Consider This Before Remodeling

Consider This Before Remodeling

Starting a house project, or sometimes any project if you have perfectionist tendencies(ahem, no comment 😏) can be overwhelming. Information overload, decision paralysis, freaking out; whatever you want to call it, sets in, so we put together a list of a few things we ask people to consider when we begin a design consultation or remodel.

When envisioning home design 10-15 years into the future, it’s essential to take a holistic approach that considers the entire living experience rather than focusing on individual rooms in isolation. Here’s a structured way to think about this vision:

Elin Styling In Kitchen 1321
Midcdentury modern renovation 
Exactly Designs Kitchen Dining
Photo: Sally Matak

1. Big Picture Vision

  • Flexibility: Design spaces that can adapt to changing needs over time. For instance, a home office that can easily transition to a guest room, or open-concept spaces that allow for different configurations depending on the family’s dynamics or activities. Here is where the long game is important. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in the now emotionally and financially, but anticipating your needs and desires for the future definitely pays off!

2. Investment in Overall Design: This is where we come in!

  • Cohesion Across Spaces: We call cohesiveness “flow.” Rather than designing one room at a time, think of the relationship between spaces. Ensure that materials, colors, and architectural elements flow throughout the house to create a sense of harmony. We’ve said it before, but we’ll say it again, this doesn’t mean everything matches! Too much of the same reads as boring. Take a look at project page and you’ll see that making it all work together is our speciality!
  • Long-Term Goals: Prioritize features that may increase in value or significance over time, such as entertainment areas, porches/patios, fitness rooms or sunrooms. And definitely budget for quality appliances. Is this your forever home? Are there steps you can take now to make it friendlier as you age? We sit down with you at the beginning of every project to get to know you and learn just what you want from your space, now and in the future.

3. Avoiding Decisions in Isolation

 Michigan kitchen/living/dining design open plan remodel
Photo: Bob Foran
  • Interconnected Spaces: Consider how rooms interact. For example, an open kitchen that flows into a living area can enhance family interaction and entertain guests better than a closed-off layout. The open floor plan became popular in the 1950s when the kitchen became the center of the house. Fireplaces were constructed to be enjoyed from multiple angles, and staircases became airy architectural features. The open concept floor plan is still popular today and adds value to your home.
Exactly designs remodeled mid century kitchen and living room
Exactly designs mid century kitchen and living room, photo Bob Foran

4. Daily Happiness

This is our favorite part! We design midcentury spaces because we love midcentury style. If you’re here with us, we know you do too! But what’s your version? What makes you happy? If you love to read then you need a cozy chair and beautiful book shelves. Is cooking your thing? Then we need to give you a big kitchen with great storage and an atmosphere to match your personality.

The challenge of creating a space that reflects you and your individual tastes is what gets our creative juices going. Do you have a family heirloom or artwork that you want to see every day? Want us to incorporate one of your kid’s drawing? Yes, please! We love that! I can tell you that we do all of that in our own homes and it’s what makes us smile everyday.

exactly designs green midcentury modern chair in library

Photo credit: CJ South(above), Bob Foran (below)

mid century open plan remodel of kitchen

Final Thoughts

Let’s create a space that not only serves your current needs but also adapts and grows with you and your family over time. This future-focused perspective will yield a home that enhances daily happiness and fulfills long-term aspirations.

Don’t take our word for it…

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