Life, Styled
Fresh air, open outdoor spaces, and cooking on the grill are just a few of the benefits associated with having an outdoor space, which is becoming increasingly popular among homeowners. Our homes are our refuge, but an outdoor space is the perfect solution to curing cabin fever without having to pack up and drive somewhere. With spring just around the corner, we thought it would be a good time to highlight the reasons why an outdoor space matters, what elements should be included, and how to bring it all together to create the perfect outdoor space for everyone to enjoy.
Why outdoor spaces matter
A functional home is key to keeping everyone on schedule and operating smoothly from day to day, but as more people work from home, there needs to be a place where we can truly let our hair down and relax. Spending time outdoors is an essential aspect of this break from routine, especially for those whose jobs involve a high amount of screen time. Stepping away from electronic devices is essential and the color green is often associated with good things that can help the mind relax, making an outdoor area which tends to have an excess of green, on the lawn or in potted plants, a great place to spend a few minutes each day. Regular time outdoors can also be beneficial in improving both mental and physical health, as we breathe in the fresh air and let the soft breeze carry away the stress from work. Not everyone has the ability to walk in their neighborhood or drive to a beautiful city park, which is why having your own outdoor space is important, as it brings the best of nature to you and your family. You have the freedom to step outside whenever needed and recharge your battery before tackling the next item on your to-do list or meet that next deadline. An outdoor space is your own private getaway, whenever you need it, and is only a few steps away.
Adding Stoll industries to your design
An outdoor space serves a wide variety of purposes, including kitchen, patio, screened-in porch, and more. Creating a multi-purpose space means adding special features that can bring function with style. Stoll Industries, a metal-working company located in Abbeville, South Carolina, is a great resource to consider when designing an outdoor space for your family. Their products include fireplace doors and surrounds, cabinet doors and drawers, countertops, wall systems, floating shelves, fire pit tables, BBQ grill carts, and even storage compartments. In general, metal is a great material choice for outdoor spaces since it provides protection against the elements plus it can add stunning visual interest to the area. It is a versatile material that blends seamlessly with multiple styles and can be integrated almost effortlessly into any design. If you want to have a partly closed-in porch, think about adding a metal wall system as it brings a contemporary feel to your outdoor area. Metal accents are also easy to clean and don’t have major issues when it rains nor are they likely to fade from sunlight like other materials can over time. The variety of finishes provided by Stoll Industries ensures that they have something for everyone. Explore their full selection here and discuss with your designer how to incorporate metal elements into your outdoor space.
Adding Graber to your design
While not the first thing that comes to mind when designing an outdoor space, window treatments have a lot to offer. Not only do they look amazing, but they provide protection from the sun’s rays and can give a new dimension to the entire project. Graber Blinds is a company dedicated to quality and safety, and they are always looking for new technologies and methods that can improve their products to better serve their customers’ needs. They offer a large selection of products, including cellular shades and motorized options, perfect for those quiet afternoons when you need to adjust the shade as the sun shifts. Graber Blinds has also designed exterior solar shades that can not only block unwelcome sunlight, such as the low winter sun, but lessen the heat it brings, which means a cooler experience for everyone. Another bonus to their shades is their ability to reduce wind and even dust that can be stirred up, while still allowing light and air into your outdoor space, ensuring that everyone stays comfortable. Graber Blinds also has them in several colors, meaning you can equip your outdoor space in a “shade” you love. Having an area for your family to enjoy the outdoors, while prioritizing safety and comfort, is exactly what Graber Blinds delivers every time. Be sure to discuss them with your designer as an option or visit their website to view the full collection.
Designing an outdoor space
Wanting to have an outdoor space is one thing, but bringing it all together is another matter entirely. Though, don’t get overwhelmed. Pinterest and Houzz are excellent sources of inspiration, plus hiring a designer can immediately take the pressure off and leave you excited for your new space. If you are wondering about some of the elements you should include in your design, here is our list of recommendations:
- Lighting
- Comfortable seating
- Food area items
- Storage
- Privacy features
Seating and lighting work together to provide you the perfect place to gather with family and friends and just enjoy a lazy afternoon or a quiet evening. Of course, no place is complete without food, so having something like a fire pit for s’mores or a kitchen always means you are ready to host the best party. Storage for extras like blankets, pillows, and even games is another great feature for your outdoor space. Plus, it helps keep the area clean and presentable. Privacy is something that needs to be considered for an outdoor space, especially when you are in a more confined neighborhood. Shades, good landscaping choices, and even fences are good options for this. Combining these elements together into a beautiful and functional design ensures that everyone has a good time.
Greenbrook DesignHome is our place of refuge, the place where we can recharge and refresh ourselves before heading out for another day at the office, whether that is driving to town or walking down the hall to our desk. Our home is also our safe zone, especially when it comes to our health. We implement things that help us maintain and protect ourselves against illness, such as easy-to-clean surfaces and materials that hinder the growth of bacteria. Multiple companies are dedicated to the health of their customers, which is why they continually develop products that not only limit the spread of disease but also promote overall wellness, whether physical or emotional. Both work together to help maintain our good health. Let’s discuss some great home products that can be utilized in your home to increase wellness for yourself and those you love.
Walker WoodworkingCoffee is a staple ingredient for the majority of people’s mornings. We love the freshly brewed scent as we begin our day and rely on the boost it gives us to get the last of the sand out of our eyes, plus a little bounce in our step. Since it has become such an integral part of the start of the day, it makes sense to create a dedicated area in the home for our beloved beverage. From a sideboard near the kitchen with all the essentials necessary to make the perfect cup or an entire section set aside for its use, there are multiple reasons why you should have a coffee station in your home. Let’s talk about how to design the perfect coffee bar area in your home, as well as some helpful tips for creating it.
Seating is a crucial element in the kitchen, as it serves as the primary hub for nearly all activities that occur in the home. Having a place to sit and talk while dinner is being made or to enjoy that morning cup of coffee makes the kitchen that much more inviting, as well as creating an environment just right for connecting with others. Ensuring there is ample room for everyone can be a challenge for both large and small kitchens, as you cannot simply add a chair or barstool wherever you want. Kitchen islands are a great place for incorporating extra seating options, but built-in seating, often referred to as banquettes, is a wonderful way to gain seats with style. Let’s discuss the benefits of incorporating built-in kitchen seating and explore ideas on how to integrate it into your design.
Walker Woodworking We love spaces that look beautiful, but many times we underestimate the little things that can have the biggest impact. Facets provide our bathrooms and kitchens with a clean and elegant way to wash our hands, our food, and our dishes. They are a functional part of the design, but that doesn’t mean they have to be boring. With the numerous styles and finishes offered by manufacturers, it can be challenging to determine which one will best suit your home. Several other factors should also be considered, including durability, maintenance, and suitability for specific areas of the home. Let’s talk about them here before you head out to buy your next amazing faucet.
Walker WoodworkingIf you have looked at a renovated kitchen and wondered where the appliances, such as the refrigerator and dishwasher, were, you have just experienced paneled appliances. The beauty of these custom panels lies in their ability to cover the appliances, allowing them to blend in seamlessly with the rest of the cabinetry.
Walker Woodworking