Front Porch Today

There are so many elements to good design that make it a challenge to achieve that “designer” look on our own.  There’s the first mistake.  Instead of creating a “look”, what we really want to create is an environment.  What’s the difference you may ask?  When we create a certain “look” in our homes we only experience a space by what we see  but when we create an environment we engage all of our senses.  Since our senses are our bodies method of perception, a space where all of our senses are being utilized will be perceived as a complete space.

• Hearing

Lets not limit using sound in a design to adding a water feature or having music play in the background.  Although these can be great solutions for creating ambiance, there are other factors of sound that can be addressed.  Acoustics play a large role in our comfort level within a space.  Echoes are a result of sound waves being bounced off of  hard surfaces (empty wall space, wood/tile floors, wood furniture) and can create a sense of emptiness.  Soft materials are used to counterbalance this effect.  By adding window treatments, upholstery pieces, decorative pillows and throws, and artwork/photos on walls the sound waves will be absorbed producing less echoes and creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.

• Sight

Our first impression is made based on what we see.  Just as incorporating sound is not limited to water features and music, sight is not limited to patterns and colors, etc.   It’s easy to visualize a room as four walls, a ceiling, and a floor but the best way to visualize a room is as a 3-dimensional shape.  The walls, ceiling, and floor are the planes of the shape making six planes in total.  A great solution to tie these planes together is to finish your ceiling  with a lighter shade of your wall color and when choosing flooring, select shades that compliment your wall and ceiling colors.  With each plane being complemented by the others, a cohesive space or “shape” is created.

• Touch

We have to be careful not to fall into the trap of purchasing “eye candy” for our homes.  For instance, don’t settle for that sofa that’s the perfect shape visually but won’t allow for you sit comfortably or that carpet that’s the perfect color but you dread having to walk on it for fear you might end up with a brush burn.  What we purchase for our home must not only be pleasing to look at but it should be pleasing to touch.  Do you love the look of hardwood floors but find them uncomfortable to walk on in colder months?  Try adding an area rug.  It can easily be stored in warmer months.  If you are shopping for new upholstery, take home fabric samples but not just to look at.  Touch them periodically and get a sense for if it will allow you to enjoy that furniture even more.

• Smell

What do the patterns, colors, and textures in your room remind you of?  A room filled with bright bold colors decorated with seashells may not feel complete with a scent of pine trees just as a log cabin may not feel complete paired with a tropical scent.  It’s important to select scents that are pleasing to you but they should reflect your design choices as well.  Unpleasant odors can be a stumbling block in creating that perfect environment.  Keep the air fresh, pleasant, and clean.

• Taste

Taste may not seem like a sense that has anything to do with home design or decorating but it can add that perfect finishing touch.  Did you know that certain colors induce hunger?  Reds and yellows  are commonly used in restaurants for this reason.  Ever wonder why one of the largest fast food chains in the world chose these two colors?  If you are looking to make a kitchen more inviting, look to natural foods for color inspiration.  Accessorize with fresh fruits/vegetables, candy, etc.  in any room to add that pop of color.  Think of it as the garnish of the room.  Having these in a room is a sign of hospitality which is sure to help any guest feel right at home.

Imagine yourself as a guest walking into your home for the first time.  What do you notice?  Are you tempted to linger in this room for awhile or is the clutter prompting you to keep moving?  Can you see the furniture or is it covered with papers, clothes, blankets, toys, and knick knacks?  Your home is meant for you to live in and enjoy, not your things.  If your home is looking more like a garage sale than a relaxing retreat, then it’s time to take charge over the clutter.  Don’t be afraid to sift through your belongings.  Take the step of deciding what’s worth keeping and what’s not.  It’s a step in the right direction.  Here are some tips to help get you started.

      1.  Purchase multifunction furniture

Adding or replacing a few furniture pieces with built in storage is a great way to eliminate clutter.  Look for tables with drawers, ottomans with removable lids, trundle beds for kids rooms, decorative trunks that can house toys, etc.  These pieces still provide their main function but also make a place for things that should be stored away when they are not in use.  Avoid using cabinets with glass doors for storage unless you are displaying a minimal amount of decorative items.

     2.   Keep decorations and accessories simple

We all have and continue to acquire those decorative pieces that hold sentimental value and memories but it is possible to display too many at once.  The fewer displayed, the more noticeable they will be and the more you will appreciate them.  Change out older knick knacks with new to keep yourself in the present but leave a few of your favorite older pieces out as a reminder of your past.  Pack the ones taken off display in a keepsakes box where they are still safe and easy for you find.  Go through them every once in a while and change them out.  Change out older photos in frames with new and store them in a scrapbook or photo album.

    3.  Your counters are not meant for storage

It’s very easy to use bathroom and kitchen countertops for storage but it doesn’t mean we should.  If it seems as though your countertops are doing a disappearing act, maybe it’s time to evaluate what they are being used for.  Countertops are meant to be used as workspaces but it is very practical to use them to house small appliances.  If you find yourself using your toaster or blender a few times a month, it’s not practical to keep them out on your counter year round.  Don’t crowd your bathroom counters with hair care products, toothbrushes, lotions, etc.  Store these items away to keep your room clean and spacious. and most importantly sanitary.

A simple cleaning goes a long way, whether you’re getting your home ready to sell or are simply looking to spruce up your existing home.  There are not many benefits to having a cluttered home.  Ok, there are NO benefits to having a cluttered home.  Benefits come from having a decluttered home.  With the clutter out of the way, a potential buyer will be able to see a house, perhaps a vision of themselves in your house, not your belongings.  With the clutter out of the way, you’ll find it easier to maintain a clean and fresh home.  With the clutter out of the way you can develop a clearer picture of what your home needs to function better.  You might find yourself asking, “Do I really need to invest in that addition?”  Start small and take it step by step.  With clutter out of the way, any project is easier to accomplish.