Author: Breegan Jane

They say if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. I’m not really sure who “they” are; Google says it’s either Confucius or Mark Twain. But “they” also say you should never make your passion your profession. Doing so could make something you love ultimately turn into a chore or burden. So, which saying leans more toward the perfect job? I think they’re both partly true. However, I honestly think there’s a middle ground between them both that can lead you to the best career for you. At least, it did for me.

What The Perfect Job Is NOT

The first thing anyone searching for that utopian career or professional position needs to realize is this: no job is without its flaws. Even if the most amazing career opportunity paying an obnoxious amount of money fell into your lap, there would undoubtedly be challenges that come with it. I would be willing to bet that is the case in any industry, no matter where you work or what you do.

I make those statements from experience. But let me be clear: I absolutely LOVE what I do. Being an interior designer encompasses so many things I’m passionate about. Nevertheless, that passion can definitely feel like “work”, and also come with some headaches. For example, in the past several years I, like many other interior and home design professionals have dealt with significant supply chain issues that were completely out of my control. And, because home design is such a collaborative field, I tend to frequently deal with communication issues regarding vendor expectations and contracts. Even clients can be challenging in a not-so-positive way. I’ve had some who didn’t trust the creative process and became verbally abrasive. Other clients similarly wanted instant gratification when it came to the work being done in their homes. Those were difficult times for me.

I’ve even been my own worst challenge at times while doing what I love. Home design sometimes requires late nights and early mornings. During those times I often deal with mom guilt because my job doesn’t utilize traditional working hours that work best for my family. Over time, I realized I could be a great mom and responsible professional at the same time. And, I could love my job even with all of its random complications. These realizations keep me humble as I navigate personal desires and professional ambitions.

Redefining “Perfect”

With all the aforementioned things that can make interior design burdensome, why do I still consider it the perfect job? Well, even with all its challenges, it has been and continues to be extremely rewarding for me. Being a designer has empowered me in so many ways, and it has positively impacted how I see myself as a professional. I say that because I was diagnosed with ADHD as a young child. For the longest time, traditional learning styles didn’t offer me the best opportunities to express myself authentically. And quite honestly, I struggled. What I knew, though, is that my mind could envision things, and I could problem-solve in ways many of my peers struggled to do. Being in the creative sector has allowed me to thrive and not feel ostracized because I learn and work differently. Interior design is the perfect job for me because it allows me to use my natural gifts and entrepreneurial skills to positively impact other’s lives.

Also, remember the mom guilt I mentioned? There’s another side to that “unconventional hours” coin. I found that not having a traditional work schedule affords me the opportunity to give my sons the life I’ve always dreamed of. I get to spend time with them and give them experiences that wouldn’t necessarily be available with other careers. How, you might ask? I utilize homeschool hybrid learning modules with them that allow my family to be one that travels the world. We’ve been to Spain, France, Italy, and many of the continental United States, and they’ve had some of the richest life and learning experiences. Those moments are priceless, and I have my career to thank primarily for them.

Balance and Boundaries

Here’s the reality about careers: there will always be pros and cons that come with every job. You and you alone must make peace with what speaks to your heart professionally. My advice is to lean into what sets your heart on fire. Accept the fact that any and all work opportunities can be challenging and rewarding at the same time. And really, that’s what makes the best opportunity. The perfect job is never so easy that you coast by with no motivation to be excellent or better. At the same time, it’s never so difficult that you dread going to the office every day. That’s the balance we should all strive to create.

I never take for granted how lucky I am to be an interior designer and to love every single minute of what I do as a homemaker. I count it such a privilege to have a job where my primary role is making clients’ personal spaces beautiful. More than that, when I think about how I enhance people’s lives by making their homes more functional, I can only smile and be grateful. And to think, even when my “job” is done, the resulting work is lived in, enjoyed and appreciated by so many for years to come. Honestly, there’s nothing more perfect than that.

