Mission Impossible: Space Planning When Spouses Have Different Styles
Heather Bernhard • January 11, 2021
All well-designed remodeling projects start with space planning.
But what happens when two or more people live together, and they each have a different vision or aesthetic? We make it work!
Heart Kitchens recently completed a first-floor remodel for a husband and wife in Monmouth County who have wildly different tastes: He loves Mission Style and Craftsman, she loves French Country. They dubbed the project “Mission Impossible.” Heart Kitchens accepted the challenge!
After much thought and careful planning, we blended the two styles into a functional, inviting home. This is how we did it:
Know how you both use the space
The key to any successful design job starts with determining the purpose of the space. This step is even more vital when multiple people use the area.
As design professionals, we start every job by asking questions. The goal is to gather all the necessary data to plan out a functional space that meets our clients’ needs.
Topics may include things like:
• Do you entertain a lot?
• Do you prefer open concept of more defined spaces?
• Do you need an “office” area where you can work at home?
• Is your kitchen the primary focus? Who is the chef?
• What style of cooking do you primarily practice?
• Do you spend most of your downtime in the kitchen? Den? Somewhere else?
• Do you plan to age in place?
Once we define your needs and objectives, we can move on to aesthetic preferences.
Before and after photos of the McFarlane home
Define individual decorating styles
Before you can combine your styles as a couple (or family), it’s crucial to have a clear idea of what’s important to each of you.
We suggest creating a “mood board” by cutting out magazine photos that appeal to you or by saving pictures to a Pinterest board. The images don’t necessarily have to be of rooms you like – they can be shapes, textures, colors, or anything else that speaks to you.
Once you see a pattern develop, you’ll have a clearer idea of your interior design style!
Be willing to compromise
When we started the McFarlane job, we knew it would be a challenge: Mission is very geometric, while French Country is more feminine and soft. We had to find a way to marry both styles while keeping the clients happy.
We knew from past jobs that compromise and communication are key. Without them, progress is impossible.
In chatting with our clients, we discovered how each wanted the home to look and feel and what they valued most.
We were able to create the flow they both wanted by using the same paint and flooring throughout the first floor. In the kitchen, we closed one opening and extended another, allowing us to create an incredibly functional kitchen, including a seating area at the peninsula! Custom maple cabinets in a medium stain established a “warm” feel, while a beveled glass accented backsplash provided just the right amount of bling. We even worked in a chandelier for a hint of romanticism!
Remember: When you’re planning a shared area, don’t be afraid to embrace eclecticism. Creativity is your friend! Remodeling your home is an opportunity to create a brand-new style that represents the entire family.
Whether you’re designing a new space or refreshing the one you already have, we can help. Ready to create a home you both love? Reach out today to get started.
With the holiday season in full swing, you might be thinking about how to celebrate. Undoubtably, the holidays will look different this year. No matter what you’re doing, it’s likely a holiday meal is still on the agenda. And even if it’s just with the people in your same household, a large meal can wreak havoc on your kitchen. Even worse? If you’re the one in charge of cooking, you could easily spend the entire day over the stovetop, missing out on the gathering completely! Having a well-organized kitchen can help ensure your holiday efforts are executed flawlessly. In fact, your kitchen can even be a source of comfort and joy when intelligently designed. Getting it ready for the holidays doesn’t have to be difficult. Here are our best tips: Maximize Storage When new clients call us, it’s often because they’re short on storage space and unable to work effectively in their kitchen. Finding creative ways to make the most of the space you’ve got is crucial, especially during the holidays. • Store flat items such as baking sheets and cutting boards vertically to maximize space • Place dry goods in glass canisters to make for an attractive display on open shelving • House small appliances, such as the toaster or blender, in the pantry to keep counters clear • Add function to the pantry and cabinets with shelf dividers, spice racks, or pull-out bins to increase accessibility and organization • Upgrade your refrigerator to a model with organization features such as adjustable drawers or a built-in wine rack
An organized, expertly designed laundry room can make all the difference when performing this tedious routine. Find out more online at Heart Kitchens of Somerset, NJ today.
