Architectural trends are always changing, but the concept of the “Great Room” has been relevant for the longest time. The term has gone beyond its traditional implication of a solitary, grand space to encapsulate a combination of spaces — living, dining, and leisure. This short guide delves into the many attributes of great rooms, their response to modern lifestyle needs, and their structural and design considerations.

An Ever-Changing Characterization of the Great Room

What is a great room in a house? A bygone perspective of the great room portrayed it as an expansive, often majestic place conceived for hosting guests or familial assemblies. It was the focal point of the residence, suffused with ample natural light and lofty ceilings. However, this definition by Scottsdale Interior Designers has broadened in recent times, mirroring shifting living styles and design ideologies.

The contemporary great room layout is hallmarked by its open-plan configuration that effortlessly merges living, cooking, and dining zones. This fluidity nurtures an aura of connectedness among family members while facilitating versatile usage. An increasing number of homeowners are gravitating towards settings that promote interaction yet furnish room for personal solitude within the same sphere.

Addressing Modern Lifestyle Desires

What is a great room? Whatever you want it to be, in reality. Today’s homeowner prizes adaptability and functionality above all. The great room, by virtue of accommodating an array of activities — from casual meals and family game nights to cozy movie binges — satiates these preferences.

However, as shared living spaces become commonplace, striking a balance between collective and personal spaces is a pressing challenge. Great rooms, when designed sensibly, can provide niche spaces, cozy corners, or designated areas that offer respite without compromising the inclusive ambiance. Careful spatial planning ensures individual sanctuaries coexist within the shared parameters.

Architectural and Design Tenets for Success

The blueprint of a successful great room rests on a harmonious blend of architecture and design. Here are a few cornerstones to keep in mind:

• Natural Light: Large windows, skylights, and glass doors are vital for infusing the space with natural light. Besides lending an airy and welcoming feel, their strategic placement can enhance mood and energy and create a beautiful environment for gatherings.
• Spatial Planning: A layout that fosters movement and engagement is crucial. Furniture positioning to create conversational zones encourages interaction, while unobstructed passages ensure smooth flow.

• Technology Integration: As digital savviness becomes increasingly widespread, smart home technology has emerged as a coveted feature. Incorporating built-in sound systems, intelligent lighting, and Wi-Fi connectivity can augment the great room’s functionality, appealing to younger homeowners and tech-oriented families.
• Aesthetic Consistency: A tastefully designed great room should resonate with the homeowner’s style and mirror the rest of the dwelling’s aesthetics. A unified color scheme and complementary materials can help the great room seamlessly blend with the rest of the living space.

Closing Thoughts

People often ask about the great room vs living room differentiation, and the great room has evolved beyond an extravagant area reserved for special events to become the nucleus of the contemporary home. By comprehending its dynamic nature and understanding the architectural principles that underpin it, homeowners can create great rooms that marry connection with privacy, functionality with style.

In an era where casual living and shared experiences are gaining momentum, the great room stands as a monument to our yearning for connection — with our kin and the spaces we occupy.

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Give your kitchen a facelift by capitalizing on an often-overlooked design opportunity: the space above kitchen cabinets. Too frequently dismissed as just storage, this expansive area, when embraced with creativity, can transition your kitchen from the humdrum to the heart of your home.

High ceilings have a rich potential to add character and charm to your kitchen with an air of majesty. Regrettably, this spacious sphere frequently projects a sense of vacancy, stirring a disarray in your kitchen’s aesthetic. By delving into the world of above cabinet decorating, you can infuse it with charm and finally put this space to use.

The Art of Decorating Above Kitchen Cabinets

Breathe life into this oft-forgotten space and make it an eloquent testimony of your taste and style with these five ingenious tips:

• The Elegance of Layered Décor

Resist the temptation to jam-pack this space with random items. Select a handful of integral pieces that narrate a tale or evoke a theme. A tasteful assembly of artwork or vintage items, or a touch of nature with plants, can effortlessly convey your personal aesthetic. There’s no reason you can’t still have storage above kitchen cabinets while also thinking about design. 

• The Advantage of Altitude

Cleverly utilize the towering potential of this space with décor elements that create an ascent. Consider elongated vases, stacks of books or neatly arranged boxes that assist in creating a visually appealing elevation.

• The Beauty of Seasonal Display

A seasonal refresh adds a consistent touch of novelty. When learning about how to decorate above kitchen cabinets, this is a common tip of Interior Decorators in Mesa, AZ. Decorate with pumpkins in fall, pinecones in winter, blooms in spring, and radiant colors during summer to keep your kitchen décor dynamic and engaging.

• The Radiance of Lighting

The strategic placement of lighting on top kitchen cabinets can illuminate your décor while providing a soft, ambient glow to the room. This dual function not only draws focus but also elevates the overall ambiance.

• The Illusion of Reflective Surfaces

Incorporate reflective surfaces such as mirrors or metallic finishes to magnify the sense of space. This trick makes your kitchen appear brighter and more expansive by dispersing light throughout the room.

Summary

Let your kitchen speak volumes about your individuality by transforming the overlooked upper space into an enchanting part of your home’s décor. The judicious placement of decorative elements not only garnishes your kitchen but also is an indication of your distinct style and ingenuity. If you need advice regarding decorating above cabinets, don’t be afraid to contact professionals! 

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Why Floating Shelves Are Growing in Popularity

Floating shelves have reformed the panorama of kitchen storage, offering an immaculate, uncluttered facade without compromising utility. A novel divergence from plain cabinets, kitchen floating shelves grant open storage, making it a cinch to reach your often-used items. Furthermore, they extend a platform to flaunt your decorative pieces, from cookbooks to flora, adding a dash of individuality to your kitchen.

Building Floating Shelves in Six Simple Steps

So let’s think about how to build floating shelves in a kitchen for the DIY gurus among us. Here are the important resources:

• Wooden boards (dimensions depend on your space)
• Wall brackets or shelf supports
• Screws and wall anchors
• Level
• Drill
• Stud finder
• Sandpaper

Step 1: Measure Twice, Cut Once

Kickstart by measuring the area where you envisage your floating wood kitchen shelves. Decide on the length and breadth of the shelves, ensuring they nestle perfectly in your kitchen space. Allocate ample vertical space between shelves to house the items you plan to store.

Step 2: Tailor Your Boards

Following measurements, cut the wooden boards as per your needs. Sand the edges and surfaces for a sleek finish. Want a splash of color or a classic touch? Paint or stain the wood as you fancy.

Step 3: Locate the Studs

Employ a stud finder to find the studs in your wall where you’ll be placing the brackets. The step is pivotal for the stability of your shelves as mounting brackets to studs ensures they support the weight of items housed.

Step 4: Secure the Brackets

Align the brackets with the marked studs and ensure they’re level. Drill pilot holes and fasten the brackets using screws and wall anchors. For added equilibrium, we recommend at least two brackets per shelf.

Step 5: Mount Your Shelves

With sturdy brackets in place, you can mount your floating shelves for the kitchen. Center the wooden boards on the brackets, ensuring they’re evenly spaced. Fasten the shelves to the brackets using screws for extra stability.

Step 6: Style the Shelves

Once installed, let your creativity run wild. Arrange your kitchen essentials and decor in your unique style. Blend functional items like glassware with decorative pieces like plants or artwork for balance.

Contacting the Experts

Expanding your kitchen with floating shelves can indeed be rewarding. However, if you’re lacking time, resources or skills, consider engaging a pro. Interior decorators can design and install bespoke shelving solutions, ensuring a flawless fit and finish.

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