Our homes. They’re the ultimate place of rest, reprieve and relaxation. At least, they should be. And, the definition of “relaxing” shouldn’t be limited to beds and couches. For many, letting loose includes anything that provides pleasure, enjoyment or entertainment. What better way to invite those elements into a home than a luxury home bar? I’ve had the pleasure of creating home bars in several residential projects. Here’s what I love about them, and why I feel any great home should have (at least) one.

Sooo…Why A Home Bar?

It’s probably an overused sentiment at this point, but it still rings true: COVID-19 turned the entire world on its head. So many people started investing more in their homes because that’s where they spent–and still spend–much of their time. At the same time, the desire to enjoy life and its pleasures didn’t stay behind the closed doors we all found ourselves behind. The only natural pivot was to create or bring those out-of-home pleasures into our homes. Thus, “hometertainment” was born and continues to flourish in our personal and private spaces.

Yes, we’re all outside and enjoying many of life’s pre-pandemic frivolities. But the fascination of appreciating our homes in new ways and getting more personal and professional use out of them hasn’t slowed, ironically. As a society we intrinsically still want to delight in others’ company and gather with loved ones. The pandemic taught us through necessity that we now have options to go out or engage in some of those same activities at home. Home bars help to facilitate the socializing aspect of gathering we all love, but with unique touches that create a more tailored experience. Whether it’s catching up with friends, celebrating milestones or simply relishing in spare time, having a bar in your home can set the stage for making memories that will last a lifetime. I always say the kitchen is the heart of the home, but a home bar is a very close second space!

Elements of the Perfect Luxury Home Bar

If you want to create the perfect luxury home bar, know that it isn’t a one-size-fits-all project. There are SO many options from which you can choose. However, there are some basics you’ll need to secure your home bar meets every need you and your guests have.

First, consider your home and its capacity to house a bar space. A home bar will require ample square footage, especially if it will be a place for entertaining. It will be imperative for the space to comfortably accommodate the beverage station, a host or bartender, and several guests. Once you’ve secured the space, decide where it will be in your home. That may be determined by its purpose. Will your home bar be a greeting area for guests, or will it be tucked away for “special” occasions only? Will it exist in a larger living area such as the dining or family rooms, or will you put it in the man cave or the patio for outside entertaining? The first rule of real estate, as many would say, is “location, location, location.” Such is the same for your home bar!

Next, think about what statement you want to make with the visual presentation of your bar. That will determine what materials to use for the most prominent part of your bar: the countertop. The most popular materials to use are stone and wood, and each of those brings a very different aesthetic to the bar presentation. The great thing is that there are so many choices between those two material types. From quartz, granite and marble to walnut, maple and mahogany, you’ll have a limitless amount of visual styles to bring to your bar entertainment area. Other considerations like seating options, layout and bartending tools are also important, but I think these two are priority decisions.

Putting the Breegan Touch on Luxury Home Bars

I have been able to use my creativity and custom interior design prowess for quite a few clients, but I definitely have my favorites. Two of them are included in one multimillion-dollar Spanish villa in Bel Air, UNICA. The first bar was located at the entrance of the home. This was intentional, as I wanted the home bar to greet visitors and give them a landing space while waiting for the primary homeowner to receive them. The entrance bar boasts custom Silver Wave marble stone counters constructed in a ‘U’ shape, which follows the natural curves in the stone’s design. I accented the home bar with lush and comfortable custom bar stools that I knew guests would adore. Under the bar, there are four insets of dark charcoal shagreen (leather made from stingray skin) with slight bronze undertones. This entrance home bar is such a refined way to welcome newcomers into the sprawling megamansion.

In this same home, I created a wellness bar that is simply stunning! This home bar can be seen from multiple levels in the home. Its design is an intentional blend of darker and lighter elements of the home, tying in characteristics of upper and lower level features and complementing the brown in the limestone flooring. It’s such a gorgeous presentation! The bar itself was designed by Alex Turco, who infused elements of smoke and water in the design, perfectly symbolizing the views of the fireplace and waterfall you see from the bar area. It presents such cohesion, and I hope the future owners and their guests appreciate it as much as I did while creating it.

