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.
We use it every day but hardly pay any attention to it, yet it can impact the overall design of the home. We are, of course, referring to your flooring, and its importance should not be overlooked or underestimated. It is the largest design element in the home, which means it tends to serve as the foundation of the look and feel in the room. It has the ability to make or break your space and is subconsciously the first thing we notice in a room. Since it is used consistently, it must be durable and functional for the particular area, whether slip-resistant or waterproof. Flooring should also complement the overall design style you choose and be carefully considered before finalizing your choice. Here are some aspects to remember when making your selection.
The kitchen backsplash tends to be overlooked during the planning session for a renovation, but it has a big impact on the overall look of the design, and it should not be underestimated. To many, it may seem like such a small element, but it has the power to bring style, class, and protection to the heart of the home. When walking through a model home or flipping pages in an interior design magazine, the kitchen always has a backsplash that often draws our eye. Coming in multiple sizes, styles, and shades, the kitchen backsplash has come a long way from being a simple surface to creating a glamorous highlight that immediately draws the eye.
Walker WoodworkingThis deficiency has led to a readjustment of space, a call to renovate the home, and to provide a more functional design for everyone. There are also other reasons motivating homeowners to reevaluate their current living situation, such as greater flexibility at home, an open concept, personal space, and plenty of storage. While kitchens and bathrooms are still among the most renovated areas in the home, new emphasis is being placed on four additional sections in the home, which we want to highlight today.
Walker WoodworkingYou love your home, but there are some areas that are no longer working for you, if they ever did at all. You have made the big decision to renovate your kitchen, to give yourself the space you have always envisioned, but it feels overwhelming. How do you know which layout will work best for you? Which style best represents you, and what wood type will pair perfectly with certain colors? The kitchen can be a more difficult renovation because it involves multiple facets, such as plumbing and electrical. Adding in the appliances, lighting, and cabinets decisions can be enough to make your head spin. Planning is a critical part of a kitchen renovation, making it a key area of focus, which is why an experienced designer can help you accomplish your dreams on time and on budget.
James Martin Vanities has not disappointed us but provided many of our clients with a bathroom vanity that suited their unique needs, and the shorter lead times have allowed them to get the upgrades they needed within their timeframe. Our goal will always remain to provide our clients with the best possible products that fit their project, whether that is a custom, semi-custom, or predone option like the James Martin Vanity. We are here to assist you in finding the vanity that works for you, which is why we offer a variety of options. Are you ready for a change? Come visit our showroom where we have multiple vanities available for you to browse, and if you like one, you can take it home with you.
Walker Woodworking