Clever Design Tips for Maximizing Style and Functionality

It is no secret that we are living in a home improvement renaissance. From DIY to professional-grade makeovers, people are in a constant quest to achieve the proverbial “dream house.”


Unfortunately, not all home improvement projects pan out as expected. Whether it be a kitchen makeover that was more trouble than it was worth or a living room reconfiguration that just doesn’t look the part, nobody wants to take regress during a home design project.


That’s where we come in. From simple design tasks that require minimal effort to more in-depth renovations, keep reading as we explore some of the most clever design tips for maximizing style and functionality in a home.
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Stick to the Basics

Too much HGTV can make some homeowners renovation-happy, ready to break out the hard hats and bring in the bulldozer to create their dream space.


Fortunately, there are much more subtle--and affordable--ways to make a significant impact.


Simple decluttering and re-arrangement of furniture can bring fresh life to a space. Break out the paint stripper and lighten up the walls for a more inviting ambiance. Strategically use artwork and geometric artifacts to create accent walls that break up space. Carefully place some potted plants to appeal to biophilic sensibilities.

Prioritize Low Maintenance Features


It is difficult to muck up any type of design when it is new. What happens when the new wears off gives a design trend its staying power.


Now matter how expertly curated, peeling linoleum, fraying carpet, and stained countertop laminate is going to be an eyesore.


Therefore, one of the most fundamental principles of maximizing style and functionality during an interior makeover is to choose durable, low maintenance products. This will guarantee that the interior has a fresh aspect over time with minimal intervention required by the homeowner. Some ideas to consider are nonporous quartz countertops, stainless steel farmhouse sinks, and luxury vinyl tile flooring.
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Spruce Up the Open Interior

The open interior is all of the rage in modern home design. You would be hard-pressed to find any home built in the last 10+ years that did not leverage the open interior to some degree.


However, despite the open interior’s many advantages in terms of energy efficiency, versatility, and light flow, it still takes some work to make it functional. Without the proper layout, an open interior can feel conspicuously like an empty box.


Use area rugs to break up space. Add acoustic art panels to walls to provide style and absorb sound that may otherwise transfer due to the lack of interior barriers. Look into decorative screen panels and demountable partition walls to create some privacy-adding barriers as needed.


Leverage the Power of Glass


Clean glass makes all of the difference. It breathes life into a space. It improves sight lines. It promotes light flow for improved energy efficiency.


Upgrading the windows is a great place to start. It will help improve the lighting and thermal efficiency of the home. Innovative low-E windows allow light to pass into the house without causing excess heat, making them an energy efficient option. New glass for sliding doors, commonly found in showers, connected patios, or in the pocket doors of home offices, can infuse fresh life into these areas. Glass pendant domes around lights create a sense of elegance for these essential home fixtures.
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Pay Attention to Railings

Railings have traditionally been pigeonholed as utilitarian features in a home, components that keep staircases and lofts safe. More recent innovations in handrail design have demonstrated the aesthetic importance of railings as well.


Stately black railings help tie together modern interiors and add a bold touch of character to the space. Glass railings create a clean, crystalline aspect that keep natural light flowing throughout the interior and enhance the sense of spaciousness of the home. Wood railings elicit a homey vibe and offer one of the most versatile aesthetics for a wide range of interior design themes.


Update the Knobs and Fixtures


Similar to railings, it can be easy to overlook the importance of knobs and fixtures in home design. However, once you notice the power of next-level options, there is no turning back. Stainless steel is a great idea in both areas. Its shiny, metallic appearance provides a classy aspect that is nearly impossible to undermine. Ceramic vintage knobs can infuse your space with some timeless elegance. A pull-down sprayer faucet in the kitchen sink offers a bold focal point that offers unmatched utility in the kitchen.


The Details That Make a Stylish Statement in Home Design
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When designing an interior, it is crucial to find the perfect balance between form and functionality. From basic tasks such as a fresh wall color to updated knobs and fixtures, consider any of the clever design ideas listed above that pack both a stylish and functional punch. For more of the latest trends shaping the contemporary design landscape, explore the resources at Jill Seidner Interior Design for ideas and inspiration today!


Author Bio
Andrea Erickson is a freelance writer who loves sharing her knowledge and expertise in renovation and Interior Design. She lives in her hometown of Austin, Texas where she enjoys spending time with her husband and decorating with her children. Andrea’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a construction industry resource site.