Luxurious home bars are an acquired amenity for a certain type of homeowner, but they can do wonders to enhance the look of an entertainment area of your home. If you ever wondered how you could incorporate a home bar, I can be of service! Let’s connect via The Expert and discuss options with your house and desires in mind!

With ever-rising mortgage rates and a more competitive than ever housing market, is it any wonder so many people are choosing to invest in their current homes rather than buy new ones? With the right interior designer, a vision and a hefty dose of patience, home renovations can truly transform your space into the house you’ve been dreaming of. But, let’s be honest about it. People love home renovations because of the gorgeous outcome we get to on the other side of all the chaos. The problem is, all of the chaos! LOL. If you’re thinking about embarking on a home remodel or home renovations journey, I’ve got a few helpful tips to keep in mind!

Keep It All In Perspective

I have talked about the differences in designing for clients versus designing for myself on my social media. I am in the process of designing my dream beach home, and my son’s room presented a challenge. There was a pole that stood in the middle of the space. Instead of stressing over it, I decided to design around it. Problem solved! It isn’t usually as cut and dry when I’m designing for others.

When someone contacts me via The Expert for a virtual consultation, the first thing I do is shift every focus to a client-centered view. It all becomes about what you want and need out of your space. Often, that means attempting to solve small issues that clients see as serious dilemmas. One of the biggest pieces of advice I can give you while you’re in the midst of home renovations is to not sweat the small stuff! Listen, structural imperfections will exist. Trust me, it’s just something you can and should expect.

Trust Your Designer

When we’re designing a space, we are in essence creating a usable box. That means the functionality comes first. I can’t count how many times I’ve had to explain to clients that the tiny piece of the closet wall that isn’t precisely flush against the next wall will never be noticed. People obsess over things that simply won’t matter, and that’s why you hire a designer who can help you distinguish between the things that do and don’t. Don’t fixate on a window that isn’t completely centered. You can place a beautiful vase there and those six inches you’re worried about suddenly vanish. Besides, even if you could get it centered the way you think you want it, the window would be too close to the kitchen, and it would throw everything off! 

Spending an insane amount of time on minutia only delays progress. Trust your designer, and fear not when it comes to the little things.

Partner Well With Tradesmen

Home renovations don’t happen without tradesmen. These projects are collaborative. During any given part of the process, you may be working with several different vendors, and they all have a role to play. During what is often a stressful time, it is especially important to remember that everyone has varying management styles. That means you might run into a worker who handles things like invoicing in a way that isn’t your preference. It also might mean you hire someone who isn’t as well-versed when it comes to the administrative side of home renovations. Try to stay calm, and be empathetic. Some people are simply going to be better skilled at plumbing or drywall than they are in billing practices. Don’t get worked up. Keep a line-by-line record of what your contract says, and aim to lead with a smile. Polite will always win.

Keep Cash Handy

This one might surprise you if you haven’t had much experience on bigger home improvement projects, but it’s worth noting. We have several ways to pay people that don’t involve physical money, so you’re probably wondering why I advise keeping it on you, right? The answer is simple. Contracted employees are often scheduling their jobs and time around the size of the job they have on the docket. In the beginning of a project, the tasks, like framing, are much larger. Therefore, they yield bigger checks for the company. The jobs towards the end dwindle in size and pay. It’s much harder to get someone to come out to do one small job without the promise of immediate payment. I have had to have tradesmen come back out to do small tasks like hot mopping a single shower. They were much more incentivized to do so when I had cash readily available to pay them for their time right then and there. So, take it from me, keep your cash flow in order for the best results!

