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Say Yes to the Desk

kitchen desk chairWhen you think of working at a desk in your home, the office usually comes to mind.ย  But desks these days are breaking away from a defined home office space and have made a big splash as a functional space in the kitchen.ย  โ€œDesks in the kitchen are not a new idea, but in the past, they have been designed with limited functionality, which often led them to be under-utilized and wasted spaces,โ€ says Normandy Designer Leslie Lee. ย โ€œTodayโ€™s desks in the kitchen ย take advantage of the new ways we interact with technology while combining the ultimate message center that can also double as an entertaining space.โ€ย  When debating whether to add a desk to your kitchen, consider these 5 reasons to say โ€œYesโ€.

1. ย Utilize Lost Space:ย  Desks typically work best in medium to large kitchens, and are particularly useful in a kitchen that has a unique footprint.ย  Desks work well on nearby walls or nooks that are loosely connected to the kitchen but may not offer easy accessibility to the meal prep space.ย  โ€œEven if the desk is not physically connected to the kitchen cabinetry, it can still look and act as an extension of the kitchen, using similar cabinetry and countertops,โ€ noted Leslie.

Kitchen cabinet storage2. ย Add Storage:ย  A desk is a great way to add additional storage to your kitchen for both kitchen items and office items.ย  โ€œBecause these desks frequently have a dual function as serving and entertaining areas, many people opt to completely fill in the lower area with cabinetry, and forego a traditional open space for a chair,โ€ says Leslie. โ€œThe open countertop works well for laptops or tablets and allows the area to look more like a part of the kitchen than a designated home office area.โ€

3. ย Divide and Conquer: ย In order to take advantage of every inch, you can divide up storage even further within the cabinetry. Dividers for mail, bills, and filing can make the most of your space. A dedicated charging station for tablets, phones, and other family techs can also be hidden behind doors to minimize clutter.

4. ย Eliminate Clutter:ย  Since the desk is in the communal kitchen area, it is important to keep clutter to a minimum.ย  โ€œCubbies, retractable doors, lift-up hinged doors, and custom dividers within the cabinetry are perfect for family messages, business, mail, and other miscellaneous items,โ€ added Leslie.ย  โ€œRetractable doors are a great way to make these items easily accessible when necessary, and just as easy to hide the family paperwork while entertaining.โ€

5. ย Dual Purpose:ย Since the kitchen is such a popular space for entertaining, it is important that the desk can act as a functional platform as well.ย  โ€œCabinetry that is designed to minimize clutter and keep the contents of the desk self-contained, allows the work surface of the desk to act as an additional counter,โ€ says Leslie.ย  โ€œMany homeowners use this extra counter space for serving appetizers, drinks, or a small buffet while entertaining.โ€ Choosing to add a desk in your kitchen can be a welcome solution for your home and your family.ย  If designed correctly, it can minimize clutter, provide additional storage, and be a useful work area for your home.

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Make Your Bedroom A Primary Suite Retreat

Primary bedroom with wine glass on night standThe Primary Suite is often used as an escape, your own personal sanctuary, and there are combinations of design elements that can be used to make this space even more relaxing and serene. The elements that are most widely used to make a big impact include color, lighting, and balance within the space.

Main bedroom with sitting areaHow can you decide the color theme for the space? Color really depends on preference, but we suggest the combination of three when it comes to accents and materials. The combination of threes are patterns ranging from large, medium, and small. This can be used for fabrics such as bedding, pillows, and window treatments.

It is also important when decorating your primary suite, not to neglect the ceiling.ย  The ceiling is a blank canvas that is often overlooked.ย  Materials such as wallpaper, lighting fixtures, appliques of paint, tile, and metal, or antique mirrors allow the room to have an extraordinary look that suits the homeowner’s individual tastes.

Clawfoot tub with chandelier in tiled barrel ceilingWhat types of lighting are suggested for a primary suite?ย  It is important to have lighting that is warm in colors, such as dimmers and incandescent light bulbs, to create a relaxing atmosphere. Homeowners are also becoming attracted to the idea of a fireplace within their primary suite to add ambiance, soft lighting, and warmth to the space.

master bedroom with tray ceiling and settee at the end of the bedHow can you make the most of your primary bedroom space? ย When deciding the furniture for your space, it is important to remember what you are trying to accomplish. Each primary suite is different and furniture that complements other unique pieces in order to attain a one-of-a-kind design is ideal.

For smaller primary suites, light colors and minimal furniture is suggested. Symmetry, which balances the room, increases the illusion of a larger space. Adding crown molding, raised window fixtures, tall lamps, shelving, and artwork above the natural horizon line of 5 feet, will draw attention upward, elevating the look of a taller space even further.

Getting that bedroom space just right can be just what you need to create a mini-staycation every single night you retire to bed. Talk with one of our Designers about your plans for upgrading your primary suite. You can also follow us on Instagram or Facebook for even more home design and remodeling inspiration.

spa inspired master bathroom with two vanities and ceiling beams master bedroom with tray ceiling and settee at the end of the bed Master Bathroom with freestanding tub in front of large windows Master Bathroom with freestanding tub in front of large windows

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