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 DesignThese products usually come in refillable, recyclable, or compostable packaging and containers. Some have no packaging at all if you buy them from your local health food stores. You can also switch to more sustainable cleaning products, such as vinegar and hot water. For toilet paper, look for options with compostable packaging. You can also switch to a bidet to achieve complete waste-free status.
Being eco-friendly is at the heart of minimalism. If you want to adopt this light, sustainable, and freeing lifestyle, making eco-minimalist changes in your bathroom is a great first step. For more tips on achieving an elevated lifestyle, visit us here at Greenbrook Design.
Walker Woodworking As one of the most used areas in the home for our intimate needs, the bathroom should be designed as a place of refuge and relaxation from the cares and stresses of life. This means that it should reflect your personality in every way, from color to pattern; everything should make it a place you enjoy using, rather than just serving a purpose. Design details matter, and with traditional rules being replaced with out-of-the-box thinking, it is easier than ever to accomplish this task. You deserve to have a well-functioning and lovely bathroom that is designed with you in mind. Designing a bathroom should be all about you!
Greenbrook Design It’s hard to believe that the farmhouse style has only recently become so popular, thanks to its warm colors and romantic charm. It was once a haven for those seeking to escape city life and return to simpler times. Nowadays, farmhouse design is about elegant simplicity in every piece of furniture. Whether you live in a bungalow or a mansion, incorporating modern farmhouse design into your home is easier than ever. Here are some tips to help you get started.
Greenbrook DesignWanting the custom kitchen of your dreams can be overwhelming and isn’t always budget-friendly. However, an easy, cost-effective way to have the kitchen of your dreams is closer to your grasp than you think.
Walker WoodworkingAlthough having a professional come in and assist is sometimes the best solution, there are certain things that you can do to get a head start or do it all by yourself. Clutter is a friend to no one and can quickly overwhelm and suffocate you. Although it is never easy to begin the task of removing piles of junk from a home, the end results are well worth the investment of time and effort. But that is only half the battle; the other is knowing what to do after it has all been neatly tucked away. Use these tips to organize like a pro—start with a plan and be deliberate about its implementation. As you regain control over your home, you will feel the stress melt away as you enjoy coming home again.
Walker Woodworking