A few tips on how to make your home feel more spacious…
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Extending your living space to the outdoors…
Expanding your living space to include your deck and outdoor areas offers a multitude of benefits, from increased relaxation to enhanced entertainment options. With some creativity and thoughtful planning, your outdoor space can become an extension of your home, seamlessly blending indoor comfort with the beauty of nature. Here are seven ideas to help you make the most of your deck and outdoor living areas.
Outdoor Dining Oasis: Set up a charming dining area on your deck complete with a sturdy table and comfortable chairs. Add an umbrella or pergola for shade during sunny days and string lights for cozy ambiance in the evenings. Whether you're hosting a family barbecue or enjoying a quiet breakfast alfresco, an outdoor dining oasis provides a refreshing change of scenery for mealtime.
Relaxation Retreat: Transform your deck into a tranquil retreat where you can unwind and rejuvenate amidst the sights and sounds of nature. Consider adding a hammock, lounge chairs, or a cozy outdoor sofa where you can kick back and read a book or simply bask in the sunshine. Enhance the serene atmosphere with potted plants, wind chimes, and a small fountain to create a peaceful sanctuary right outside your door.
Outdoor Workspace: Embrace the flexibility of remote work by creating an outdoor workspace on your deck. Set up a weather-resistant desk and ergonomic chair, and equip your workspace with Wi-Fi access and a power source. Working outdoors can boost creativity and productivity while allowing you to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. Just don't forget the sunscreen and a hat to stay comfortable during long work sessions.
Outdoor Kitchen and Bar: Elevate your outdoor entertaining game with a fully equipped kitchen and bar area on your deck. Install a built-in grill, mini-fridge, and sink, along with ample counter space for food preparation and serving. Create a cozy bar area with stools where guests can gather and enjoy refreshing drinks while you showcase your culinary skills. An outdoor kitchen and bar make hosting gatherings a breeze and encourage outdoor dining year-round.
Fitness Zone: Take your workouts outdoors by turning your deck into a dedicated fitness zone. Install a yoga mat or artificial turf for stretching and bodyweight exercises, and incorporate resistance bands, dumbbells, or even a TRX suspension trainer for added versatility. With the fresh air and natural surroundings as your backdrop, exercising outdoors can invigorate your routine and boost your mood.
Garden Haven: Cultivate your green thumb and create a vibrant garden haven on your deck with a variety of plants, flowers, and herbs. Utilize vertical gardening techniques with hanging baskets, trellises, and wall-mounted planters to maximize space. Whether you have a green oasis filled with colorful blooms or a functional herb garden for culinary adventures, gardening on your deck adds beauty and serenity to your outdoor living space.
Kids' Play Area: Keep the little ones entertained and engaged with a dedicated play area on your deck. Set up a sandbox, playhouse, or climbing structure where children can unleash their imagination and burn off energy outdoors. Incorporate kid-friendly furniture and toys, and consider adding a splash pad or small inflatable pool for summertime fun. A deck play area provides a safe and convenient space for children to play while allowing you to keep a watchful eye from the comfort of your home.
Bringing the Beauty of Your Garden Indoors
Roses clippings from our neighbor’s garden placed on the entryway table.
Bringing the vibrant beauty of your garden indoors is a delightful way to add freshness and charm to your home decor, and few blooms rival the timeless elegance of roses. With their abundance of petals and enchanting fragrance, rose bushes offer a treasure trove of floral delights that are perfect for creating stunning arrangements. When it's time to trim your rose bushes, seize the opportunity to bring those blossoms indoors and transform them into captivating centerpieces or accents for any room.
Wild flowers bundled with flowers from the garden.
Arranging roses can be a joyous and creative endeavor, whether you choose to showcase them alone or combine them with other garden blooms. To highlight the exquisite simplicity of roses, consider placing them in a single-color arrangement or a monochromatic palette to let their natural beauty take center stage. Alternatively, pair them with complementary flowers like delicate baby's breath or lush greenery to add depth and texture to your bouquet. When arranging, trim the stems at an angle and remove any excess foliage to ensure optimal water absorption and longevity.
Even a simple vase filled with freshly cut roses can instantly brighten a space and infuse it with the romance and charm of a blooming garden. Whether adorning a dining table, brightening a bedside stand, or gracing a mantelpiece, roses bring a touch of timeless elegance and natural beauty to any setting. So, the next time you find yourself pruning your rose bushes, don't hesitate to bring a bit of that garden magic indoors and let the beauty of roses fill your home with joy and tranquility.