(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of The Augusta Press.)
We see the word “Lifestyle” everywhere we look. Diets are now called a lifestyle, clothing is about one’s lifestyle, and the word is also used in design.
Considering your lifestyle will be most helpful when designing one’s space.
Opinion
Are you a family? And if so, how many people? Are there toddlers or teens or both? Are there elderly people living or visiting your home? Are there pets in your home, and how many and what size are they?
If there are small children, we must consider sharp corners, glass table tops and locks on certain cabinets. Fabrics and fibers in upholstery, pillows, window treatments and rugs must be considered for ease of maintenance.
Are teenagers going to be entertaining friends? Do we need to keep their social activities in view of the main living room or kitchen? Do we need to create design spaces that invite them more into the main living areas?
Are there older parents living or visiting your home that use a cane or walker? We can consider certain flooring options to make it easier for them to get around. Sometimes, we must consider physical issues an older (and sometimes younger) person might have. Do your pets tend to snag or “adjust” your window treatments? Maybe a shade is a better choice?
Do you entertain a little or a lot? Is yours the home where many neighbors seem to gather? Do we need to consider this for your interior and/or your patio or pool area?
We must design to accommodate these people. We have to consider proper seating, allow room for traffic flow and again, the proper fabrics and fibers that are of a higher performance quality.
Everyone always gathers in the kitchen. When you entertain, can you easily serve your guests food and drink, while allowing for some seating? Sometimes those handy barstools are taking the space where you might like to place the spread of food.
Have you designed a kitchen that is organized so that your guests can easily find the trash can?
Do you host bridge or bunco parties?
We would need to consider the proper tables and seating, most of which might be temporary and easily stored away. Is the powder room easily accessible and well appointed? I like to create a WOW feature in this particular room where my guests are alone for a short time. Why give them a boring place to “rest”?
Are you an empty nester? If so, this is the time to repurpose a room.
Maybe you can finally have that home office or a larger closet! Maybe your child will be visiting with a new family of their own. We would need to consider more of a guest room you would find in a hotel as opposed to the child’s room that used to occupy the space. Something more sophisticated.
Maybe you can repurpose a room while having the option for additional sleeping such as a home office with a sofa that converts into a bed. Murphy beds have become very popular in this scenario.
Are you a single man or woman? Are you dating? Are you enjoying your single life?
I have worked with several single men and women who were on the market looking for a partner. All of these single lifestyles require a certain level when it comes to designing their space. As this particular lifestyle could easily go down the road of TMI, let’s just leave it at that! But I have been given explicit details on how some rooms will be used in a single person’s home!
Are you divorced? Was your spouse too vocal where your previous home furnishings and decor were concerned? Did you not agree, and for the first time in your life, are you in total control of your design decisions? It could be time to come out of your shell and add a little color in your life!
It might be time to update your surroundings and get a new lease on life!
No matter your lifestyle, consider how the space will be used, and by whom, before you make random purchases.