Organization is King

This is where you really need to pay attention. I have one word for you: spreadsheets. Learn them, use them, master them. It’s so easy to get caught up in those “instant” before-and-afters we see on social media. An unsightly space morphs into a magazine-worthy one at the snap of an influencer’s fingers. But to many clients’ dismay, that just isn’t how it works. Good things take time. They also take planning. If you’re planning a remodel or renovation, sit down and strategically plan it all out with your designer. Next, get busy ordering all the necessary pieces. When I’m designing a home, all of my items are already onsite before we begin. That includes lighting, plumbing, bolts, etc. 

Now, ordering all of these pricey items so far in advance means that you also have to be able to keep track of them. We don’t want a single thing to go missing. Put each item into your spreadsheet with details. I add extensive notes to mine. I want to know which door goes in which room, which way it swings, the corresponding hardware and any other pertinent information! Home renovations go well when everything is available to be installed when it’s time to get the job done.

Don’t be intimidated by others’ home renovation horror stories. These projects definitely take a lot of work, but the reward is great! Use these tips to achieve your dream space without all of the stress. Contact me today and I’ll help!

Good interior design is not only about the “big picture.” Yes, everything has to come together to create a great-looking and great-feeling aesthetic. But much of that has to do with choices that perfectly mesh with your lifestyle, and that’s different for everyone. One space in your home that may matter more than people think is the dining room. Dining room tables exist in almost every home, but most aren’t purchased with the intentionality they deserve. Here are some things to consider when looking to incorporate the best dining room table for your home and your way of life.

Start with Scale

One of my favorite design projects was a 41,000-square-foot megamansion in Bel Air. The entire home had sprawling space everywhere! It was fun selecting decor that was larger than life because the space could handle it all. What I realize, though, is some of those same pieces of furniture would completely dwarf the average dining room in most homes.

That’s where your journey to find the best dining room table should start. Consider the size of your space.  Why? Because visual balance is always key. That said, you want to make sure the scale of the table matches the available square footage. Honestly, no one wants an Alice in Wonderland situation. You may adore a specific table, but if it is too small for your space, it will never present the way you want (or need) it to. Such is the same with stately dining room tables. They have such a commanding presence and they can look so regal. However, if you have a smaller dining room, selecting a table that’s too large would crowd your space. That would have the opposite effect you want. Instead of looking grand, you would actually reduce square footage visually. You definitely want to think about scale as you choose your dining room table.

Make & Material

People tend to pick furniture with their eyes versus their needs. They buy what they like, and they like what they see. But with so many different types of materials from which to choose, how do you know which one is best? All materials are not made equally, nor do all of them present effectively in a space. But again, that is contingent on one’s definition of “effective.”

For example, is being environmentally sound important to you when furnishing your home? It is for me. I am a big advocate of thinking about sustainability when it comes to furniture purchases. You may want to consider looking at dining room tables made from reclaimed wood. This material is significantly stronger than traditional wood. Prolonged exposure to various temperatures causes wood to expand and makes it tougher and less prone to splitting. Its rustic look also adds visual depth and character other woods don’t. And, reclaimed wood helps to preserve natural resources. Wins all around!

I also love to design with glass dining room tables. In fact, another one of my favorite pieces that I’ve used in an interior design project featured a glass tabletop. It sat on a brass base and was infused with one of my favorite hues. Glass is great because you can go larger with it without obstructing the view or visually breaking up the continuity in a space. It is a delicate material, so it does have some limitations. I’d say the same about marble. It’s simply gorgeous, but it is a very soft stone. Now, if you love marble but don’t want to have it resealed often (which tends to be the case with marble), go with a manmade material. It’s just as beautiful and more durable.

What’s the Use?

A final thing to consider when deciding on your dining room table is how it’s going to be used. Many people have formal dining rooms that aren’t regularly utilized. Rather, homeowners use the rooms more for beauty and for contributing to the overall look of the entire home. If that is what you’re after, you may want to select a table based on its intricate craftsmanship, look or color. These aspects may be more appreciated because they work to better complement the interior space itself.

