A well-designed home often has several distinct design features throughout the main living area that merge together to create a beautifully-orchestrated home. Through the month of September, MDC will be celebrating great design features that make our homes special. Here are some of our favorites:
FOCAL POINTS
Whether it is a fireplace, piece of artwork, or an eye-catching outdoor view, any well-designed interior space will incorporate one dominant focal point that draws attention and invokes interest. This feature may be structural, like built-in cabinets, or it can be created by placing a beautiful piece of furniture or artwork on a feature wall. Several other points of interest may support the main focal point, like a beautiful window treatment that frames a view, or a prized collection displayed on built-in bookshelves.
BALANCED FURNISHINGS
It is important to employ an equal distribution of visual weight within any space, a balance that may be achieved symmetrically with identical furnishings or with dissimilar objects that carry equal visual weight to create a more casual, balanced interior space.
COMFORTABILITY
One of the most important things to keep in mind when designing a space is comfortable furnishings. While a particular piece of furniture may look great, if it is not comfortable, you will ultimately regret owning it. No need to sacrifice good looks for comfort though. Upholstered chairs and sofas can be customized to create the perfect fit.
MOODY INTERIORS
Some of the greatest interior spaces create a mood, perfectly showing off the personality of the family that lives there. This feeling will occur naturally when complete, but many factors go into it – the colors, style of furnishings and the amount of texture, patterns, and accessories all play vital roles in setting the mood of a particular space.
ORNATE LIGHTING
Ornate lighting fixtures are great accents that immediately catch the eye. Their intricate shapes and complex designs are typically seen in a foyer or dining room, but can also make a big impact when used unexpected ways, like in a master bathroom.
INVITING OUTDOOR SPACES
Michigan winters can be harsh, but when the annual thaw arrives in spring, we want to spend as much time outdoors as possible. That’s why it is important to create an inviting outdoor space with comfortable furnishings and designated mingling areas to ensure all guests have a great time at your next outdoor party.
UNIQUE ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS
Nothing sets a home apart like a unique architectural feature. These visually-appealing elements not only add interest to a space, they also increase the home’s resale value. Sleek beams lend a modern twist for a new take on a coffered ceiling treatment.
FUNCTIONALITY
We spend a great deal of time in our homes, so it is important to design our interior spaces with our family’s lifestyle top-of-mind. Great design not only beautifies a home, it enhances the lives of those that live there. Need a functional home study or office? Built-in cabinets and drawers keep everything organized while beautifully keeping clutter out of view.
To learn more about great design, be sure to attend our THE ART of DESIGN event on Thursday, September 10. Corey Damen Jenkins and Donna Brown will be hosting discussions on multiple design topics, while Ann-Marie Anton will transform MDC’s lobby into an eclectic meeting place sure to inspire. Click here for more info.