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.
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.
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