Done well, home designing is alchemy. It can change a mood, a space—even a life. That’s why we need to get it done right.
And while home designing is much about following your heart, there are also some tips—some (rather flexible) rules—that can help you design better. By this, we mean creating a space that pleases the eye but also meets your everyday needs.
In this blog post, we will walk you through a quick but comprehensive home design guide. Room planning; kitchen remodeling; living room design—we’ll cover it all!
The Foundation: Room Planning
Planning your space before you get to the decor helps make sure your interior is both practical and beautiful. This is often the thing we spend the most time perfecting as we design luxury homes in Arizona.
Start with a blank canvas
It can be difficult perceiving your room in a way different from how you’ve been using it for years. But really thinking of it as a “blank canvas” is the only way you can see what truly works for you. Visualize your room using a floor-planner software, or do things the traditional way on paper. Be sure to plot out the windows and doors as well as plug sockets.
Keep function in mind
Before you start introducing furniture, think about all the activities you need to accommodate in the room—entertaining, lounging, working, sleeping, etc. Once you have this sorted out, you can then decide how to add everything you need into the space you have.
Consider Focal Points
It’s worth thinking about what the focal point in your room will be. This can be anything—a fireplace, a window with a good view, a set of patio doors. Larger rooms can have more than one focal point. While always facing your furniture towards the focal point is more of a myth, we recommend this step because knowing the center of attention can help you work the overall layout around it and show your home’s best assets.
Place Larger Items First
As you start placing furniture, make sure to place larger items first. For example, beds, sofas, and dining tables. Play around with their positions and once you find the right fit, you can add on smaller items.
Think About Empty Space
If you have big gaps or empty corners, think about ways to fill them. For example, a plant or some extra storage can work well if you’re aiming for modern home decor. That said, it’s not important to fill every inch of space. There should also be some negative space which allows existing items to shine.
Consider Traffic Flow
Make sure there are clear pathways between rooms. Having to negotiate obstacles as you move around your space can be really frustrating.
Give a Good First Impression
The impression of a room created when you first walk through the doorway makes a world of difference. Arrange decor items so that you get a good view right from the beginning
Home Designing: A Guide to Essential Rooms
Modern Kitchen Design
What does the ideal modern kitchen look like in a luxury home? Some key features we prioritize in Scottsdale homes are:
- Sleek cabinetry. A flat panel design and handless cabinetry can create a truly contemporary kitchen ambiance.
- Smart storage. A pull-out pantry system; hidden comptartments; built-in organizers, the options are endless for kitchen storage.
- Smart appliances. Choosing energy-efficient appliances—and giving each a home—can keep your kitchen functional.
- Mixed materials. Bring together different materials in the kitchen, like wood, metal, and stone can create a dynamic aesthetic.
When remodeling your kitchen, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Choose from many kitchen island ideas (design) to upgrade your kitchen island. This adds prep space, seating, and style!
- Install a striking kitchen backsplash. We love the character these 63 backsplash ideas add.
- Add on some kitchen wall decor. Bonus points if you make it functional. Like floating shelves with displayed dishware or a chalkboard wall for grocery lists.
If you’re looking to go the extra mile… add a scullery—typically in a small vacant space near your kitchen equipped with essentials. This gives you extra room for cooking and washing dishes, keeping your primary kitchen space clean. Also, consider an outdoor kitchen if you like to enjoy your evenings outdoors. This is, in fact, an integral part of creating seamless indoor/outdoor spaces.
Modern Farmhouse Living Room Design
Now, onto the living room. The heart of a luxury home. In today’s blog post, we’d like to talk about one of our favorite types of living room designs: a farmhouse living room with a modern touch. To create one in your home, use the following elements:
- A neutral color palette. Think: shades of white, beige, and gray to set the foundation. If you like bold hues—here’s how to add a pop of color to your interior.
- Textured fabrics. These add an old-world charm that also makes the space inviting.
- Comfy and statement seating. Add oversized sofas and plush armchairs.
- Bring in some rustic and natural materials, like antique furniture.
The hallmarks of the modern farmhouse style in the living room would be a wooden coffee table, textiles with a windowpane design, brass light fixtures, and a chandelier of some sort. Often, this will be wagon wheel-shaped.
The furniture in farmhouse living rooms will generally be neutral-hued. We also love to use a mix of old and new items. Think: exposed brick and stone fireplaces paired with modern furniture.
In terms of materials, reclaimed wood is a favorite. It brings a sense of craftsmanship to farmhouse living rooms. To add contrast, metals like iron and brass—especially in the form of fixtures—do the job.
Modern Home Office Design
If you work from home, you know just how important the home office is. We love to design this space using modern office decor.
- Choose an ergonomic chair and desk.
- Use a neutral and calming base, preferably in pastel hues. Again, you can add on pops of color.
- Add greenery for a fresh environment.
If you love French country decor, you can reflect it in your office with distressed furniture and toile patterns. An antique lighting fixture; vintage accessories; dried flowers—all accessories that give you a sense of nostalgia work well in a French country office.
For art deco interior design in the office, choose a bold color palette. We love these jewel tone palettes for a luxurious home. Geometric patterns can be added through the textiles, like the rugs or drapery. We especially use high-end materials, like velvet, in art deco offices. Speaking of luxury, gold and brass accents also have their moment here! And, of course, there’s always room for a glamorous lighting fixture.
Let’s Design Your Home
We’re an interior design company based in Arizona who love to design luxury homes. If you’re looking for an expert planner—who can take up your home design project from the kitchen to the living room to the bedroom—let’s chat!