Don't get us wrong, we love a good mood board. The perfectly curated color palettes, the flow from room to room, the pizazz of a statement light fixture – these are the building blocks of great design. But despite what social media may tell you, your home doesn’t exist solely for an aesthetic photo.
That’s why we talk so much about functionality, but there’s another important consideration in design we haven’t *touched* on – good home design should engage all five senses.
Here's how we layered sensory design into two recent projects, and some ideas to bring the senses into your own home.
Bourbon and Books
This Franklin home had a large dining room at the front of the house, but it wasn't connected to the heart of the home and felt too far from the kitchen to be functional. As a result, the space went unused, so we reimagined it into something functional and sensory-driven.
Knowing they had an impressive book collection, we began with built-in bookcases and added a custom banquette and two oversized swivel chairs centered around a low coffee table. Equal parts bibliophiles and music lovers, our clients also needed space to display their album collection, so we designed a custom record player shelf with built-in speakers, seamlessly integrated into the bookcase. We transformed their former butler’s pantry into a built-in bourbon bar.
While all of this looks beautiful, the details you don't always see are just as important: the scent of aged paper and leather bindings. The contrast between soft upholstery on the banquette and smooth wood shelving. The warm, analog sound of vinyl. The spicy taste of quality bourbon plucked from the top shelf.
Modern Entertainment
This stunning mid-century modern masterpiece by Broken Compass Woodworking helped convert an existing space in our client's home into the ultimate entertainment center, complete with built-in seating and custom storage. The project's focal point is the custom bar that beautifully displays our client's collection of barware, heirlooms, and pieces purchased while traveling.
The open shelving creates visual intrigue while mid-century lines keep things nice and clean. Run your hand along the custom woodwork and you'll feel the difference that master craftsmanship makes – plenty of texture and perfectly smooth finishes. We designed the space with acoustics in mind, ensuring conversations and music flow nicely. Add in the scent of a cocktail or a curated candle and the sound of ice clinking in a glass, and you have an evening to remember.
Your home should be a feast for the senses, and we’re here to help you curate it from mood board to real life. Let's connect.