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.
Connection has become a priority in the home over the last couple of years. It can be considered the most basic function of the home, as this is where we gather with family and friends to celebrate, congratulate, and comfort one another. Designing with socializing opportunities has been at the forefront of design for decades, exemplified by spaces such as sitting rooms and large dining tables. This need for connection has made a strong comeback, and designers are once again looking for ways to bring families together. We want to have a home where we can relax and easily engage with one another, but many homeowners also desire spaces that are unified while still retaining a unique character of their own. Let’s talk about how to create a home with connecting spaces.
Several variables are involved in selecting the perfect tile, including material, pattern, and color, as well as factors that influence style and placement. Tile is also a versatile and durable design element, making it a suitable option for frequently used areas. Let’s explore how you can incorporate tile in the home.
Greenbrook DesignThe kitchen tends to be one of the busiest areas in the home, and over the last year, it has become more than just a place to cook food. It has evolved into a multifunctional space where everyone gathers to perform a wide range of tasks. With so much at stake, planning a renovation requires careful thought and well-designed plans. Many designers caution against following the latest trends, but there are a few additional design mistakes they also encourage their clients to avoid. If you are considering a renovation or a new construction project, here are our top five biggest kitchen design mistakes to avoid.
Countertops are often underappreciated and underrated in the design world. They are the true workhorses of any space, as they are used regularly and withstand a great deal. We chop, pound, knead, spill, and more all over these smooth surfaces, yet they continue to function day after day. Unfortunately, they are not meant to last forever. Experts recommend replacing them every 10 to 15 years, especially if signs of wear and tear are evident, such as stubborn stains, chips, or cracks.
Walker Woodworking Sometimes, certain areas of home decor have been influenced by trends that are no longer in style and can make the space feel dated or even uninviting. Rooms also serve a specific purpose, and those can change over time. If your children are no longer living with you, their bedroom can be transformed into a craft room or even a guest suite. There are also some new things that are making their way onto potential homebuyers’ lists. We have done some research for you and discovered some of the top new items being used in home design.
Walker Woodworking