’t hesitate to consult an architect.
Even if you’re fortunate enough to have been unaffected by the pandemic, there’s no denying its impact on our daily lives. It changes the way we go about and walk outside, and how we interact with others. When businesses close, our options for leisure activities are limited.
The implications of communicable diseases have made people turn indoors more than ever. Employers have allowed us to work from home. Schools are exploring online learning as an alternative or supplement to the classroom. And whatever you need, from groceries and gadgets to disinfectant and kitchen appliances, you can buy online.
Many of these changes in our behavior can prove to be here for the long term. And with this lifestyle shift, an indoor design change will be helpful. Here’s how we can rethink our living spaces.
Design shifts through history
It’s a designer’s job to craft specific user experiences. Product designers will try to make things simple and functional so that you don’t need a manual, or refer to one as little as possible. Layout designers subtly guide your eye through the pages of a book or website, presenting information in the right hierarchy of importance.
The nature of design implies that it’s intimately connected to user behavior. Trends don’t just come and go on the collective whims of designers; they are tied to shifts in the values and perceptions of the people over time.
History has shown that during times of economic downturn, consumer behaviors will change. Andin response, design adapts. The Great Depression saw a refinement of the Art Deco aesthetic into Streamline Moderne styles. Designers moved away from excess and began to emphasize practicality and affordability,
In a similar manner, the recent recession of 2008 had a strong influence on the design world. Even as it became clear to the millennial generation that job prospects were bleak and lifestyles less affordable than before, design shifted to accommodate their needs. Shabby chic and the DIY ethos were two closely related trends that blossomed as an outcome of these tough economic times.
Trends after a recession
We’re little more than a decade removed from that last recession. And the aesthetic trends it helped spawn are still flourishing. Thus, with the pandemic having triggered another recession, it’s reasonable to expect that design will continue to evolve along those same lines.
Due to financial difficulties, both on the consumer side and within the design industry itself, people value the DIY approach as a low-cost way of making things look good. Blemishes and flaws speak to authenticity, frugality, and sustainability.
We can expect the trend of overall minimalism to continue as people move away from consumerism. Spending more time at home, you’ll inevitably learn more about what you can and can’t live without. As people lose jobs and overseas manufacturing returns onshore, we’ll want to support locally made products more than ever.
Sustainability also ties into the need for naturethat many people feel during a time of lockdowns and social distancing. We’ll continue to bring plants and natural materials into our homes as they become office spaces. They help us to deal with stress; growing herbs or vegetables in an indoor garden can also prove attractive for cost-saving reasons.
Your response to the pandemic
You can adjust to the pandemic in terms of health measures. This can be as simple as placing hand disinfectant in every room, or it can involve extensive improvements to your ventilation. HEPA filters, and HVAC systems that use less recirculated air, can reduce the presence of disease-spreading particles in the air.
More practically, you might want to adapt your home for improved functionality. We’re missing a lot of things due to the impact of the pandemic. A kitchen upgrade, for one, can help offset the closure of local restaurants by elevating the home cooking and dining experience. Multi-functional spaces within the home can also help to address those lost comforts.
For instance, if you haven’t been able to hit the gym lately, rolling out a yoga mat in your room might not yield the desired experience. Try bringing more dedicated fitness equipment into one of your existing spaces. You could even combine it with your home office, as the ability to hold video calls can also connect you to fellow fitness enthusiasts and online trainers.
Ultimately, design trends reflect the needs of a wide swath of the population and how designers respond to those voices. But when it comes to how you live and go about redesigning your home, you have the final word on such matters. No one else is more keenly attuned to your needs.
Design elements add some style and personality to your space – whether you’ve just moved into a new house, or you’ve been living there for a while and are thinking about updating a few areas, it’s worth doing a bit of research before you commit to any changes. Following trends in DIY and interiors can seem like a good idea at the time but could leave you with dated furnishings and wall colors that soon lose their appeal. Don’t worry, though; we’ve got five ideas for classic design elements to add to your home that will stand the test of time.
#1 Bare Floors
While carpets add a certain amount of warmth and comfort to your home, bare floors are the way to go for great design. Not only are they easier to clean and maintain, but they’ll also work with any future interior changes you might make. There is a vast range of options for installing bare floors in your home, from reclaimed floorboards for the eco-lover to engineered wood flooring in shades of oak, beech, and ash.
#2 Statement Windows
When you’re updating your home, it’s easy to think about the inside and neglect any outdoor spaces – but the exterior is the first thing you see, so it’s worth paying attention to things like windows, doors and the garden. Classic windows are a great element to add to your home, and switching uPVC for timber windows is always a good idea. Not only are they more aesthetically pleasing, but they also won’t date or age like the plastic alternatives. Experienced timber window manufacturers will be able to create bespoke designs which fit in perfectly with the style of your house, and you’ll also have various color options as well.
#3 Plenty Of Greenery
Plants and greenery are hands down the best accessory for any home for lots of reasons: they have a wonderful visual impact, and they also help to purify the air and increase the humidity of a room. If you’re not the green-fingered type, don’t worry! There are plenty of plants that are really easy to keep alive with minimal effort; spider plants, ivy, and sansevieria plants just need regular watering once a week or so, while larger plants such as monsteras are also pretty hardy for beginners.
#4 Beautiful Furniture
When you’re choosing furniture, it can be tempting to look for quirky or brightly-colored pieces – especially if you’re aiming to make a statement in a room. This can end up being a costly mistake, however, as any future interior changes could mean your furniture no longer works in your home. So, when you shop for anything large, such as sofas or tables, opt instead for classic designs. Wooden furniture in shades of oak, ash or even whitewash will all stand the test of time, and anything with a mid-century modern feel to it will adapt to any changes you might make at a later date – look for tapered legs, clean lines and gentle curves to get it right.
#5 Effective Storage
Effective storage not only needs to hold anything you want to keep out of sight; it also needs to work well with the style of your home. If possible, opt to have bespoke storage manufactured to fit into existing alcoves and along the entire length of any walls. The most successful storage is the type that you don’t notice! If you’re on more of a budget, try to fit ready-made furniture into your home. The key is to make sure it blends into the background; look for anything with minimal detailing and try to match it to the color of your walls. If this isn’t possible, try to make a feature out of storage – vintage sideboards are now collector’s itemsand can add real aesthetic value to your home, while accessories such as lidded wicker baskets are great for keeping those smaller items hidden.
I hope you find these 5 great design elements for your home inspiring. Which one is your favourite?