However, if you’re looking to get a dining room table you will sit down and use daily with your family, that may be the time to deliberate more on what you really want. Do you want to invest in an heirloom-quality table that may be a bit more costly but more substantial? Or, will having an active family cause you to think more practically? If you entertain a great deal, are you okay with having a dining room table made of beautiful but super porous materials? These are some serious questions to think about.

As an interior designer with a family, I think you should also be mindful of the dynamic of the people who will be using it. If your household consists only of you and your significant other, two responsible adults, you may be more willing to purchase a table with a more precious or delicate material. If you have active young kids, though, chances are you may not want a table that can be easily marred by stains, nicks, or dents from regular use. Trust me: NO ONE wants permanent memories of spaghetti sauce or ketchup mishaps. Also, if you have kids, consider the cleaning that will be necessary if you have a glass table. Fingerprints are real—and very visible— with this material.

Need Help Deciding?

There’s so much to keep in mind when you want to create the perfect dining room in your home. A big part of that will center on the elements you want to incorporate, including your dining room table, and how everything will fit into your everyday lifestyle. Need some help making a decision about all your options? I can help! I’d love to look at your room and talk you through some specific considerations for your dining space. Contact me at The Expert, and let’s work to find the best dining room table for your forever home!

Is your home your absolute favorite place to be? I believe it should be. Don’t get me wrong; most of us love a nice tropical vacation from time to time. However, when it comes to the place that makes you feel like the embrace of a nice warm hug, home is what it’s all about! I think that’s one of the reasons I love my job so much. Interior design truly has the power to transform any space into what we want and need it to be. With the craziness of today’s world and our nonstop schedules, having a tranquil place to return to each day shouldn’t be a privilege, it should be everyone’s normal practice. If you’ve been wishing for that to be your reality, I’ll help get you started with easy tips in this blog!

The Power of Home

Most people never think about the concept of “home” outside of a structure that keeps us warm and dry each day. But our homes do so much, and they mean so much! I have been blessed to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, an organization that has made it its mission to fight for everyone to have access to fair and safe housing. I can think of no better reason for what I do than this. I also work to end child marriage and FGM in Kenya, and one of the biggest risks the girls and women take on the road to a better life is leaving the home they know with nothing but hope for a safer future. They often live in buildings that also house the classrooms they attend. 

Home for so many is a sanctuary. It is where we look forward to resting after a long day of work and stressors. It is the place we raise our children, gather with our loved ones and take shelter from storms. Home is everything. So finding ways to ensure these spaces can transform into the ultimate in tranquility is so important. More than that, though, it is achievable with the right choices in interior design. 

Summon the Spa

When a client tells me they want a space to feel peaceful, one of the first things I do is consider the places that immediately conjure up those relaxing vibes. For many, that is the spa! Spas typically feature neutral color palettes of white with hints of shades of blue. A good rule of thumb is to go with creamy neutrals when your goal is tranquility because it tends to make the space feel…well, spa-like!

If you’re not a fan of those particular hues, don’t feel pressured to use them. The next step is to simply consider when you feel the most at ease. What do your surroundings look like in those moments? For instance, say you adore bright yellow. Your first thought may be to put it all over your room, because it makes you happy, right? Wrong! Colors affect us in various ways. That means, you can love yellow, but if it energizes you, maybe it’s best in a space meant more for productivity than relaxation. So remember to hone in on the shades that bring about a serene feeling when you’re using home design for these results.

Don’t Forget Your Senses

All too often we forget that interior design isn’t just about what you see, it’s also how a space engages the other senses. Creating a calm space involves the way things smell as well. In fact, you can impact the way someone feels in a space with smell in several ways! I’ve heard realtors talk about baking cookies when they are doing open houses for homes they’re looking to sell. Why? Because it evokes a certain familiar (and positive) feeling. That could potentially sway things for a potential buyer while they peruse the home.

