A Builder/Designer’s Perspective on Personalizing Your Home

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When it comes to making design decisions, whether on a new build project or a renovation, many homeowners have a hard time clearly articulating what they’re looking for. The design team’s role is to guide clients through a process of discovery in order to bring their vision to life.

By getting to know clients on a personal level and listening carefully to how they want their home to look and feel, the design team can help homeowners create a haven that not only meets their needs but truly reflects their style and personality.

As a homeowner, some of the ways you can make the most of this discovery process include:

• Gathering examples of things you like—mood boards with different colors, textures and materials, reference photographs, magazine images and Pinterest boards.  
• Sharing what is and is not working in your current home.
• Explaining your personal philosophy—what home means to you and how you hope to live in the space.
• Most importantly, not being shy about asking for personal touches that will make your home your own.

The more information you share with your design team, the better; and the earlier your preferences are pinned down, the easier the whole process will be. Having to make changes halfway through the process will bog down the project timeline and, in the end, cost you more money.

With these tips in mind, here are a few trends we are seeing and some of the ways our clients are personalizing their spaces.

Kitchen 

Affectionately referred to as the heart of the home, current trends include double kitchens, one for prep and one for show, large pantries to tuck away small appliances such as toasters and coffee makers, and walk-in refrigerator rooms. 

Great room

We’re noticing less of an emphasis on the television as the center of great rooms. Instead, homeowners are seeking family-friendly gathering spaces that invite more interaction, with comfy sitting areas centered around cozy fireplaces and game tables for family game night. 

Primary Bathroom 

High-end homeowners are turning their primary bathrooms into luxurious home spas outfitted with state-of-the-art steam showers, saunas and spacious soaking tubs, lots of light and windows, and separate dressing room areas. 

Sentimental Items 

Many clients carry sentimental items that are dear to them throughout their lifetime and wish to incorporate them into the design. Recently, we incorporated a very traditional Venetian glass chandelier into a client’s otherwise modern home. 

Wine Cellars and Tasting Rooms 

For the wine aficionado, a wine room with large capacity storage and organization, a seating area and mini kitchen from which to serve appetizers are a must.  

Home Gyms

During the pandemic, the demand for home gyms surged.  Now, working out at home has become a top priority and many homeowners are personalizing their gyms with exercise equipment, weights, mirrors, mats and projectors and screens to stream favorite classes.

Home Theaters

Also high on homeowners’ wish lists are home theaters—dark, distraction-free rooms with spacious, comfortable seating, cup holders, popcorn machines and state-of-the-art projection and surround sound systems.  

Hobby Rooms

We often get requests for spaces that allow homeowners to pursue their favorite pastimes such as crafting, sewing, painting and collecting. We’ve built custom shops for woodworkers and recently, a mini golf area for a golf enthusiast. 

Game Rooms

Many families want their children to have spaces dedicated to fun, with comfy setups for gaming and tables for playing board games as well as pool tables, ping pong tables and the like. 

Customized Garages

Car collectors and clients with outdoor toys like four-wheelers and snowmobiles frequently come to us requesting customized garages. 

Home Offices

The pandemic brought with it a huge surge in demand for home offices and the trend continues, as many people are working hybrid schedules or have decided they like being home-based. Many times these home offices are also set up as flex spaces for guests. 

Music Rooms

For a client with musical talent, a dedicated space to practice is a top priority. We recently completed a project for a client with an extensive guitar collection who wanted a special space to display and enjoy his instruments. 

Dog Wash Stations

And finally, a little something for our four-legged friends. Dog wash stations with easy access in mud rooms or garages are all the rage.

Architect/Builder/Designer Kasia Karska is the owner of the boutique design-build firm, Kasia Karska Design, located in Vail Valley, Colorado. The talented team at Kasia Karska strives to create unique environments for their clients, full of infinite potential, tranquility, and inspiration.View their profile or contact Kasia and her team at 970.688.5748.

Content for this article is provided by Kasia Karska Design.