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 DesignUsing smart devices to help manage your home not only makes your life easier. However, many forms of smart home tech also reduce utility usage and improve your home’s carbon footprint. You’ll improve your life and become more eco-friendly all at once! Here’s how to get started:
Health and wellness are a high priority for many today, especially in the home, which is why interior designers are placing a great emphasis on the renovation or remodel plans for the home. Natural light brings a wealth of benefits for your family and also gives the home a beautiful warmth.
Metropolitan Woodworks IncContrast is a design element that is used often since it makes a statement, creates visual interest, and provides a touch of elegance to the space. White and Black, dark mixed with warm metals like gold, copper, and brass. Many interior designers are choosing to use this tool and these color combinations more in their creations, and it seems that this trend is only increasing in popularity. Let’s explore the different ways you can add dark colors to your space, balanced with enough light to make a beautiful presentation in your home that both you and your guests will enjoy.
Greenbrook DesignAt Greenbrook Design, we specialize in taking the dysfunctional to the functional level. Your home is meant to be a place of rest, where you can look forward to coming home and just unwinding. Today, we want to share a few of our best tips that will help you receive the wellness you and your family need.
Walker Woodworking The kitchen is undeniably the most used area of the home, whether it is making the morning coffee before heading out the door, making the kids a snack when they come home, or sharing the day’s events as you make dinner. It is the central hub of the house, and where everyone can just relax. This also means that there is a lot going on, making it important that things have a place and stay there. There is nothing worse than a kitchen that is messy, cluttered, and dysfunctional. We wanted to share some organizational tips and helpful tricks that can help you organize your kitchen.
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