You can use a similar trick with something like candles or a diffuser. We can even take another nod from the spa here. Masseuses will often use scented oils and lotions on their clients. Now, of course those are needed so that their hands glide over skin more easily. However, much of the benefit lies in the aromatic quality of the oils and lotions. In fact, the National Institute of Health, or NIH conducted a study that proved that after inhalation of certain essential oils “Different sets of responses would be triggered…” that “… would ultimately affect both mood and emotion.” Grab some calming scents and let them waft through your home. You’ll definitely feel the tranquil vibes!

Be Inspired By Your Favorite Places

Where is your favorite place on earth, besides your own home? When you think of that place, what are the first things that come to mind? Is it the way the sun shines in a particular way that feels warm and soothing? If so, consider smart lighting! You can purchase bulbs for your fixtures that allow you to change the shade of light and even when it comes on each day in order to mimic that relaxing orange hue that you love. 

If your mind immediately goes to the architectural features of a place, such as the structure of the houses, or the ornate gates, I can help you find ways to incorporate them in your space. I loved the detailing of the doors in Morocco, and I knew I wanted to capture a bit of that at my own home. I sourced a hundred year old gate and had it custom painted. It remains one of my favorite parts of that house. 

It isn’t unusual to cling to memories of the natural and physical characteristics of a place. Often, people will mention how comforting they found the sounds of waterfalls in their favorite locales. They will remark about the beauty of the trees and green grass, or the rich blue tones in the ocean. When I hear these comments, I immediately begin to think about how to bring those components to their spaces in imaginative ways.

Soothing Sounds and Natural Beauty

Fountains are a beautiful way to bring in the sounds of running water, and they can be used in many places throughout the home. They can be as decorative or organic looking as you wish. I have placed them in and around bathrooms in my projects, and they’re always a huge hit. Of course, using gorgeous greenery to surround yourself with nature is always a great idea! I even have a trick for those who aren’t blessed with a green thumb. Interior design can be a visceral and palpable experience if you lean into your own sensitivities and passions.

Décor that feels well-traveled is always a great addition to a space, because it becomes a conversation starter as well as a memory trigger tied to serenity. Get retrospective and really dive into the feelings you get when you are in the lands that make you feel most at home. We can easily recreate those sensations with interior design!

Your home isn’t a place that should be tolerated. It should be celebrated. I want my clients to be excited to return home each day. I want them to know that no matter what life throws at them throughout the day from work and other stressful encounters, they get to go home to an atmosphere rich in relief. If you’re seeking a tranquil home, contact me on The Expert! Let’s design one together.

Interior designers have a way of making various elements of home design work to create moods and evoke emotions throughout the home. But that has to be done with consistency. How do we do that? Well, each designer’s strategy is different, but one of the ways I create that consistency is with neutral paint colors. Here’s why.

The Power of Neutral Paint Colors

When it comes to making statements with color in interior design, bright and bold colors certainly have “stand-out” factors. Something vibrant and flamboyant may definitely get seen. However, using that colorway throughout your home may present as a little more maximalist than you ultimately want.

Neutral colors, on the other hand, are much more calming and inviting to the naked eye. That’s because they have less variation from one to the other, generally speaking, so you can more easily move from neutral to neutral without interruption. The seamless transition also helps with coordination and more cohesion in a space. What’s more, using neutrals as your base palette in your room design will create a space that is easier to maintain AND coordinate with non-neutral colors. These are just a few reasons why neutral paint colors are my go-to in my design projects.

Wonderfully White

I learned early on in my career that white isn’t just white. So many different shades add to or detract from the inviting vibe of a space, and I found it essential to hone in on which white shades were the best. I ended up choosing a shade of white that works well in practically all of my interior projects that require white tones. In my book, there’s no better white than “Cool December” by Dunn-Edwards. I’ve been using it in my design projects for over 10 years.