Creating a beautiful kitchen requires proper planning, time, and effort – and, of course, an eye for design. But when it comes to the heart of the home, style isn’t everything. Functional choices are more critical in the kitchen than in any other room of the house, especially when you’re working with a small space. Anyone who’s worked in a poorly designed kitchen knows this. When we first met John and Christine Mormile, they were seeking a more functional kitchen. As first-time home buyers, they purchased their traditional Cape Cod-style house knowing it would need renovation. Their biggest complaint? With everything jammed onto one wall, the kitchen felt closed-in and suffocating. This is what we did: Bigger Isn’t Always Better Just because your space is smaller doesn’t mean you can’t have the kitchen of your dreams. In fact, some of our favorite makeovers are smaller kitchens like Christine and John’s. They force us to get creative about making the limited amount of space work. “ Our new kitchen feels like much bigger room with more space than it actually is. ” – Christine Mormile One of the most important things we’ve learned over the years is that lack of space doesn’t have to mean lack of style – or functionality. Designing a New Kitchen When we first meet with a new client or prospect, we start with a series of questions to determine their wants and needs. For example: • “How do you use your kitchen? Cooking? Baking? Entertaining? Homework or business?” • “What don’t you like about your current kitchen?” • “What would you want to see in your dream kitchen?” Many times, when a prospect contacts us, it’s out of frustration with their current kitchen. They want to know how they can make the space work. The Mormiles needed more storage and functionality out of their small space. They didn’t care about having an eat-in kitchen, but they did want to get rid of the outdated appliances. Like all clients, our initial discussion was all about finding solutions.
Whether Thanksgiving dinner or a Christmas feast, a kitchen island is an invaluable asset during the holidays. Find out more by visiting Heart Kitchens of Holmdel, NJ online.
Making your kitchen as functional and user-friendly as possible can significantly reduce stress for homeowners. Find out why by visiting Heart Kitchens of Holmdel, NJ online.
Warm weather, a change of scenery, a chance to relax. There’s something irresistible about vacations. Whether you’re lazing by the ocean or dining under the stars, they’re a time of rest and renewal. But if your holiday plans got put on hold this year, you’re not alone. Instead of traveling, many people have chosen to take a staycation and enjoy time at home. This is where home improvements come into play! Jetting off to your favorite city might not be in the books – but recreating its ambiance at home is possible. Keep reading for our best tips on transforming your backyard into an environment that will rival any 5-star resort. Outdoor Kitchens When it comes to creating a relaxed vibe at home, an outdoor kitchen is our number one pick. Summer is the perfect time to enjoy dining alfresco – and creating a space for outdoor cooking is the perfect way to enjoy warm weather gatherings. Even better: Cooking outdoors means relieving your main kitchen (and the rest of the house) of built-up heat coming from the oven and stove. Not sure where to begin? Start with a grill and plenty of counter space for prepping and serving. Add a bar top where people can sit and chat for more of a “resort” feel. If you want to jazz things up a little, consider some unique appliances, like beer taps or a pizza oven. Most importantly, add a big outdoor table and other spots where you and your guests can gather for drinks and food! Here are some other tips to keep in mind: Recreate Your Favorite Destination Do you have a go-to vacation spot? Let it inspire the features and materials you choose for your outdoor kitchen! For example, mountain lovers might veer towards earthy colors and woodsy elements, like wood beams or a stone fireplace. A beach goer, on the other hand, might opt for blues and whites, a natural fiber rug, and some tropical greenery. No matter where you love to spend your downtime, take the time to get your design right for a real vacation-ready vibe. Create Space for Your Favorite Activities Part of a staycation is doing whatever you like to do, right from the comfort of your own home. Incorporate the things you enjoy into your outdoor dining area, whether that’s a tv to watch the big game or a shady nook for reading over a glass of wine. Are there little ones in the household? Consider adding an outdoor playset to the yard so the kids can have fun while the adults catch up. Safeguard Yourself from the Sun No matter where you live, the afternoon sun can be brutal – especially during the summer months. A shady structure, like a custom pergola, can create a comfortable area to sit and relax out of the sun’s harmful rays. Other options include canopies, umbrellas, and retractable shades. Create Privacy Depending on the size of your backyard and how close you are to the neighbors, you’ll likely want to add some privacy-creating features to your outdoor entertaining area. Bushes, hedges, and fences are great options to keep your entire backyard secluded in the long-term. If you opt to install a pergola or shades, those can do the trick as well. Choose Quality Furniture Bargain furniture from online discount retailers may look great on your screen, but if you want to entertain for years to come, it pays to invest in quality fixtures up front. Choose tables, chairs, and other fixtures that are made from outdoor-rated wood or polywood, which can last for decades and is easy to maintain. Final Thoughts 2020 has been a rough year for many reasons. Don’t let it throw your vacation off track! It’s still possible to have the getaway of your dreams, right from your own backyard. Need help deciding what outdoor kitchen options are right for you? Contact us today and let our design specialists help you out.
