Tag: hardware

Simple Home Improvements that Make a Big Difference

Posted on by Nicole White in Home Design

Every winter, as I spend more time in my home, I start dreaming of the home improvements I want to make. Often, this has less to do with the function and flow of the space and more to do with changing up the design. In other words – it’s my yearly sign that I officially have cabin fever and am ready to spruce things up.  

Fortunately, not all improvements need to be costly and time-consuming. There are several things you can do in a day or two that will transform your living space for a refreshing change of pace. 

Here are 6 simple home improvements that make a big difference:

Select a New Color Scheme

A new coat of paint is one of the easiest ways to make a dramatic change in any room. You can opt to paint all four walls, create an accent wall, or paint some furniture. If you’ve been growing tired of the color scheme in your home, check out these 2021 paint colors for inspiration for your next home project. 

Update Your Trim

Painting window and door trim is a quick way to refresh a room. White trim has been a popular option for years, as it brightens the space and matches neutral color schemes. For a bold look, black trim creates a stark contrast to white walls. Other options include creating a monochrome look, by painting the trim the same color as the walls. And there’s always natural wood trim, which will never go out of style. 

Install New Lighting Fixtures

Lighting fixtures are the equivalent to jewelry for your home. No matter what your style is – modern, minimalist, eccentric, rustic, or traditional – there are lighting fixtures that complement your design. You can find fixtures to match any budget, and take on the installation as a DIY project to instantly transform your home. 

Switch Up Hardware

Much like lighting, if you have outdated hardware, it will make the entire room look outdated. From doorknobs to faucets to cabinet pulls, switching out hardware can revitalize your interior design. While changing out the hardware can be a bit more time consuming than a couple of light fixtures, it’s another project you can tackle yourself. 

Add Some Green

Gray days of winter are lacking the vibrancy of spring and summer. Add a bit of nature to your home with indoor plants. Not only will you get a pop of color, but you’ll get the benefits of indoor plants, which can help reduce stress, sharpen your attention, boost your productivity, and improve the quality of indoor air. 

Purge and Organize

This is something that everyone can do, and while you may cringe at the thought of reorganizing, it feels (and looks!) so good when you do! Get rid of items you no longer need, and organize the rest room by room. If a home organization really isn’t your thing, you can hire an organizer to help with the pantry, closets, basement, and more. 

How do you plan to give your home a refresh this year? Let me know in the comments!

kitchen features

Nicole’s Favorite Kitchen Features

Posted on by Nicole White in Kitchen

Who doesn’t love a stunning kitchen? From morning coffee to after-dinner cleanup, we often catch up on the day’s happenings while in the kitchen. Not to mention it’s where we cook, clean, and enjoy meals.

There’s so much that goes into designing a kitchen because beyond aesthetics, it needs to be fully functional. Keep reading for some of my favorite features in the kitchen!

Open Flow

open floor plan

Open floor plans continue to be the most sought-after setup for the main living areas. Being able to see and hear what is going on in the living and dining rooms from the kitchen makes the space feel intimate, without being crammed into one room.  An open floor plan is ideal for gatherings with family and friends. 

An open workflow in the kitchen is also crucial to the functionality of the space. When designing a kitchen, consider the kitchen triangle, or the uninterrupted flow between the sink, refrigerator, and stove. Keeping these paths clear makes for a kitchen you enjoy cooking in!

Multifunctional Island

kitchen island

Kitchen islands come in all shapes and sizes, and they appear in just about every kitchen where space allows. Depending on the layout of the kitchen, the island can be utilized for prepping food, cooking, or cleaning. 

Seating options at the island make it fully multifunctional. Stools, high-back chairs, or a bench attached to the back of the island allow for places to sit or stand, creating a perfect gathering spot. Use these seats to enjoy a quick meal or catch up with loved ones over a beverage.

Pantry

pantry

A walk-in pantry in the kitchen is equivalent to a walk-in closet in the bedroom. It just makes everything better! 

We all know how many items you need to store in the kitchen. Food and small appliances, along with dinnerware and cutlery, take up a lot of space. A walk-in kitchen with shelves, drawers, and counter space keeps your must-haves organized and eliminates clutter from the kitchen. 

This week, you get to help with the pantry design at the Residences at 66 High Street. Head to Facebook or Instagram to vote on the pantry door!

Wet Bar with Wine Fridge

wet bar with wine fridge

Need I say more?

Even if you don’t use it every day, a wet bar with wine fridge is another way to keep the rest of the kitchen clear of clutter. It makes enjoying a cocktail extra convenient, whether you are hosting a gathering or saying cheers on a weekday. 

Tile, Lighting, and Hardware

tile, lighting, and hardware in the kitchen

You don’t think I’d leave tile off the list, do you? 

While these are seemingly small items, remember it’s the details that truly transform a space. A tile backsplash can add a new dimension to the kitchen, whether you opt for a pop of color or stick to a single color scheme. Fill the kitchen with different types of lighting, including natural light from windows, ambient light overhead, task lighting for cooking, and accent lighting to draw attention to a focal point. Finally, switch up the hardware on cabinets, faucets, and fixtures to achieve the look you love!

I’d love to know – what are YOUR favorite features in the kitchen?