“Cool December” has a much cooler tone than many other white shades, yet it doesn’t feel clinical or hospital-esque, if that makes sense. Rather, it’s a crisp, clean tone that is extremely tempered with respect to brightness. It’s great for any area of the home, but I love it in rooms that get used frequently simply because it’s touch-up friendly. Magic erasers work well with this shade, and that’s great for homes with active toddlers.

Black is Beautiful

As with all colors, selecting the perfect shade is always key in design projects. When I want a darkened space and dramatic impact, I reach for Behr’s “Little Black Dress.” Most people don’t even think about black as a neutral paint color, but it actually is. In fact, it’s a bold neutral I think should be considered more often in home design. I consider this a more versatile version of black because of the hints of navy undertones layered within. That adds a bit of warmth and gives the color depth when used on walls and cabinetry. The slight hint of blue also adds personality and brings a more inviting aesthetic that more stark shades of black don’t present. “Little Black Dress” is a favorite for creating timeless looks, such as tuxedo kitchens.

Now, when I need an absolute black, there’s nothing that works like “Tricorn Black” by Sherwin-Williams. Tricorn Black has a light reflectance value (LRV) of 3, which means it virtually absorbs ALL light with which it comes in contact. At the same time, the lighting in the space can make it look a bit lighter or darker. I mention that to say it is a solid choice for an all-around black neutral paint color, but it can be flexible depending on natural light options where you may use it. And, because it has no undertones, you can pair it with many other colors that do!

Going Greige

If you’re looking for a neutral paint color between black and white, I have a perfect choice. It’s a mix of gray and beige, or “greige.” The combination has the visual flexibility to look “gray” without being as cold. Beige adds the warmth needed to give the shade a unique dimension and appearance. If you’re curious about what it looks like, I love Behr’s “Campfire Ash”.

The awesome thing about greige is that it’s a muted neutral that evokes calm and serenity. It not only works well as a neutral paint color for walls, but it is also amazing for furniture and wood stains if you don’t prefer dark tones in your decor. What’s more, it allows designers to bring inside the shades and tones from outside hardscapes. Greige can make an impact in any room in the home, but I think it works exceptionally well in living rooms and dining rooms. It also complements natural stone elements in the kitchen area wonderfully.

Your Favorite Neutral Paint Color?

These are a few of my favorite colors I use when selecting neutrals as a foundational color palette, but I’m curious about what colors you prefer. Let me know in the comments. If you’re curious about what neutral paint color would look best in your home, I can definitely help guide you! Contact me at The Expert, and let’s look at your space together to see what would make your gorgeous home look even more magnificent!

Is it just me, or is life just getting more and more hectic? I think it’s safe to say that most of us are maneuvering through all the twists and turns of everyday happenings the very best we can. While that’s easier said than done, having homes that can accommodate our busier lifestyles and ever-changing needs certainly can help! One way of maximizing a home is to create what’s known as a flex space. It’s a feature many are adding to their homes, and today I’ll show you how you can too!

What is a Flex Space?

I’d be willing to bet that you have either heard of a flex space, or you’re familiar with the concept. A flex space is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a room or space that can be used for multiple purposes. A few years ago when the world was hit with an unforeseen pandemic, we were all stuck inside our homes for lengthier durations than ever before. That meant we had to get creative in order to meet the challenges of our spaces. All of a sudden, we were expected to have classrooms in our homes for kids to continue school. We couldn’t go to the gym, or to the office, and our kids had to hit pause on their extracurricular activities. Because nothing even remotely close to this had ever happened before, our homes couldn’t keep up with the demand. 

