Living rooms, kitchens, and gathering spaces
The spaces where we gather define everyday life. Living rooms and kitchens must feel welcoming, comfortable, and functional, while still reflecting personal style.
Gina Sangiacomo, Timeless Interiors, shares:
Unattractive design choices do not equal comfort and usability, just as design choices that are timeless and great looking do not equal something that is uncomfortable! That is a very “old-schooled” thought that is simply one of those things that does not transcend time in design. It used to be that a beautiful couch was a stiff and uncomfortable one, and that a comfortable couch had to look like a sack of potatoes, but thankfully design construction has advanced SO much that we no longer need to choose between those two things, we can have both! The same is true for flooring, for kitchen and bath design, lighting, textiles, and every category of design. My primary design advice for a space which is well loved and well used is that form and function are of equal value. If it’s does not have ease of use and isn’t pleasant to be in, nobody will want to congregate there! Let it be as user-friendly and convenient as it is beautiful, warm, and inviting.
For me, furniture decisions are the MIP in comfort and usability. Your furniture should be sturdy, it should be comfortable, and yes, it should be beautiful! It is possible to have it be all 3! It should also be carefully scaled and placed ahead of time so ensure that the fit of all of the pieces is perfect for the size and style of your room.
Layering textures and colors in design is how you make a room feel alive; it is the difference between your home feeling flat and dull or vibrant, warm, and interesting. You may have a home full of nice quality and comfortable pieces, but in order to really get those items to have an impact, layering is essential. By using different shades of the same color, multiple patterns that marry easily, and different textures are the pieces of the design that add warmth and life to your space.
Really making sure that your design choices are complementary and not competing with one another is the best way to ensure great style while maintaining balance. Style is a very individual thing, so where some may want to limit their décor to a few accessories here and there, others may be comforted by being surrounded by beautiful art, family photos, heirlooms, and colorful walls. Both of those styles can be beautiful and balanced if done with a mix of personal style and great basics.
The Bath Expert, featuring NY Sash insights, shares:
A bathroom does not need a full renovation to feel significantly more comfortable. One of the most impactful upgrades is focusing on the tub or shower. Converting a traditional tub to a spacious shower can immediately improve daily use, especially when paired with accessibility features and thoughtful design choices. Built in seating, handheld shower heads, and well placed grab bars create ease without sacrificing style.
Comfort and function throughout the year come from selecting materials and layouts that reduce maintenance and support everyday routines. Low maintenance surfaces ease cleaning, while timeless design choices ensure the space feels current long after trends fade. Accessibility features have become an essential part of smart bathroom planning, allowing homeowners to design for both present comfort and future needs.
Small design decisions often make the biggest long term difference. Durable materials, elegant finishes, and layouts that anticipate changing needs allow a bathroom to grow with the home. The result is a space that feels calm, functional, and built for everyday living.
