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.
We use it every day but hardly pay any attention to it, yet it can impact the overall design of the home. We are, of course, referring to your flooring, and its importance should not be overlooked or underestimated. It is the largest design element in the home, which means it tends to serve as the foundation of the look and feel in the room. It has the ability to make or break your space and is subconsciously the first thing we notice in a room. Since it is used consistently, it must be durable and functional for the particular area, whether slip-resistant or waterproof. Flooring should also complement the overall design style you choose and be carefully considered before finalizing your choice. Here are some aspects to remember when making your selection.
The kitchen backsplash tends to be overlooked during the planning session for a renovation, but it has a big impact on the overall look of the design, and it should not be underestimated. To many, it may seem like such a small element, but it has the power to bring style, class, and protection to the heart of the home. When walking through a model home or flipping pages in an interior design magazine, the kitchen always has a backsplash that often draws our eye. Coming in multiple sizes, styles, and shades, the kitchen backsplash has come a long way from being a simple surface to creating a glamorous highlight that immediately draws the eye.
Walker WoodworkingThis deficiency has led to a readjustment of space, a call to renovate the home, and to provide a more functional design for everyone. There are also other reasons motivating homeowners to reevaluate their current living situation, such as greater flexibility at home, an open concept, personal space, and plenty of storage. While kitchens and bathrooms are still among the most renovated areas in the home, new emphasis is being placed on four additional sections in the home, which we want to highlight today.
Walker WoodworkingYou love your home, but there are some areas that are no longer working for you, if they ever did at all. You have made the big decision to renovate your kitchen, to give yourself the space you have always envisioned, but it feels overwhelming. How do you know which layout will work best for you? Which style best represents you, and what wood type will pair perfectly with certain colors? The kitchen can be a more difficult renovation because it involves multiple facets, such as plumbing and electrical. Adding in the appliances, lighting, and cabinets decisions can be enough to make your head spin. Planning is a critical part of a kitchen renovation, making it a key area of focus, which is why an experienced designer can help you accomplish your dreams on time and on budget.
James Martin Vanities has not disappointed us but provided many of our clients with a bathroom vanity that suited their unique needs, and the shorter lead times have allowed them to get the upgrades they needed within their timeframe. Our goal will always remain to provide our clients with the best possible products that fit their project, whether that is a custom, semi-custom, or predone option like the James Martin Vanity. We are here to assist you in finding the vanity that works for you, which is why we offer a variety of options. Are you ready for a change? Come visit our showroom where we have multiple vanities available for you to browse, and if you like one, you can take it home with you.
Walker Woodworking