It is a New Year and what better way to kick of the year then to refresh our homes to make them lighter , brighter and more open! As designers, we are constantly giving clients tips and tricks on how to design in between the bigger projects. If you are not ready to give your kitchen a complete overhaul or tear down walls in your home, then we have some great tips for you to open your space and make your home refreshed and have an entirely new feel.

First and foremost - creating open space within your home may see complicated, but it is quite easy. Often time here at K. Smith Interiors we will space plan for our clients to help design the best layout possible that incorporates your life along with utilizing the space. One simple tip toward creating an open space (without tearing down the wall between the kitchen and living space) is to clear out the bulky furnishings or move them so that they are not taking up so much of the space in the room. Another tip, if you cannot get rid of the larger bulk pieces of furniture is to paint them in a lighter tone so that they will sink into the space and not take over the space. Custom refinishing can help by creating pieces that will look completely new and updated, as well as having the large pieces blend into the room.

Tricking the eye to thinking the room is bigger than it is by using all one color note, is one way to make your space look more open. Mirrors can also help to make a small space look larger because it draws in light from outside and reflects it back into the room. This is particularly great for tight hallways or small rooms because it gives the illusion of a wider area or creates the look of a “window” where none exists.

If you have a dining room that is rarely used or never used and only walked by… why not change it up? Turn that room into a useable space. Converting the room into an office, den, library, or entertainment room really will bring a whole new life into your home. You will find that you will use this room more often when you make it work for your lifestyle. A few pieces of furniture, rugs, warm paint, and some artwork can transform this room and make it seem like you have even more space in your home.

Let there be light! Lighting is the most effective design element when it comes to making a room feel taller and more expansive. Dark areas in a home are often not inviting and make the space feel very small. Changing out old and out of date fixtures can breathe life into your space, giving it a whole new feel. Lighting should always be layered - ambient lighting, accent lighting, and task lighting. These light layers give the room a glow that will get rid of the dark corners. We suggest using all three basic kinds of lighting - Ambient lighting as your main lighting (often this is overhead lighting that floods the room) , accent lighting ( the decorative lighting that highlights the architecture of the room or artwork – chandelier or sconces) and last but not least- task lighting ( floor lamps and table lamps that add function to that specific area). The three layers of light really brighten up a space and make it feel warm and inviting.

Let there be light ! this room is a great example of the three types of lighting creating a soft and warm lighting scheme. Photo courtesy of Pinterest

When we talk lighting, it is important not to forget about our natural light. Don’t let your windows be bare, especially in these cooler months. Our windows really shine when they are dressed up and frame the outdoors. If you have smaller windows, then treatments can be designed and placed in such a way that it gives the illusion of taller more expansive windows. Updating window treatments is easy and can change the entire look and feel in a room. From sheers, to panels, to woven woods there are different looks and layers that are perfect for each room. By leaving windows bare you are really leaving your rooms unfinished! Remember, you are not covering up your view…. you are simply framing in your view and directing the eye to see the nature that is right outside, with the bonus of controlling the light at the same time.

Creating a space right outside your windows that can be an extra living space (no matter how big or small) is a perfect way to open-up your home. With stylish chairs, oversized cushions, throws and decorative pillows you can create a space that you will want to cozy up with a nice glass of wine and a good book. You will wonder why you had not utilized this space before and it will soon become one of your more favorite spots within the home.

Updating your bathroom, where you spend every morning getting ready, is one of the more important spaces in your home. Starting off your day off in a space that makes you feel like you are in a luxurious spa is a wonderful feeling. If you are waiting to overhaul your bathroom but want a spa like experience, here are some easy tips to refresh your bathroom this New Year. Replace dated door knobs and hardware on the cabinets with more updated trending styles. You can also change out the old smaller rug for a longer runner as well changing out the older vanity lights. Changing linens in the bathroom will have a huge benefit – try swapping out colored towels to soft and fluffy white towels to create a hotel-like look. Paint is also a great way to update and refresh a bathroom and is the most cost-effective way to get a lot of look for less. Hot tip – light colors with warm undertones will make the space feel more inviting and larger.

With just these few simple tips you can make your home feel refreshed and new again. It will give you the kick off for the New Year. It is surprising how space planning, cleaning and painting can be so simple but can make the biggest difference. We love refreshing our clients’ homes and with these very simple tips you can spruce up your space to give you a fresh start into 2018.

Design Your Life!