Life, Styled
Outdoor spaces are trending this year as homeowners realize the amazing potential they hold, as well as the value they can add to their property. Having an outdoor area also means you have additional square footage for your family to use for various purposes. Over the last few years, designers have begun to expand the traditional purpose of the outdoor space to be much more. An outdoor space can be used as a:
- Living room
- Home office
- Kitchen
- Home gym
- Entertainment space
It is no longer limited to just a deck or fire pit, but has the potential to provide your family with a space that benefits you on a broad range of levels. An outdoor space can be so many things now. Let’s talk about the new possibilities that await you and how to design them with maximum value.
Outdoor Kitchens
This will remain among the top choices, especially for those with outdoor spaces, during the warmer months when cooking inside can be uncomfortable. By having an outdoor kitchen, the heat stays outside, allowing your home to remain cooler and saving you money. Another benefit is enjoying the outdoors while you eat. Designing an outdoor kitchen shares many similarities with a traditional kitchen, with various layouts suitable for both. There are, however, a few things to keep in mind, such as:
- Location
- Weather
- Materials
It is essential to carefully consider your design and choose a location that best suits it. Keep it ventilated and don’t forget the proximity to the house. Some people want it to feel like a completely separate space, while others enjoy making it an extension of their indoor kitchen with similar color and style choices. The weather is a critical factor when planning your new addition. Consider the amount of rain and sun you get so you can adjust the design accordingly. Incorporating items like shaded or sheltered areas where you can still remain outside but protected. Graber offers a wide range of options for solar shades and protection. Learn more about them here. This also plays a critical role when choosing building materials, as they must withstand the elements and be durable. Humidity, exposure to the sun’s rays, and rain need to be factored in before deciding on countertops and cabinets. An experienced designer can help you determine what will work best for you and your specific needs.
Work From Home Space
While most home offices are indoors, many owners are realizing the potential and benefits of having their workstations outside. We know that spending time outside can help reduce stress and increase productivity, which is the perfect combination for many who are trying to stay motivated to meet those deadlines. As you prepare to make the transition to the fresh air and sunshine, here are a few helpful design tips:
- Reduce glare
- Weatherproof materials
- Sufficient WiFi
- Temperature adjustments
Being outside improves your mood, unless you have to contend with the frustrations of the elements, such as glare. Be prepared by sitting under a covering or having something to block the glare of computer screens. Select materials such as chair cushions that can withstand the weather. WiFi is also a key factor in setting up an outdoor workstation, as you need a sufficient signal to upload files and conduct meetings. Temperature matters too. No one likes to work when it’s too hot or cold, whether we are inside or out. Keep a little space heater for those nippy days and a fan for the days when there is no handy breeze. Working from home is a great option, but no one said it has to be limited to the indoors. Read some additional design suggestions via an article from Bob Vila. Choosing to create an outdoor workspace can help boost your mood, provide you with much-needed exposure to vitamin D, and help you stay focused for longer.
Exercise Area
People love having the ability to skip the drive to the gym and get the same benefits at home. The problem arises when you don’t know where to place it due to limited indoor square footage. This is the plus of turning your outdoor space into a personalized home gym. One suggestion would be to purchase a ready-made shed that can be converted into a gym. This is a great option, as it provides protection from the weather, can be fitted with electricity, and offers wall-to-wall potential for mounting various equipment or even a TV. You can also build an extension to the house or even set up a designated area under your pergola where you can enjoy the morning sunshine and fresh air. Exercise is important, and when you can create your own perfect home gym, it is a win-win for everyone.
Entertainment Space
Family game or even movie night does not need to be limited to the indoors; in fact, it can make the experience even better when enjoyed outside. This is a space that can serve a variety of purposes for your family, such as a place to relax after a long day. It’s essential to consider the various activities you plan to undertake in this area, allowing the design to be tailored to meet those specific needs. Some items include:
- Comfortable seating
- Bug control
- Beverage stations
This should be a place where the whole family can enjoy themselves, so make sure there are not just enough seats but also comfortable ones for everyone. Bug control is important, nothing ruins a movie or game night faster than persistent bugs, install citronella candles or lamps that can provide your family with a protected space. Sipping on our favorite beverage usually goes hand in hand with relaxation, so consider adding a beverage station where you can have them within easy reach. Ensuring that there is something for everyone is the first step in creating an entertainment space that is perfect for making memories.
Design Dos and Don’ts
When designing your outdoor space, watch out for these dos and don’ts
- UV protection
- Slip-resistant flooring
- Lighting
- Sufficient outlets
- Drain holes
Time in the sun is refreshing and wonderful, but too much can become a problem. Be sure to provide areas that offer protection from the harmful UV rays. If you are considering adding a deck or using tile flooring, be sure to select one that is slip-resistant, as water spills are common outside and can create a hazard. Lighting is important if you want to enjoy the quiet summer evenings. You can opt for simple floor lamps or solar-powered lights. Power outlets are also critical if you want to have certain items outside, such as a TV or specific appliances like a blender. Drain holes are another important element if you want to have an easy way to pressure wash your flooring while avoiding puddles.
Greenbrook DesignFresh air, open outdoor spaces, and cooking on the grill are just a few of the benefits associated with having an outdoor space, which is becoming increasingly popular among homeowners. Our homes are our refuge, but an outdoor space is the perfect solution to curing cabin fever without having to pack up and drive somewhere. With spring just around the corner, we thought it would be a good time to highlight the reasons why an outdoor space matters, what elements should be included, and how to bring it all together to create the perfect outdoor space for everyone to enjoy.
Everyone enjoys returning to a well-organized, spacious kitchen after a long day. It’s even better if your kitchen includes a nicely organized pantry!
Walker Woodworking Have you ever found yourself in utter disarray, scavenging through the depths of your kitchen cabinets, relentlessly searching for that specific spice or measuring cup that you so desperately need, only to realize that you have no idea where it could be? If so, you’re not alone. An unorganized kitchen can be a source of immense frustration and consume a great deal of your time. However, with some simple yet practical tips, you can transform your cluttered and dysfunctional kitchen into a functional and efficient space. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best tips for organizing your kitchen cabinets so that you can enjoy the benefits of a tidy and well-organized kitchen.
While each home is unique, there are several common elements that designers use to craft the core of the story, such as color, texture, and pattern. Combining these things in various ways allows the client’s story of home to be told exactly the way that represents them best. Another element that is popular and fun to use is layers. Utilizing layers in your interior design is a great way to add depth to the room. It is where you mix and match items to create a blended design that results in a stunning final space for you and your family to enjoy. It involves selecting contrasting colors to create visual interest, allowing the room to make a statement to everyone entering. It utilizes a myriad of items, such as wallpaper, artwork, accent pieces, and rugs, to bring charm and character to each section of your home. There are multiple ways to incorporate layers throughout your home. Let’s talk about them.
Walker Woodworking Each year, new design trends are announced with the intention of highlighting what many homeowners and interior designers have enjoyed using or even a new way to use a traditional material or method. Another bonus to trend announcements is how it can become the spark needed to create the perfect space for someone. When it comes to refreshing your space or designing a brand new one, lighting plays a vital role in the process. Sufficient lighting should be a top priority in any area of the home, as it can help minimize eye strain and even reduce stress and accidents. As they are a key component in interior design, it is worth exploring the latest lighting trends announced for 2023. The lineup features a wide variety of sizes and styles that can be used throughout your home. We will unpack some of the top ones here in this blog.
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