Next-Level Renovations

We all know what it's like to walk into someone's beautifully designed home. There's definitely thought behind the design, but we'll decode some of the methods behind these beautiful designs. Incorporate them into your next renovation and you'll have a home just as beautifully curated.

Credit: Google

Integrated Smart Home Technology

Smart homes are nothing new, but in recent years, the technology has become a lot more affordable to homeowners. Now you can control ambient room temperature, lighting, music and security from your mobile device or even by voice. The doctor has a prescription for integrating these systems seamlessly.

There are a variety of smart home systems out there like Apple, Samsung, Google, Amazon and more. Depending on your preference, we can help you choose the products that are right for your home. The next step is to decide how smart you want your home to be. Take one or take them all.

Smart Security: smart doorbells, locks, and door openers. Smart security cameras and mailboxes.

Smart Alarm Systems: Smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and motion detectors.

Smart Energy Management: Smart air conditioners, sprinkler systems, leak sensors. Smart thermostats, water heaters, and energy monitoring.

Smart Cleaning: Smart dishwashers, washers and dryers, and vacuums.

Smart Cooking: Smart refrigerators, stovetops, and ovens. Smart microwaves and grills.

Smart Lighting: Smart switches, dimmers, outlets, and plugs. Smart ceiling fans, mirrors, and fixtures.

Smart Bathrooms: Smart showers, faucets, toilets, bathroom fans.

Smart Electronics: Smart media players, audio systems, and intercoms.

Incorporate Design Elements

If you want next-level renovation, consideration of design principles are essential. When you do, your renovation will go from a basic one to one that really impresses. Consider the following elements:

A focal point is a design element that stands out and makes a statement. There are many ways to achieve this, like giving the space weight, or contrast as long as it draws attention.

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Visual hierarchy leads the eye from one point to the next, circling back around to the main focal point. Ideally, each layer of the hierarchy should match conceptually and tell a story. Maybe they’re similar, symmetrical or balanced. Maybe it tells a story about urban life or brings an element of nature to the space. The story is yours to tell.

Design flow is the visual link that connects spaces in a home. This might be achieved by continuing a pattern, color, or detail (perhaps flooring) from one room to the next. Consider the placement of furniture and the traffic pattern of each space. Avoid crowding spaces, blocking pathways and doors, and a build up of clutter. Allow for smooth movement and flow.

Functionality should be at the heart of every design. It’s not enough for spaces to look beautiful, they have to function well too. So consider the goal of the space. Make sure things are ergonomic, accessible and spacious enough to accomplish that goal. Why live with disfunction when we can make life easier?

Credit: Charles Thomas Photography

Dramatic Lighting

It’s astonishing how much lighting can influence a space. So if you’re looking for the best bang for your buck, invest in good lighting. Whether it’s the proper lighting you need to see or lighting to change the mood, good lighting will change everything.

Accent and Cove lighting adds a dramatic touch to architectural details like moulding, arches, or objects. It can set the mood and change the pace.

Layered lighting adds interest that draws the eye around the room and gives a curated feel. Make use of ambient lights, task lights and accent lights. Placing these lights on a dimmer takes things to the next level.

Color temperature matters. There’s nothing worse than seeing a warm temperature bulb next to a cool temperature bulb. Make sure you use the same color lights within the same space. Most people are comfortable with warm lights, but it really depends on what type of look you're going for.

Ceiling Treatments

Ceiling treatments have been used for centuries to draw the eyes upward and they still have an inspiring effect. They don’t have to cost an arm and a leg either, but they can definitely take your renovation to the next level. Consider adding a ceiling treatment if you want to make *that* kind of statement.

Credit: https://www.byrombuilding.com/

The bottom line is we live everyday in our homes and we should feel good in them. When Dr. Odd Jobs comes by, ask about ways you can incorporate these next-level improvements into your renovation in an affordable fashion.