Houses in North Carolina are spacious, accommodating, and structurally sound. For the experienced decorator, this offers plenty of opportunities for remodeling projects that improve the quality of life. The article below provides home décor ideas for your North Carolina home remodel, which account for several important factors.
For potential homeowners and investors alike, the prospect of adding an office, a small guest house, or opening the floor plan can raise many questions. Costs for renovation projects quickly pile up, so it is crucial to understand the best practices for decorating in North Carolina before hitting the first nail.
Irrespective of the scope of your project, the following considerations are worth noting. From color palates to more costly interventions, houses in North Carolina can benefit from these ideas as they apply to local circumstances.
Be mindful of the weather!
The temperature in North Carolina varies between 33°F and 89°F. Compared to other states, the weather is moderate and tame. Although the summers are hot and humid, and the winters cold and wet, it is rare for temperatures to drop below 21°F or rise above 95°F.
Nevertheless, the temperature range begets proper insulation, which can cut your electricity bill by a significant margin.
If you are adding another section to the house or building a smaller unit next to your main building, take note of the rain, which averages above 3 inches year-round. It will dictate the pace of your outdoor projects and certainly increase the precaution when it comes to insulation.
Whatever else might be said, solve your roof drainage, for it is raining throughout the year. Most importantly, remember that North Carolina, especially markets like Charlotte, is cloudy for the better part of the year.
How to decorate your home in North Carolina
The rural appeal is perhaps the staple of home décor throughout the south. It favors open floors, exposed building materials, and quality carpeting. To achieve such vibes and not over pronounce them, your décor must be subtle, consistent, and accommodating. Here is a list of things to keep in mind.
Add brightness
Light is vital for your overall health. One study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health notes that it plays a crucial role in regulating human psychological functions. For this reason, and considering the climate in North Carolina, it is wise to favor open spaces and bright color palates to maximize the light in your home.
Big houses, unlike their smaller counterparts, depend on more sunshine. Therefore, windows should be as large as possible, especially considering the number of window partitions typical for the south.
Aim for open floor plans
Whenever possible, consider removing wall partitions to open more space. Large, open areas are consistent with southern décor, providing more opportunities to appreciate quality wooden floors, large dining tables, and well-decorated fireplaces.
Southern culture depends on family cohesion, warmth, and friendship, which open spaces provide aplenty. Paired with good furniture choices and color palates, they invite unity.
To properly illuminate open floor plans, integrate lighting fixtures inside the ceiling, as hanging lights impede spaciousness.
Don’t hesitate to showcase quality materials!
Exposed wooden beams provide excellent detail for white, high, and open ceilings. As with anything else in the south, keep things real. Show quality and natural building materials, and don’t be afraid to highlight authentic wooden furniture, hardwood floors, and stone fireplaces.
If quality craftsmanship is the center of your home décor, other elements tend to fall in place. It is no wonder that homes in North Carolina are proud galleries of local carpeting, which instills warmth, tradition, and southern charm.
Play with bright color palates
Cloudy weather can affect your mood, so it is vital to utilize color cleverly to maximize brightness. Painting the walls white is usually the norm. Still, you can add liveliness and spice up the dynamic by introducing beige or light grey. Remember, however, that such variations are only for highlights.
As for furniture, white and beige can be paired with teal or other variations of blue, though in a disproportionate ratio. The same goes for curtains, which can highlight the contrast.
Be consistent with wall décor
When large fireplaces and quality-made furniture highlight your North Carolina home, it is wise to add minimal wall décor. Otherwise, you risk distracting the eye. Whatever else might be said, wall décor should be unified in either form or color. However, it is most commonly the latter since decorative artifacts vary in size and shape.
Remember that wooden shelves give life to open spaces, making them warmer, more intimate, and vibrant. It is not a coincidence that most home offices feature shelves that extend wall to wall.
Pay attention to the entrance.
Like every other southern state, the homes in North Carolina are characterized by their large size. For this reason, and to avoid looking bland, they usually feature decorative elements on the outside.
But while most decorative elements are concentrated on the roof and windows, little attention is paid to the entrance. For this reason, make sure to add lush green plants near the stairs and install a contrasting color of the tile, or preferably brick, to make the entrance pop up. It will set the tone of your décor even before entering inside.
Decorate around a few central items
Many homes in North Carolina highlight their fireplace, either with furniture placement or appropriate wall décor.
If your home doesn’t have an open floor, let aesthetic consistency be your central thematic décor, and pay attention to maintaining it throughout the house.
To conclude, we can say that it is all about keeping it real. Don’t hesitate to integrate some of these home décor ideas for your North Carolina home remodeling. Keep them in mind as you improve your living space, market value, and aesthetic appeal, with minor interventions and within a reasonable budget.