The Ultimate Summer Design Challenge: Get Your Kids Involved in Home Projects

Summer is a time of fun and relaxation but also an opportunity to get things done around the house. With the kids almost home from school, it's the perfect time to tackle those well-overdue home projects that have been on your to-do list for far too long. Here are three ideas for home projects that you can tackle with the help of your extra hands and some fun ways to keep the kids entertained along the way!

Create an Outdoor Oasis

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy your outdoor space with friends and family, but if it's looking a little worse for wear (especially after these harsher Colorado storms), it's time to spruce it up! While the kids clean up old twigs and leaves and get their hands dirty, why not involve them in exciting design projects that instantly transform your outdoor space?

One great idea is to create a cozy outdoor seating area by adding comfortable chairs or a bench with colorful cushions and throw pillows. You can even let them choose the colors and patterns that match their personalities! Adding a stylish outdoor rug can also create a cozy atmosphere and let the kids get involved by helping with the measurements and placement. Promise a movie night with their favorite snacks and popcorn (possibly with a new projector?) to celebrate their hard work and new outdoor retreat to get them to join in on the nitty-gritty hard work.

If you have a deck or patio, consider staining or painting it with the help of your little ones to give it a fresh new look. They can assist with the prep work, like sanding (depending on their age and safety!), cleaning, and even choosing the color or design. Potted plants or flowers can also bring color and life to your outdoor space. Let the kids help select which plants to add and give them the responsibility of watering them. ;)

Update Your Kitchen

The kitchen is indeed the heart of the home, where family and friends come together to cook, eat, and socialize. But if your kitchen is outdated, it can be difficult to enjoy spending time there. So, why not make the most of having the kids home during the summer and involve them in a kitchen renovation project?

1. Safety first: Before starting any kitchen renovation project, it's essential to ensure the space is safe for the kids. Ensure all the tools and materials are stored safely and the work area is clear of any hazards. Consider covering the floors with drop cloths to protect them from spills or stains. Also, involve the kids in safety discussions and educate them about the hazards of working in the kitchen.

2. Plan the project: Involve the kids in the planning process. Discuss the changes you want to make in the kitchen and ask for their input. Let them help you choose the new countertops, backsplash, or cabinet colors. Giving them a say in the project will make them feel involved and invested in the renovation.

3. Assign tasks: Depending on their age and skill level, assign tasks to the kids that are safe and age-appropriate. For example, they can help clean the work area, sand cabinets, or paint walls. This will give them a sense of accomplishment and keep them occupied while you tackle the more complex tasks.

4. Celebrate the finished product: Once the kitchen renovation project is complete, celebrate the finished product with the kids. Have a family meal or throw a party with their friends in the new space. This will give them a sense of pride in their work and possibly even encourage them to take ownership in keeping it clean! 

Create a Home Office

With many people still working from home, having a dedicated workspace is more important than ever. If you've been putting off creating a home office, this is a great time to do it. Get the kids to paint the walls, assemble furniture, and organize the space. Set up a DIY project station or science experiment area to keep them entertained. You'll have a beautiful new workspace, and the kids will enjoy creating and learning!

Now that you have some ideas for home projects to tackle this summer, it's time to start! But don't forget to have fun along the way. Consider offering rewards for their hard work to keep the kids entertained and motivated. A pizza party, a day at the pool, or a movie night could entice them to get creative and motivated to step outside the box. Or, you could set up a points system where the kids earn points for completing tasks and can trade them in for rewards at the end of the week. Whatever you do, make sure you're having fun and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

A Comprehensive Guide to Lighting For Every Room - Part Two

Lighting is the unsung hero of interior design. It can make or break a space, setting the tone for everything from a cozy night to a high-energy dance party. Yet lighting is often an afterthought, relegated to a few strategically placed lamps or an overhead fixture. In reality, each type of lighting plays a crucial role in creating a cohesive, functional, and beautiful space. From a table lamp's soft glow to a pendant light's dramatic flair, the proper lighting can transform a room from ordinary to extraordinary. In this article, we'll explore the importance of two types of fixed lighting in design and provide tips for selecting the perfect fixtures to bring your space to life. So, dim the lights, grab a cup of tea, and let's shed some light on the subject!

Part Two of this series will discuss accent/movable lighting.

Picture lights

Picture lighting is essential in showcasing artwork by illuminating its details and enhancing its colors. Its primary purpose is to highlight the artwork and make it stand out, drawing attention to its unique features. Different types of picture lights are available, including clamp-on and wall-mounted options, with various features such as adjustable arms and dimming capabilities. When selecting the right picture light for a particular piece of art, it's crucial to consider factors such as the size and shape of the artwork, the lighting conditions in the room, and the desired effect you want to achieve. Generally, a good rule of thumb is to choose a picture light that's at least half the artwork's size and place it approximately 30 degrees from its surface to avoid any glare or shadows.

The difference is evident in the example photos from some of our recent projects - the proper picture lighting can bring out the best in your artwork and furnishings, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that truly shines. While it may require an extra step with an electrician, investing in picture lighting almost always pays off by enhancing your room's visual appeal and ambiance.

Floor lamps and Table Lamps

Floor and table lamps are excellent tools to add personality and style to any room. Just like pendant lighting, decorative lamps are available in various sizes and shapes, and it's crucial to ensure that their height, style, and shape complement the room instead of clashing or distracting from other elements.

However, it's important to remember that floor lighting can enhance functionality and ease or cause a distraction and feel awkward if not done correctly. When selecting a floor lamp, it's essential to ensure that the shade is not too large or obstructive and matches the room's materials and decorative elements. It's also crucial to choose a bulb with the appropriate wattage since the light will be in close proximity to whoever sits underneath it, be it for reading or spotlight purposes.

By considering these factors, you can select the ideal floor or table lamp to create a warm and inviting atmosphere while providing the perfect amount of light for your needs. So, whether you want to add a touch of elegance to a traditional decor scheme or a statement piece to a modern space, a carefully selected floor lamp or table lamp can make all the difference.

At the end of the day, incorporating different types of lighting into your space is all about experimentation. It's like trying different outfits until you find the one that makes you feel like a rockstar. So feel free to mix and match different lighting options until you find the perfect combination.

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This post was written by Mariah Cope, HouseHome Design Lead and Associate Designer. Mariah’s valuable insight and perspective are part of our Spring Theme of “Designing with Light.”! To work with HouseHome to design your beautiful lighting concepts, reach out today!