Post by Stacey Walker. Stacey mostly works behind the scenes for Walker Woodworking, managing day to day operations, and marketing. Stacey has helped many clients create their dream space.

Design Problems in the Home

Designers have one main goal for each of their clients, to find and solve problem areas in the home. This means listening to their concerns and learning more about their lifestyle needs so that each solution can be customized for them. Each area of the home has specific problem areas such as clutter, lack of storage space, and inadequate lighting. But like most problems there is a solution for each though it might require some out of the box thinking which is where a designer comes in. Their years of experience and wealth of knowledge means they can help you find the right solution for your home efficiently and effectively, saving you both time and money. Let’s talk about some of the most common problem areas in the home and some of the ways a good design can solve them.

Lack of storage

Let’s face it, we all have stuff, especially when you have kids, and finding a place to put it has been a problem for quite some time. Thankfully, designers have found creative ways to solve this dilemma for their clients. Built-ins are one fabulous answer to the situation for areas like the living room and family area. They allow you to maximize a wall whether you go floor to ceiling or just halfway in an aesthetically pleasing way. Armoires are a useful storage option for bedrooms or even the entryway since you can store larger items such as bulky coats and accessories instead of taking up valuable space in the closet. Drop zone cabinets tend to be the preferred means for the everyday items we use when going out to school or running errands, especially with customized cubbies for everyone in the family. Your designer will be able to assist you in selecting the best options for you and your family.

Clutter in the home

Clutter is one the worst things you can have in the home and is also one the easiest to creep in unawares. Certain areas like the kitchen and office are the most likely candidates for accumulating clutter, especially junk mail and random items like pens and keys. This often leads to stress in the home and can leave you overwhelmed. Designers like to make this one of their goals so that their clients can enjoy their home and have ways to prevent clutter from returning. Often these issues can be solved by crafting places of intention such as a designated location for entryway items like keys and lanyards. Having a double trash can pull-out with a recycling bin is a great solution for junk mail since you can immediately sort and throw out what you don’t need right away instead of laying it on the counter. A good designer will learn about you and construct a system that is just right for you. 

Lighting issues

No one enjoys a dark and gloomy space but if you don’t have enough lighting that is exactly what happens, especially for areas with limited or no windows. When looking to generate more light, designers like to do it in layers such as floor and table lamps or wall sconces. This creates a more intimate space for everyone to gather or even retreat for the evening in their own bedrooms plus it accommodates certain tasks such as reading. Working with natural light is also important and requires some thought about how to pair it effectively with artificial lighting options. Designers will look to maximize what is already there by opening up the window through sheer curtain panels or blinds that can be adjusted throughout the day. Dimmable lights are a good option since they can adapt to the different stages of the day. Track lighting is a great choice for illuminating particular sections in a room and can be used to highlight favorite features like artwork or accent walls. Be sure to point out any areas that are in need of attention during your design meeting.

Stuffed closets

Closets are one of the most used areas in the bedroom but can also be the cause of stress as it becomes a trap for clutter and seasonal items like coats and blankets. Many homeowners have a sense of dread due to this but designers have discovered several effective ways to solve this issue and make your closet one of the favorite features in your room. Customized spaces and boundaries are a great start to gaining control in your closet. One trick is placing similar items together such as shirts and dresses. Things like blankets and shoes can be neatly stored in large baskets and bins utilizing your floor space. Custom cabinets with roll-out drawers and specialized sections for particular clothing articles make it easy to stay organized and maximize the space you have. If you are looking to reduce the items in your closet, it is a good idea to do this prior to your meeting with a designer so that they can have an accurate idea of what needs to go inside.

Poor room layouts

How a room is laid out plays a key role in its overall feel and function which is why designers place an emphasis on layout. There are several factors when seeking to create or renovate a room including furniture placement and size, sufficient traffic flow areas, and doorways. If you have difficulty getting across the room and feel either too cramped or too scattered then your room layout is not working for you. After accessing your specific needs and understanding the particular functions that the room was meant to accomplish, a designer is able to formulate the perfect layout required for you. The final look should have a unified appeal and make it easy to just relax or complete the necessary task without hindrance. Let your designer craft the perfect layout for you and your family.

Exposed technology

Our technology is everywhere and goes where we do but sometimes that can lead to a pile up of devices which do not look great. Phones charging on the counter can appear like a tangled mess and let’s not even bring up that cord bundle on your office desk. Docking drawers are a wonderful solution to charging your phones while they are neatly tucked away or having a custom cubby designed for them. Designating a space exclusively for your devices means eliminating ugly clutter and having a sense of order. You can browse places like Pinterest for additional ideas and inspiration as well.

Solving design problems

There is no problem that cannot be solved and that includes your home. Finding the perfect solution for your home is part of what drives a designer. They want to assist you in having the home you always wanted and part of that process involves providing solutions that are customized to your lifestyle. Hiring a designer is a great decision that results in having someone who creatively thinks through your problems and then works to eliminate them. Before officially meeting with them, take a moment to take inventory of the problem areas in your home as well as the things you need each space to do. This will give them a place to start and then you can sit back and wait for the results.