5 Designer Tips to Elevate Your Home

Written by: Lindsay Webster

Our Go-To Techniques For Every 
New Build, Remodel or Refresh Project

When we think about elevating your space our goal is to improve all the areas that aren't working functionally, emotionally, physically and mentally.  

• How does it feel when you walk in the door?
• Can you get around unencumbered and have the right place for all your stuff?
• Are there any floors, countertops, cabinets, or any finishes that are either dated, ugly, or hard to maintain?
• What about your space is a constant source of frustration? 

The best homes are the ones that feel easy, that don't make you overthink. You can just live knowing that your home is an extension of your lifestyle and personality. There are a lot of ways you can update your home. Here are some of our favorite design techniques to elevate any space that you can implement in your next project. 

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Tip #1 The Architecture Details

Who doesn't love a home with character?  Adding architectural detail can create interest and really tell a story throughout the house. These details give depth and layers to your space. 

​Ways to incorporate: ​

• Case Openings (drywall wraps are so boring!)
• Wall Treatments (wallpaper is just the tip of the iceberg)
• Millwork (built-in cabinetry and trim work)
• Fireplace Surrounds
• Ceiling Detail (like beams, trays, and coffers)

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Tip #2 Lighting 

It may seem unnecessary to some but for the professionals, this is a great way to take it up a notch in your design. It not only adds function but also artwork and sculpture to a space. Don't underestimate the need for multiple types and sizes within the same room. 

Ways to incorporate: 

• Table lamps add warmth
• Floor lamps are great for cozy corners
• Decorative fixtures on the walls/ceiling add charm

Types of lighting:

• Task light: lamps and under cabinet lighting
• Ambient light: can lights or main ceiling light 
• Accent light: sconces, cove light, toe kick light

Remember one light can technically count as both task and accent. You just don't want too few lighting options. It is important to have at least 2 different types of light in the room. 

Tip #3 Scale and Proportion

Let me break down these two words:

• Scale is how big or small something is to the human body or the room. Example: "Is this sofa too bulky for the living room?"
• Proportion is the relationship between two items. Example: "Does this artwork feel proportional to the credenza below?" "Is the rug too small for the seating group?

Do you really need to know the difference between the two words? No...but you do need to know that size relationships will impact how your room functions. The common mistakes I see is when people have an abundance of oversized furniture creating crowded walkways or when people have a lot of little decorations spread all over the room like confetti. When you walk into a space and something feels off or just not right, it usually comes down to the scale and proportion of everything in the room.

Ways to incorporate:

• Add a large rug that at least has the front legs of the sofa and chairs resting on it. 
• Go oversized with the art. Typically bigger is better but also make sure the table or sofa below the art is wider. 
• Showcase your little decor in one place as a collection a display shelf or inside a curio cabinet. 

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Tip #4 Artwork

No shocker here, artwork will always be a no brainer when it comes to elevating spaces.  Having artwork doesn't have to look the same in every home so don't feel pressured to choose what everyone else is. The great thing is that art is personal and subjective. It adds personality, pop of color,  and not to mention it's a great conversation starter. When we're choosing art we want to keep proportion/scale (see above) and the general colors in mind. 
​Ways to incorporate: ​

• Large prints, paintings, photographs
• Sculptures
• Travel souvenirs
• Family heirlooms
• Gallery Wall 

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Tip #5 Flow

I once lived in a house that had 3 doors in the kitchen/laundry.  Yes you read that right, the laundry appliances were in the in the kitchen. The attic door was behind the fridge and the back door was next to the sink. It was tiny to begin with so you can imagine the chaos. It's because correct flow didn't exist in this house. 
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The flow (or space planning) of your home directly affects the function of the space and how you live in it daily. You can immediately elevate your space by improving the flow which includes the layout of furniture, the functionality of each zone, and how you can move through it. 

Ways to incorporate: ​

• Create seating arrangements with main paths least 30"-36" wide and smaller paths at least 24" wide.
• Consider storing items near their end use to eliminate extra walking.
• If possible, would removing a wall and expanding a room help the overall functionality and enjoyments of the space?