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 Design The bathroom is a critical part of the home; while we don’t gather for meals and conversation, it is the place we get ready for the day, and one of the last places we go before bed. This means that it should be designed to function in such a way that is beneficial to everyone who uses it. While a bathroom’s primary purpose is to be functional, that doesn’t mean it has to be boring. There are many ways to create a look that represents your unique style and personality, such as through tile and color choices. If you’re considering renovating your bathroom space and giving it some much-needed upgrades and updates, but are lacking inspiration, let us help you. There are several fun and beautiful bathroom trends for 2022. Let’s explore a few of them today.
Walker WoodworkingThere are many elements that make up a room, including color, layout, and decor style, but one key ingredient can add depth and tone to a space: texture. Like many design tools, texture often becomes an afterthought when creating a plan for a new area in the home. Many might even think it has little impact on a design, but that is not true. Texture provides balance, visual weight, and warmth to your home, which is why it should be a part of the planning stage from the start. Texture is not limited to fabrics and furniture, but can also include wallpaper, glass, and plants. Let’s discuss adding texture to your home and creating a space that is inviting to the touch for everyone.
Walker Woodworking There are some that have remained constant, while others have had their brief moment to shine, but does color really matter? Is there a reason behind the colors we choose, and can they really have an influence on the home? The answer is yes, color is one of the most powerful design tools, which is why designers are taught color psychology in school. To better help you understand its importance, we thought it would be helpful to share some of this information with you.
Kitchen layouts are a critical part of the design process because they can help you maximize the use of your space. There are certain layouts that are better suited to a particular home, such as an apartment or a large open area, making it essential to understand the function and benefits of each. Selecting the right kitchen layout for your new home is crucial, as it is one of the most frequently used rooms in the house and must be tailored to your specific needs and lifestyle. Let’s discuss what each layout is, which one works best for different home designs, and the benefits it can provide.
Greenbrook Design Window treatments are often the last element considered when decorating a house, but they play a crucial part in the overall look of the home. They are often considered the finishing touch to any space and can influence the feel as well. The fabric choice, the style, and even the function can bring several benefits to your home. Window treatments offer protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays, shading you and your furniture from fading, while also lowering your electricity bill. Selecting a fabric that complements your particular design style or creates a beautiful statement in your home can make all the difference in any room. Window treatments also serve a functional purpose, as they can block the sun’s glare and provide you and your family with privacy.
Walker Woodworking