Cozy Winter Home Transition Tips — Benson Homes

Welcome wreath by local small business, Renee Beamer Harbor & Home.

In the whirlwind of the fun – yet, sometimes chaotic – weeks of gearing up for the holidays, a reprieve from the “parties for hosting” can play a big difference in how we ultimately enjoy the season with our loved ones.

Our homes have the power of becoming an everyday retreat; a source of rejuvenation and solace against the backdrop of the hustle and bustle of store returns, lines at the post office, gift exchanging, office parties, school programs, and more.

As an added bonus, studies show that having a calming “home base” to retreat to in the midst of a busy season can have a profound and positive impact on our mental health.

The fact of the matter is, your home doesn’t have to be located in a secluded mountainside to function as a place of restoration and repose. There are simple updates you can add to your home to give it a cozy feel, all the while keeping up with interior design trends we’re scoping out for 2023.

Here are three simple ways to transition your home for the upcoming winter months to give it the ultimate, relaxing vibe: 

Get in Touch with Texture

Of course, a good, old-fashioned blanket and throw pillow can uplevel the coziness of any home. But this season, texture is making a major splash on the home decor scene. 

Whether it’s a curated assortment of layered fabrics, or a large, abstract canvas featuring spackled art in neutral, calming tones; touching in with this side of design will build a cohesive, calming feel to any space.

Images below from West Elm

It’s Time to Play With Color

As we head into the colder months, updating an interior wall or two with a fresh coat of paint can make an immediate and lively impact on your space. Current color trends are skewing dark and rich, with an emphasis on high contrast and saturation.

Think earthy, mossy greens, warm creams, and even contrasting black and white as the hues-du-jour. These deep, rich colors will set a relaxing and unwinding tone to any room, especially living and sleeping areas.

CUSTOM-DESIGNED built-in for our client’s cosmetic storage, jewelry, & accessories.

Home remodel by benson homes

Get Bold With Lighting 

The weather outside doesn’t need to be frightful to enjoy the natural, golden glow of a fireplace – or a candle or two, for that matter.

As we move into 2023, bold lighting fixtures with natural accents (like stone and wood) are making their way to the forefront of the trends this season. Classic designs with a matte black finish and more art-deco-themed pieces with statement bulbs are making strong, purposeful statements in homes this season.

3D Rendering of a cozy sitting room we remodeled. We upgraded the space by changing the fireplace size & doors, tiling the hearth, staining the brick, and INSTALLING a beautiful custom walnut live edge mantle handcrafted by Shire House Furniture Co. One fun feature is the little door to the right of the fireplace which is used to load wood from the outside.

custom statement lighting piece we designed and built for a client featuring live edge wood and amber glass globes.

Are you ready to make your home the ultimate relaxing retreat? Give us a call at (757) 689-3465 or email info@bensonhomes.com to get started today! 

Sources:

https://www.hgtv.com/shopping/news-and-trends/where-to-shop-falls-hottest-trends

https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/home-improvement/painting/paint-trends-fall-2022

https://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/lighting/planning/lighting-trends/

https://www.bhg.com/decorating/lessons/expert-advice/interior-design-trends-2022/#:~:text=Layers%20of%20Texture,decorative%20trim%20on%20the%20horizon.

5 Simple Ways to Add Value to Your Home

It’s no secret that your home is a major investment.

And if you’re a homeowner, it follows that your residence is also one of your largest assets. But, often, when it comes to using or truly enjoying the space they’re in, many homeowners put off improvements until they’re ready to move out.

The good news is, you don’t have to reserve improvements for when you’re thinking about selling your home. There are a few simple updates you can do to make sure your home retains – and even adds to – your investment. Here’s how:

1.     Think of Your Space in a New Way

It’s time to get creative with the space you have. Have you always dreamed of creating an in-home art studio? Do you wish your workout gear had a dedicated space? It may be time to think differently about the same four walls you’ve lived in.

In our line of work, we’ve updated closets into art studios and home gyms, and we’ve even added an addition to the second story of a home. If you can look at your space with fresh eyes, and know its potential is virtually limitless, you’re on track to having a home that serves you and your needs to the best of its ability.

2.     Make Minor Changes with the Broadest Impact

Renovation doesn’t always have to include demolition or a major overhaul of rooms. Sometimes, minor or subtle changes to your space can have a big, immediate impact on how your home serves you.

Adding USB ports in your outlets, installing lights beneath cabinetry, or simple swaps like updating countertops and light fixtures can breathe new life into a space that feels stale or a little outdated.

3.     Updates for the Modern Homeowners

We’ve seen the modern homeowner forego traditional spaces like formal dining rooms in favor of entertainment, in-home gyms, or additional office spaces. Just because a room of your home was once designated for dining or even storage, it doesn’t mean it has to hold onto that identity.

Let go of tradition, and let the rooms transform into a space representing you and your life.

4.     Restore the Classics

On the other hand, classics are a classic for a reason. Choosing to restore old flooring and hardware to their former glory can give your home a timeless vibe while embracing its modern twists.

antique italian door handles we installed for a client

5.     Make an Appeal to Your Curb Appeal

Finally, improving the flow of your home and how it serves your needs can actually begin in the great outdoors. Consider adding a pool, patio, or at-home spa as a way to create both more value and more functionality in your area. You can check out some of our outdoor projects here.

Are you ready to add value and enjoy the functionality and flow of the home you live in now? Give us a call at 757.689.3465 or send an email to info@bensonhomes.com to get started!

’Tis the Season to be Cozy

Four ways to bring a little more “calm and bright” into your home this year.

Home is a place away from the hustle and bustle – it’s supposed to be a place of rest, a place set apart from the chaotic season that surrounds us in the outside world.

But sometimes even our best intentions to create, not to mention maintain, a positive, peaceful environment in our home can still leave us feeling overwhelmed and defeated. 

Here are a few tips to bring your home out of mayhem and into merriment this season. 

Add in Natural Elements 

If you’re looking for an excuse to buy a live Christmas tree this year, here it is.

Studies show incorporating key components of the outside world into your main living areas can not only boost your mood, but actually play a crucial role in your health. Hunker down in your home with décor that incorporates wood, live plants, or even just a simple photo of nature. 

Bonsai trees or Zen gardens make the perfect addition to a cozy home atmosphere (and they make great gifts, too!).

Play with Light

Spending time outside and getting enough exposure to sunlight can be a challenge even outside of the long, winter months. Opening up the space in your home to feature more natural light can be as simple as investing in lighter window treatments and choosing wall and flooring colors for your home’s interior that are lighter and more neutral in tone. This will brighten your home all year round and boost your mood. Win-win!

custom artwork for benson homes by Katie Garrison Art

Embrace Texture 

Nothing is cozier than a soft blanket or the addition of a few throw pillows to a living area or a bedroom. What’s better is that they’re easy to swap out seasonally. A few plush rugs can also automatically amp up the cozy vibe of any room. Bonus points? Invest in a high-quality duvet cover and high thread count sheets to keep it cozy in the evening hours, too. 

Begin a Cleaning Routine

Part of what makes a house a home is its atmosphere. The cleaner and more organized it is, the more welcoming it will be to company, and the more relaxed you’ll feel as a result. Tackle clutter daily. Stay on top of your daily, weekly and monthly household chores; after all, your home is meant to be a place for you to relax, not a constant reminder of the ways you’re falling short.

We hope this holiday season is calm and bright for you in your home!

Best wishes,

The Benson Homes Team

Sources: 

https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/bring-nature-indoors