Design Notes

DESIGN SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR HOME

Design is more than just a word describing how we reimagine a space or rearrange the layout. It involves providing a solution to any number of problems, from a lack of functionality to a frustrating area in the home. Designers resolve issues in the home; they transform a trouble spot that has caused the owners’ misery and replace it with one that works beautifully with their lifestyle and needs. At Walker Woodworking, we do custom work, which means we take the time to get to know our clients and create something that solves problems and looks great. Let’s talk about three areas in the home that often need design solutions and how we can help you solve them.

Design Solutions For The Kitchen

One of the most-used areas in the home is also among the most problematic. Some of the more common ones that our clients share with us include:

  • Poor layout
  • Insufficient storage
  • Meager lighting
  • Minimal prep space

Each of these problems can be solved with a well-planned design.

Poor layout: our designers often talk to our clients about their daily habits and what they need to accomplish in the kitchen. If beverages are part of the daily routine, we encourage the use of a beverage station. That way, everything is in one area, easy to reach and maintain. If the kids tend to hang out here after school, we make it a point to create an area where they can sit around the kitchen island, leaving you with ample room to cook. We often rely on the tried-and-true work triangle that ensures the range, fridge, and sink are within easy reach of each other. A good layout accomplishes a lot and can help a homeowner’s routine go super smoothly and eliminate stress.

Insufficient storage: This is a big problem for many of our clients because insufficient consideration is given to what will be stored in a kitchen. It’s essential to take the time to make a mental list of items used daily, regularly, and seasonally. Items used often need to be in areas that are within easy reach, while seasonal items can be tucked away. Another fact is getting creative with what you have. There is often more space available than we first realize. Our designers love to think outside the box to give clients the storage space they need.

Meager lighting: No one enjoys trying to make dinner while squinting, so we offer multiple options for additional kitchen lighting. We have under-cabinet, strip, and task lighting that will eliminate shadows and let you follow that newest recipe easily. Learn a little more about why proper lighting is essential to kitchen design.

Minimal prep space: Besides bad lighting, not having enough space to cook is another hassle when making family meals. We often encourage having a small prep sink, a pot filler over the stove, and enough counter space for two people to work comfortably without tripping over each other. Prep space is important, which is why we take the time to go over it with our clients, making sure they have exactly the room they need.

The kitchen deserves sufficient time to be designed so it looks good and functions for everyone. If things are cramped or disorganized, it can turn the heart of the home into a dreaded area for everyone. A good design can solve so many problems.

A kitchen with white and blue cabinetry and a blue kitchen island

Design Solutions For The Bathroom

The bathroom. It is a needed area of the home, and while we don’t spend every minute in the bathroom, it should be a place that helps us get our routines done quickly and easily. Some key areas in the bathroom are:

  • Vanities
  • Storage
  • Shower/Tub

All of this should represent your style while meeting the functional needs of your daily habits.

The right vanity: size and style matter; no one enjoys using a vanity they think is unattractive or that drives them crazy because it doesn’t work for them. Some prefer a sink and area of their own, while others enjoy the long counter that connects a double sink. Others wish to have a floating vanity for the extra storage underneath and its more contemporary feel. Our designers are experienced in helping clients find the perfect one for them.

Storage: This is an important one for the bathroom, since multiple items tend to be stored here, such as towels, linens, larger hygiene items like blow dryers, and even medicine. Nothing disturbs a bathroom’s zen more than having a cluttered counter or a linen closet that is a hazard to open each time you need something. Having a designated area for storing things helps keep the atmosphere calm in your bathroom, such as a docking drawer for your hairdryer and curler, and deep drawers that can easily hold hair products and other creams. Our team is excellent at helping you find the solutions you need. For a few extra ideas, check out HGTV’s helpful tips here.

Shower/Tub: Whether you have one or both, we always recommend taking the time to plan where they will be. It is awful to be nearing the completion of your renovation only to find out that the sink and shower will be too close together. Our designers make it a point to show our clients a representation of where everything will lie, so you can decide if that is exactly how you want it.

A good plan for a bathroom renovation shortens the timeline and helps things go smoothly. Thinking through the tasks that will take place in the bathroom will ensure you have design solutions that perfectly match your needs.

gray bathroom in a log cabin

Design Solutions For The Home Office

This area in the home has become more critical over the last couple of years. It is now considered essential in many homes. Some of the more common complaints about those who work from home without a specific space include:

  • Lack of boundaries
  • Distractions
  • Inadequate storage
  • Minimal workspace

Each of these problems can be solved through a good design.

Lack of boundaries and distractions: We understand that sometimes it can be hard for kids and even adults to remember that an area is yours to work in, but when you are doing it from the kitchen table, it tends to lead to conflict. This is why having a designated office area in the home is vital. Some great options for an office include a spare room, a basement, or even an unused closet. Having an area you can call your own helps others recognize you are working and encourages them to give you the space you need, minimizing distractions and frustrations.

Inadequate storage: Working from home has its benefits, but it also means many things you used to have conveniently at the office now need to be at home, including paper supplies, printers, fax machines, scanners, and more. Finding a place to store it all within easy reach is not always easy. A good design can do wonders, such as creating a desk with sufficient storage for the items you use daily, a bookshelf with deep built-ins for books and other items, and deep drawers.

Minimal workspace: Many of us would say that when we are waist-deep in projects, it equals piles of materials everywhere. We enjoy having the option to spread out our things so we can reach them as we move through the different aspects of our work. A desk or additional area where we can place our needed things is essential to the design.

Your home office is an essential part of your home, and a well-designed space can create the perfect environment for staying productive and efficient at your job. Read a few more design tips for your office here.

Let Us Solve Your Problems

Our experienced design team has helped hundreds of clients create designs that have solved countless problems. From kitchens to home offices, we have spent the last 20 years perfecting our design solutions, and we look forward to continuing to grow our knowledge so we can always give our clients the best service possible. Call or email us today to schedule your appointment. We are conveniently located within an hour of Charlotte, Gastonia, Asheville, Spartanburg, Tryon, and more.

All You Need To Know About The Kitchen Work Triangle TheoryA kitchen with white and blue cabinetry and glass front doorsWalker Woodworking white kitchen and brown island with hardwood floorsWalker WoodworkingUpdating The Kitchen Work Triangle