Designing with details in mind

Small details have a big impact on any space, whether it’s the kitchen, the bathroom or the living room. Instead of looking at the big picture, consider focusing on the little things in your home from time to time. Looking at the details can help bring your design style and personality to life. A bathroom that’s big on the particulars is a stylish one. And if you think about it, where would your home be without pieces like your bold patterned rug, the trim on your walls or the photo frames in your bedroom? Here are a few seemingly small details to keep your eye on throughout the renovation process:

Clawfoot tub feet
Pay attention to the feet on your clawfoot tub. Do they reflect the tone and color scheme of your bathroom? A modern style bathroom might call for a stainless steel or chrome finish, while a vintage space would look great with polished brass. Try to coordinate the feet on your clawfoot tub with other elements throughout your bathroom, like your antique bath fixtures, showerhead and sink. These elements help to really tie the design of a space together.

Lighting
The light sources in your bathroom and kitchen may not take up a lot of room, but these light structures play a big role in setting the mood or tone of a space. One overhead light can tend to cast a harsh glow and produce shadows, which would make it harder to see each nook and cranny of the room. Consider using multiple light sources for one room to achieve layers of illumination instead of one glaring light.

Storage
Cabinets are necessary to keep clutter at bay in the kitchen. But consider open shelves to separate your kitchen and living room – the shelves allow you to keep conversation going when you have guests over and help let in plenty of light throughout your home. The material on your open shelving should also be kept in mind. For instance, weathered wood can contribute to rustic, country feel, while fresh white, sleek shelving can work with a modern aesthetic.

Cushions
Chair cushions might not be the most dominant item in your kitchen, but they can really help pull the room together. A fabric like canvas is great for the kitchen because it withstands spills that can often occur at the dinner table. The color on your cushions should be one that complements the rest of your kitchen decor. If you have a subdued color palette throughout the space, use the chair cushions as a way to brighten up the area. A shot of coral or royal blue can create a focal point around the kitchen table and give life to the room.

Trim
Whether you’re remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, trim is an important detail to pay attention to. This helps define a room’s style and adds architectural character to your walls. Create a dramatic contrast with black trim on white walls or stick with an understated look by selecting a color that’s just a few shades off from the current hue on the wall.