I can’t keep it in a second longer — I have something to tell Y’ALL!!!
Ivory Lane Interiors Officially has a BLOG!
I thought for the 3rd anniversary of Ivory Lane Interiors, “How can I celebrate in a BIG way?” Why not a BLOG?!?!? So here it is, Ivory Lane’s first EVER blog post! Grab all the balloons, cake and confetti you can and let’s have a party!!!
Okay back to business… well sort of…. before I dish on all things design, I want to say THANK YOU!!!!!
Yes, YOU…. We couldn’t have done this without our amazing clients and supporters. Truly. These past 3 years haven’t been a piece of cake (although, I love me some cake! Actually mainly the icing!!! I might have to go grab a cupcake with a TON of icing to celebrate), but designing homes for incredible people has been an honor and such a BLESSING!!!
It makes my heart so happy when I get to the end of a project or hey, even in the middle of a project, where the client says, “I love everything and how it is coming together!!!”
As a thank you, I’m dedicating the Ivory Lane Interiors Blog to ALL Y’all! (P.S. I thought long and hard about how to address you guys. Even thinking that maybe y’all is not the proper way, but hey it’s in my DNA to say y’all so here we go! LOL.)
I can’t wait to give you our best tips and inspiration for functional, beautiful and purposeful spaces that bring joy to every day at home. So let’s dive into this month’s topic, with 5 ways to inspire peace and deep family connection — that is right, just in time for Thanksgiving and Christmas!
1. Create a Welcoming Overall Aesthetic
We’re all about simplicity here at Ivory Lane, and there’s a good reason for that. Life is SO hectic sometimes and simplicity is something that we could all you sometimes. (Can I get an AMEN?)
But this season, simplicity can do even more for y’all!!! It can be welcoming, warm, and promote family connection! There are several ways design can do this, but one of my favorite ways is…. TEXTURE.
Soft textures are key to creating feelings of warmth and comfort. Combined with light, open spaces, texture makes it feels comfy and uplifting all at once. (I’m getting excited just thinking about it! Cue a cold winter day with the fire going and a fur blanket. Ummm YES, please!...)
So you might be thinking, Okay, how is that done? Well, you can add soft textures to your common areas with throw blankets, pillows, cozy rugs, or drapery. A soft simple linen drape can work wonders to a space! It makes a huge difference to the look of the space — and how you can enjoy it!
2. Create a Mood with Lighting
Imagine y’all are all cozy in the living room... snuggling into the sofa, blankets everywhere and sipping warm drinks. (Hot chocolate anyone? it’s that time of year!) Now image mood lighting setting the scene, and it’s perfect, because who wants BRIGHT and HARSH lighting? (Ummm… no one!) LOL
If you have recessed lighting and you think that might be too harsh, add a dimmer to it or just have one recessed light that can highlight one area light the fireplace and the rest can be turned off.
Because no one wants to feel like they are in a board meeting or hospital with that harsh lighting. It is a great way to make family occasions feel more intimate and special.
For spaces shared in the evening hours, warm lighting is the perfect touch. You can always have the recessed lighting or lamps on dimmers.
3. Embrace an Inclusive Kitchen Layout
The heart of the home is usually the kitchen, and the chef probably doesn’t want to feel all alone as he/she prepares the yummy food. Luckily, there are a few simple ways to lay out kitchens to include all your favorite people.
An open concept space is ideal, but whether that’s an option or not, islands in the kitchen are GREAT for bringing people together. An island (or bar top seating, if an island is a no-go) will help bridge the gap between the host and the guests.
If an island or bar top seating isn’t possible this year, another option could be setting up a soda or snack station at an available kitchen counter. (Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love snacks, where’s the popcorn and M&Ms?!??)
4. Rearrange Living Room Furniture
Family rooms and living rooms most likely have seating pointed toward a main focal point, usually the TV. Yes, this setup is perfect for Game Day, and yes, it’s also true that Game Day has its own way of bringing the family together. BUT...
For those football-free moments (there will probably be some!), there’s nothing better than sharing conversation and connection with loved ones. Like that cozy, cuddly sofa scene I described in Tip #2. ;)
So, how’s this kind of connection created? Instead of all furniture facing the TV, turn the sofa and chairs to face each other and encourage talking. It doesn’t hurt to have some soft throw blankets at the ready either. ;)
5. Fine-Tune the Overall Flow
When it comes to entertaining (or just life in general), it’s important that one room flows well into the next!! These transitions make life at home easier and more peaceful, so the house is working for and with the family that lives there. (SO COOL.)
Same concept when it comes to entertaining...
For example, let’s say you’ve got a sweet hot chocolate making station in the kitchen. Once the cocoa is stirred and the marshmallows are added, where will people go next? The living room? If so, position the cocoa station on the side of the kitchen closest to that room, so there’s no cross-traffic tripping up the chef.
Another example could be carrying fresh-out-of-the-oven-food from the kitchen to the dining room. Where are the utensils for each dish? Buried in kitchen drawers and ready to cause chaos? Or already placed conveniently along the path from oven to table? ;)
Sure, these are small things, but they contribute big time to the peace and joy of a smoothly flowing and fun family event!!
And there you have it, that’s 5!
Which one of these tips speaks loudest? Is there anything y’all already do to promote connection at home?
I’ll be back again next month with more fun tips. Til then, I hope y’all have an amazing Thanksgiving with family and friends. ;) Speaking of Thanksgiving, what is your favorite side to have at Thanksgiving? (I’d love to hear in the comments!!)
Sending love from GA,
Sarah