Join the mailing list

    Tag: natural lighting

    How to Design an Open-Concept Space

    Interiors by louise

    A question I get on my family room is how I designed and decorated the space given the open floor concept.  One of the first things I did when we were designing our home was to figure out functionality of each of the rooms. I knew that we would prefer a more open concept for our family room, dining, and kitchen space given that we cook a lot and spend time the most in those areas and entertaining. It was important to create a space that was symmetrical with lots of natural lighting, while being functional and comfortable. Here are a few tips that I kept in mind when designing the family room and could be helpful to you too. 

    Furniture Layout Leverage Pinterest or other social media platforms for inspiration and then use Canva or a similar platform to design the layout for your family room. I had a few different design layouts for our furniture placement. One of the decisive factor on layout had to do with the huge sliding doors we have that gives a view of our backyard. Another decision point was figuring out how best to transition from our kitchen/dining room to our family room since it is one long big room. Eventually, I settled on a sectional furniture because I wanted to maximize the beautiful view we have of our patio and backyard without having to pick two couches that could block the view altogether. Adding two chairs, two ottomans, a foyer table and a few decorative pieces to the mix completed the space.  

    Invest in Quality or Comfortable Furniture Invest in furniture that is comfortable and good quality. I knew we will get a lot of use out of our sectional and I wanted a piece large enough to accommodate our family but also to entertain. If price is an issue, then find a piece that is comfortable and make sure you do your homework on how well it does with wear and tear.  Based on the paint color of our walls, I chose neutral and solid colored furniture pieces. Settling for custom fabrics for the furniture, the chairs, and the ottoman, I am now able to add patterns and other solid throw pillows in the mix each season and still retain the classic look I was aiming for.  The swivel chairs are one of the pieces I love the most, and they have a deeper blue/grey undertone while our ottoman has a more earthy brown color which ties in with our white oak wood floors and the coffee table. 

    Mixing Material Elements Mixing material elements is a simple way to create a mood in your home, whether it’s seasonal or just creating an all-year atmosphere to the space. Layering rustic or glazed ceramics and textured details creates an inviting cozy feel. Decorative pieces is a great way to infuse personality and if you have shelving like we do, then organic, earthy glazes and shapes can play nicely with some of the larger-scale pieces on shelves. Texture, warmth, and calming palette can all be intermingled into your design. Adding pillow details or something colorful can add a unique charm to the lounging area. 

    The Lighting Lighting is a crucial aspect of interior designing. Natural lighting is always ideal, but not always possible. To brighten a family room with a soft look, consider adding a floor lamp to a larger area or a table lamp to create ambience. I have loved our Visual Comfort Chandelier in our home because it is aesthetically pleasing on the eye, in addition to our  Target lamps which has been integrated into this space. 

    Photography credit: @angiegarciaphoto

    xo,
    Louise

    Designing Your Dream Home Office

    Interiors by Site Manager

    Working from home has become the norm for many individuals, making it essential to have a home office that is both comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. The interior design of your home office plays a significant role in boosting productivity and creating a space that feels welcoming and inspiring. In this blog post, we will discuss how to interior design a home office with beautiful decor, home design, and interior design.

    • Choose the Right Color Scheme The first step in interior designing a home office is to choose the right color scheme. The color scheme should complement your personality, work style, and preferences. For instance, blue is known to boost productivity and focus, while green promotes calmness and relaxation. Additionally, lighter colors such as white and cream can make your office space feel more spacious and airy. I chose a pink ginger back wall color that complements the cream wall tones of the surrounding walls. It is a warm color and I love it. It’s essential to choose a color scheme that suits your work style and personality, as it can have a significant impact on your productivity.

    • Invest in Quality or Comfortable Furniture Furniture is an essential component of interior designing a home office. Invest in quality furniture that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. A comfortable chair with proper lumbar support is crucial to help prevent back pain and reduce stress levels. Additionally, invest in a desk that is the right size and height for your needs. The right furniture can significantly enhance your productivity and help create a space that is comfortable and welcoming. My office desk is from CB2 and my chairs from Target.

    • Add Decorative Touches Adding decorative touches to your home office is a great way to infuse personality and warmth into the space. Decorative touches such as artwork, plants, or motivational quotes can help create a welcoming and inspiring atmosphere. You can also incorporate personal touches such as family photos or souvenirs to make the space feel more personal and inviting. The right decorative touches can create a space that is both functional and beautiful. I kept my home office minimal of decorative touches. My back wall felt like an art piece in itself and the opposite wall has a piece of artwork. When designing my home office, I also added a storage space with a single barn door and shelving for office supplies.  Some of this shelving has family photos to make it not feel too much of a storage space.

    • Focus on Lighting Lighting is a crucial aspect of interior designing a home office. Natural lighting is always ideal, but not always possible. If your office doesn’t have access to natural light, consider investing in bright and adjustable desk lamps that provide enough light without causing eye strain. Additionally, use light colors for walls and decor items to reflect more light, making the space feel brighter and more spacious. Lighting plays a significant role in creating a space that is both comfortable and functional. My home office have 2 tall windows that provide a lot of natural lighting. I also have recessed lighting in the ceiling along with a wood beaded chandelier which I absolutely love.  The chandelier creates a different ambience at night. 

    • Optimize Space Optimizing your office space is another essential component of interior designing a home office. A cluttered and disorganized workspace can significantly affect your productivity and stress levels. Consider investing in storage solutions such as shelves, cabinets, or filing cabinets to help keep your workspace clutter-free. Additionally, try to develop a system for organizing your paperwork and files that works for you. Optimizing your office space can help create a space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. I always need my office desk devoid of a lot of things. This is the reason I chose a desk with no drawers so that I am not forced to store too many things I can’t see in drawers. I keep most of my organization in the storage space and only use what I need to be productive.  It keeps me focused and a simple decluttered office looks aesthetically calming.

    Interior designing a home office can help create a space that is both comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. By choosing the right color scheme, investing in quality furniture, adding decorative touches, focusing on lighting, and optimizing your space, you can create a space that enhances productivity and creativity. A home office should be a space that inspires and motivates you to do your best work. With the right interior design, your home office can become your favorite room in the house.

    xo,
    Louise
    @LOUISEMILLEN