People all want their homes to look unique — and with good reason. In our homes, we can express our own personalities and create an oasis. For that matter, our homes are places in which we have the freedom to do what we want. You can only go so far when decorating your office, and if you work in a professional environment you probably have to be careful about what you wear each day. But your house? That aesthetic is up to you. With that being said, the taste that people have in their house’s aesthetic can vary widely, and people are often not sure where to start when decorating their houses. One easy way to start is through your furniture — and for that matter, related details like wall panels and cabinets. You might not immediately think that these elements — which are really necessities as much as they are pretty details — affect your home’s appearance on a major level. But they certainly do, and they can often stand out when people first walk into your home. Below, we’ll look at some of your options when designing or remodeling your home. The sky is really the limit!
To Panel Or Not To Panel?
Unlike cabinets, wood panels are often not necessarily a “need” but something that you choose out of taste. If you don’t already have wood paneling, having it installed will involve some effort; and if you have it but don’t want it, then you’re definitely going to have to reconstruct some parts of your walls, at least on an aesthetic level. If you’re not sure about wood paneling, let’s look at some of the pros and cons. There are certain issues that you have to worry about with wood paneling — timber rot is always a risk with any structure that uses real wood, and they aren’t waterproof. For that matter, you’ll have to be careful about how they are installed, as a poor installation can cause eventual flexing or bulging of the panels. Wood paneling can also dry out after a certain amount of time, and there’s always the risk of it looking dated — though that’s purely a taste issue. The pros are that wood paneling has a rich appearance that emphasizes coziness and warmth. They’re also perfect for concealing issues like exposed wiring or damage to the underlying walls. Wood paneling is a natural insulator, keeping in warmth — which is great in cold areas. It can also be relatively easy to sand it down if there is any damage. For most, the pros outweigh the cons — so it’s just a matter of deciding whether or not you like the look.
What About Customizations?
Custom fixtures and details can be selected for almost anything — from cabinets to drawers, if people want something customized, they can usually have it done. Of course, you might not get a custom cabinet as quickly as you would one bought directly from a store. It will take some time for all of the elements to come together. In some cases, custom pieces can also be more expensive — allowing for the extra labor required. However, the advantages are manifold. For one thing, custom pieces are specifically made with your home in mind, and will thus be more likely to “fit”, dimensionally speaking. They also tend to be high-quality and will last longer than mass-manufactured pieces. For many, it’s just worth it to know that a piece was made for them and them alone, and that there isn’t anything else like it out there.
Should I Consult With An Architect?
In cases of minor redecorations, then you probably don’t need to talk to an architect. But if you’re having your home remodeled on a large scale — then yes, it’s probably a good idea to talk to an architect. This way, you’ll know for certain that an aesthetic choice isn’t going to compromise the structural integrity of your home.