Instead, we made due with what we had, often crowding into whatever room was available for everything from zoom meetings to spanish lessons. It was a time, indeed. The truth is, many people thought (and some still think) they didn’t have any other options. The idea of a flex space felt impossible when they considered the home they worked so hard to create pre-pandemic. And, I get it. I mean, there aren’t a ton of people rushing to completely re-do their homes when they’ve invested a significant amount of money to curate those spaces to their preferences already. The other myth was that you needed a lot of extra square footage to create a flex space—square footage they didn’t have. Fortunately, that’s simply not true! You can achieve these multi use spaces with what you have with a few easy tips.

Flipping Your Space, Temporarily

One of the things clients often bring up when we’re seeking answers to their space conundrums, is that they don’t want to waste space for situations that only arise every now and then. For instance, what do you do if you want an office, but the only “free” room in your home is a guest room? If you booked a virtual consultation with me on The Expert, I would likely begin by asking how frequently you have guests staying in your home. Many of us are holding space for people or activities that occur rarely enough that there might actually be a better use for that room! 

So, let’s create homes for the lives we live now! Make that room an office that can easily be flipped into a guest room when needed. I love creative solutions like murphy beds for this exact purpose. Murphy beds fold up into the wall when not in use, so you never have to sacrifice space! You can put desks, tables and any other office equipment you need in the room, and conveniently let down the bed for your guests when they’re in town. Voila, flex space activated! 

Put Your Interior Design to Work

I say it all the time; interior design doesn’t exist only to make things pretty. It also helps you get the most function out of your space. When you want to create a flex space, consider the power of design in your choices. If you’re a huge movie buff, but your home doesn’t allow for a built-in movie room, create one! Depending on budget and wall space, you can buy inexpensive projectors and screens that can be used for movie nights in any room! If that feels too lofty, turn to lighting! There are so many smart lighting options that are ideal for setting the vibe for a fun movie night. You can program scenes as you wish that will transform a space into dark theater mode at the touch of a button. All you’ll need next is a comfy blanket and popcorn! Flex spaces don’t have to be permanent. You can shift into them as needed.

Redo, Repurpose, Reuse

What’s in your garage? What about your basement? One of the best ways to create a flex space is to take advantage of the spots in your home that have gone forgotten and unused altogether. I can’t tell you how many clients tell me they wish they had a home gym or a safe place for their kids to play, all while completely overlooking the most obvious answer. If your garage has become a place to store a bunch of junk you keep meaning to get rid of, now’s the time! Park that car in the driveway, and transform that space into your home garage or yoga studio! Looking for a craft room? Maybe a playroom for the kids? Tidy up your finished basement and design one. Most of us aren’t lacking space, we just lack vision. Don’t waste good space! 

You Have What You Need

Would you believe your existing space is likely already flex space material? Because it is! You simply have to decide how you need it to perform. Then, we can use innovative ways to bring it to life! Maybe you have an office, but you want to be able to look over notes without feeling disconnected from the rest of the family in the evenings. Occasional tables are perfect for this reason. They’re small enough to pull up and place your laptop while the kids are enjoying a board game just a few feet away. I love looking over blueprints while my boys eat their messy lunches right next to me without the fear of their little fingers staining my documents! Occasional tables are small enough to be placed beside any seating area without obstructing walkways. They’re available in various design styles ensuring anyone can find one right for their space.

I’m a busy mom of two boys, so I know what it’s like to deal with mountains of homework. We’ve been lucky enough to have a space converted for schoolwork for my sons, but an alternative to that is something you probably use daily: your kitchen island. These make awesome flex spaces in a home because they often already have electrical outlets, something you definitely need with all the devices our kids use. If you haven’t already, invest in smart switches and outlets that allow for conveniences like faster charging, and even wire organization to keep things neat. My favorites are from Legrand. Durable countertop materials (we don’t want sharpie marks on marble!) comfortable barstools and enough outlets make for a superb working station!

Demand more from your home! You spend a lot of time there, so it should be able to keep up with your lifestyle. Flex spaces are becoming more and more common, and they really do help you maximize your usable square footage in creative ways. If you need better performance out of your home, contact me and let’s figure it out together!