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 DesignThe world of interior design has run the full gamut of trends, from minimal to over-the-top and back again. Your home is meant to be your happy place, and a good design can affect the atmosphere. There are multiple styles to choose from, including modern, traditional, farmhouse, and transitional. Each possesses characteristics that make them unique in their own way, but sometimes what is offered is not enough, which is where the term mixology comes in, and no, we are not referring to the mixing of cocktails. There is a beauty when mixing and matching design styles, cabinets, and furnishings to create a space that perfectly reflects you. For a long time, designers were taught that things needed to remain within a certain realm of style in order for them to look good, but over the past few years, those boundaries have been broken down to make way for homeowners to express themselves in their own way. Out of this, there have been some new terms used to describe the shift in styles, such as grand millennial. If you like a few elements from multiple styles, then mixology may be your new best friend.
Walker Woodworking Is Biophilia Design For You? We love the looks nature inspires, which is why we have multiple products available for you to browse inside our showroom. From unique artwork to furniture pieces, we invite you to visit us and spend time browsing our 5,000 square foot showroom located in charming Uptown Shelby and find the inspiration you’ve been looking for to create the perfect environment in your home.
The world of design draws on multiple elements to create the perfect space for homeowners, a place that represents them and their particular style. Color plays a vital role in the design process, and its effects go beyond just adding a splash to the room. Color can affect our mood, communicate a message, lessen eye strain, and even play a part in remembering certain events. It also has the ability to influence the size of a room with certain colors, causing the area to feel larger, while other shades create a more intimate feel. Color selection can be a fun and rewarding process, plus it provides you with a great way to tell your story. More homeowners are discovering the beauty of contrasting colors, and this choice is gaining popularity in the design world. From two-toned kitchens to opposites in cabinets and tile, contrasting colors can spice up your design and make a stunning statement. Let’s explore more about what contrasting colors are and how they can help you tell your story.
Greenbrook Design While cabinet hardware is essential for functionality, it’s also a key element in the overall look and feel of your space. When selecting hardware, there’s more to consider than just appearance. How do you want your cabinets to open? Do you prefer knobs, pulls, or a combination of both? Should you go with cup pulls for a traditional touch or sleek bar pulls for a modern edge?
These decisions may seem small, but they can have a significant impact on both the usability and aesthetic of your cabinetry. Hardware serves as the finishing touch—bringing together the design while also making everyday tasks more comfortable and intuitive.
Walker Woodworking You are ready to begin your renovation, but you are unsure whether you want to go with custom or semi-custom cabinets. While custom cabinets will provide you with the exact fit you need for your space, they are at the higher end of the price range. Semi-custom cabinets tend to be a more budget-friendly alternative while still giving you the style and function needed for your space. Many homeowners are discovering the benefits of choosing semi-custom cabinets and are learning that they can still get the look they want while staying within their budget. Let’s talk more about what semi-custom cabinets are, the benefits they bring to your project, and some of the options we offer here at Greenbrook Design.
Walker Woodworking