Articles about architectural design are typically about the tangible aspects—doors, walls, fixtures, design details, etc. Rarely do we discuss how architecture can make you feel.
Sight is our most potent sense. When you experience something that fills you with awe or inspires you, more often than not, that stimulation is visual. An architect’s job is to understand how to achieve happiness through visual design. Designing a home to provide expansive views of a landscaped yard, colorful foliage, a sunny sky, animals frolicking in the woods, a body of water—bringing the outdoors inside, for example, can be therapeutic to the heart, mind, and soul.
We’re currently redesigning a master suite, family room, and kitchen/breakfast room for maximum sunlight and line of sight. Framing views, layering, and creating flow between spaces fill our client with passion and enthusiasm about their renovation project. We’re finding now, more than ever, that our clients want their homes to reflect who they are in their hearts—they want openness, light, movement, and quality over quantity.
A room can feel much more inviting and offer a more comfortable place to rest if it’s designed around a focal point, such as a distinguishing architectural feature. The focal point should be the first thing you see when entering a room. It should be something interesting to look at, something colorful or texturally and visually appealing, like a fireplace, an exposed brick wall, or an outdoor view. A window or group of windows draws all eyes to the natural light and the movement in the landscape, a skyline or other outdoor element. If an outdoor view is the focal point, furniture can be positioned in a way inside and outside to take advantage of window areas. Using the technique of “framing views” in your home can transform a basic window into a brilliant, ever-changing picture!
Well-designed spaces can also bring us peace and balance. Cluttered kitchen drawers and shelves, cramped bathrooms, undersized storage areas, unorganized closets, unused rooms, and small, messy bedrooms are not a recipe for happiness. Thoughtfully designed spaces are easy to use and help you move through life without anxiety, stress and frustration. Melding design and functionality can also increase productivity, especially in process-oriented areas like the kitchen.
When your home is causing more grief than serenity, it may be time to renovate! Contact us today to learn how Commonwealth Home Design can create a home to perfectly suit the way you live—heart, mind and soul.
Focal Point and Expansive Views of Woods Beyond
Breakfast Nook with a View
Floor to Ceiling Windows with Expansive Views
Bathroom Focal Point Serenity and Balance
Panoramic Backyard View
