Letters from the officeHome Design Trends
The turbulent economy has caused many of us to make practical changes in our lifestyle and reevaluate our needs. Previously, to meet the changing needs of the family involved buying a new house with the critical comfort features. Today, many are realizing the practicality of keeping their existing home and updating it to fit their needs. This thought process has been seen in the way that storage and staging areas continue to gain strength in new home designs and remodeling projects.
These spaces can be simple items like a hinged bench seat for shoe storage, an elaborate hook and locker area for coats as the kids return home, or a simple desk area to recharge cell phones and drop off the mail. Other additions that are also popular have been the enclosure of patios into covered or screened porches and the creation of play and media rooms. One recent project included not only adding a one story play room, but extending a tight eating area to allow for more space for the furniture and family.
These small details have helped to free up space and de-clutter as well as redefine tight and uncomfortable traffic patterns. This is the time to add what the previous owners forgot and redesign your house.