Life, Styled
Warmer weather is just around the corner, meaning we can finally spend more time outside doing what we love, like grilling, swimming, and sitting around fire pits. One thing that all of these have in common is that they can be done in your own backyard. Outdoor spaces are trending this year and for good reason, since they provide a change of scenery for homeowners without having to drive somewhere, plus they add more usable space to your home. Enjoy fresh air, cool summer nights, and time with family all within the safety of your own home. Here are a few reasons and benefits to adding or upgrading your outdoor space.
Wellness
Health is everyone’s number one priority, and none more than your family. According to Forbes, “even just 20 minutes per day spent in nature can lower stress hormone levels, boost self-esteem and improve mood.” Having access to your own outdoor space allows you a safe place to relax at the end of the day and catch your breath. Some of the health benefits of an outdoor living space include:
- Relaxes the eyes: We are a society that spends multiple hours a day staring at screens like computers and phones, which can strain the eyes. Taking the time to sit outside allows your eyes to rest and simply soak in the calm beauty of nature. There is a bonus benefit for the eyes when you spend time outside. The color green absorbs harmful UV rays of strong light and reduces glare, meaning that the beautiful scenery can reduce eye fatigue.
- Reduces stress: This is a pretty common feeling among most people as they rush to meet deadlines, attend meetings, and draft new proposals. Studies show that stepping outside eases the stress and tension of the body as you relax in the open space and the fresh breeze of nature. Depression can lift as you bathe in the warm sunshine, too.
- Reboots the body: Our immune system is critical to our health, so it’s important to take care of it, and spending some time outside can help. Enjoying the beauty and refreshment of nature can lower blood pressure and give you a boost to help fight off colds.
Having an outdoor space means you have quick access to nature’s wellness and can take advantage of it whenever you need it. Read more benefits here.
Increase Home Value
We all know that square footage is an important part of the home, and having an outdoor living space adds more usable space, which isn’t just good for your family but for you if you ever choose to sell. Consider these when designing your outdoor space.
- Kitchen: There are multiple benefits to having an outdoor kitchen, especially in summer when the heat is on. Having your cooking area outside means less heat in the house, saving money on your utility bill, and less smoke. Plus, it allows you to enjoy the fresh air and host gatherings where everyone can spread out comfortably.
- Fire pit: Many people enjoy a quiet evening with family, making s’mores or roasting hot dogs around the fire pit. It is also the perfect place to relax in the evening with friends and make memories.
- Pergola: This is a great option since it not only creates the perfect location to eat outside but also provides shade, so you can enjoy nature while still being protected.
Including practical areas in your outdoor living space sets your home apart from the rest and can give you a seller’s edge when you list your home. Check out this beautiful home in Charlotte that added an outdoor living space.
Entertainment
This is what many people think of when an outdoor living space is mentioned, and usually the main purpose of adding it to the home. Designing a place where the family can safely and conveniently hang out means unlimited fun and relaxation. Here are a few ideas to spark your creativity.
- Seating area: Including a spot where people can gather around and sit provides the perfect environment for conversation and fun times. Add a TV and turn it into the perfect place to watch those sports events with friends or host a watch party.
- Pool zone: Warm weather equals pool parties, and having an area where people can take a breather from the water makes for a nice combination. It also means that those who would prefer to just watch have a place to relax in their own way, but feel included.
- Grilling station: Backyards and grilling go hand in hand, as if they were made for each other. Adding this to your outdoor space ensures a future of delicious food served for family dinner or impromptu get-togethers with friends.
When you can have a great time but without having to pack up everyone, drive somewhere, and stand in line, that equals a win. Outdoor living spaces allow you to do just that within the safety of your own home.
Walker Woodworking Organization is a key part of a successful life. You make a plan, you know what you need, and how you will accomplish your goals. This strategy requires you to lay everything out so you can be prepared, which is why people love apps that help them stay on track or write it down in an old-fashioned paper planner. An organization can also infiltrate multiple areas of life, such as time management and home layout, meaning it has made its presence known in the design world. More and more designers are seeking ways to integrate organization into their designs, to the extent that a new term has been coined to describe this approach: organizeology. Let’s unpack what organizeology means!
If you are looking to hit the refresh button on your home, color is always a great way to start. From simple accent pieces, such as pillows and rugs, to repainting an entire room, choosing a new color can inspire you and help you regain your focus. The color of the year for 2022 are a wonderful place to start and can guide you down the right path for your home. Come visit our showroom in Uptown Shelby, NC, where you can walk through our 5,000-square-foot space and experience the possibilities for your home.
Walker Woodworking Lighting is a crucial aspect of interior design; it significantly influences the mood in the home and alleviates eye strain when there is minimal natural light or when it gets dark. More often than not, a home suffers from insufficient lighting instead of overillumination. For seniors, lighting is even more critical, as the muscles in the eye weaken over time and the pupil size decreases, making it harder for light to enter. Better lighting reduces the chance of bumping or falling over an obstacle and lessens the strain on the eyes as you look around. Good lighting also helps create a comfortable and relaxing environment, exactly what you want for your well-deserved retirement. Let’s talk about how you can have the best lighting, what the benefits are, and which lighting choices are best for certain areas in the home.
Greenbrook DesignColor matters. It is a part of how we tell our story, especially within our homes. In the last few years, homeowners have ventured off the traditional path of neutrals, such as white, gray, and beige, to bring in pops of bold hues like red, green, and even blue. As the demand for brighter colors increases, both manufacturers and designers have risen to the occasion by creating and incorporating a more diverse color palette for their clients. Traditional products, such as tile, furniture, flooring, cabinets, and even glass, come in a wider selection of bold colors, which provide homeowners with the opportunity to blend a variety of bold colors and neutral colors together in a stunning final design. Although color is a fun element in the world of interiors, it can be challenging to determine the right amount and the various ways it can be incorporated into the home to create the perfect balance for everyone to enjoy.
Walker WoodworkingHome is a reflection of you, and one of the best ways to do that is through color. Color is more than a collection of tints and shades; it has more impact on our mood than anything else and can influence the look of our home more than we realize. Color psychology has been studied for decades, with recent findings revealing just how powerful color truly is in the home. Size and style can change by simply selecting different colors for your furniture, accent pieces, or wall color. As color plays such a vital role in the atmosphere and presentation of the home, it can feel a little overwhelming or even intimidating to make color choices. We have compiled a list of 15 simple ways you can add color to your home.
Greenbrook Design
Walker Woodworking