What a Difference Design Makes
Material selections are often the most fun, and sometimes the most daunting part of the building process. It’s not uncommon for homeowners to hire an Architect or Interior Designer to help tackle this extremely important part of the design process. The materials you choose set the stage for the look and feel of your home so it’s important that they reflect your own personal style. In this article, we’re going to showcase two separate cottages that have identical floor plans, but drastically different character based on the selections chosen.
A perfect example of how designing the interior is almost as important as the space itself.
Coastal vs. Country in the Heart of the Kitchen
The kitchen is said to be the heart of the home and the one place everyone gathers. It’s the perfect space to highlight a homeowner’s unique personality. The kitchen in this Coastal Cottage, designed by Interior Impressions, exudes a “beachy” vibe with painted enamel cabinetry with a classic gray horizontal brick back splash and granite countertop. A quarter-sawn white oak custom range hood with bead board detailing compliments the timber accents on the ceiling giving the space a soft, natural detail.
In contrast, the Knotty Alder cabinets of this Country Cottage kitchen lends a more rustic appeal with chestnut granite countertops and a California gold architectural slate backsplash. The contrasting white island is reminiscent of classic cottage design intended to provide a softer accent to an otherwise dark aesthetic.
Durable Flooring that’s Affordable
Luxury Vinyl Flooring (LVT), as featured in our Top 5 Flooring Trends, was used in both cottages for its durable surface properties and affordability as compared to wood floor. The wide range of colors make it a perfect option to match any style of design. To provide that softer feel, a more blond/white washed wood tone was used in the Coastal Cottage whereas the County Cottage chose a darker finish to highlight the more rustic character. Both choices were a great addition to each unique design style.
Finishes Make the Difference
Not everything has to be different to make a distinctive design statement. The entertainment room bar in each Cottage is a perfect example of how one finish selection can completely change the look and feel of the space. Both Cottages chose a Knotty Alder cabinet with a walnut finish to provide that hint of rustic charm; however, the use of differing materials for wall accents gives each space its own unique identity. The Coastal Cottage, for example, used a whitewashed ship-lap back splash to maintain that “beachy” vibe while providing a vivid backdrop for the dark pop of cabinetry color. The Country Cottage chose to “amp” up the rustic charm with horizontal plank accents with a more reclaimed nature. From a simple wet bar to a fully functioning kitchenette, the selections used in each Cottage were the perfect blend of character and design.
As you can see, the materials and finishes you choose for your home can make a world of difference in terms of design aesthetic and personal style. The possibilities are endless and depending on the look you want, the budget you wish to invest, and how you will use the space will help determine what selections are right for you. To aid in this process, we tell all our clients to start by gathering inspiration available on popular digital sites like Houzz and Pinterest.
You can find inspiration from a piece of fabric, artwork and even out in nature. Grab your camera and snap a shot of whatever inspires you because you never know where that idea might lead.
