“Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s Party!'” Robin Williams
Longer days and calmer temperatures signal a return to outdoor living. Using nature as a backdrop, the open-air space surrounding your home can provide hours of delight and relaxation. Multiple studies have shown that just looking outdoors will activate the part of the brain related to thoughts of balance and happiness. Take advantage of natures feel-good with the creation of al fresco spaces that will also enhance the square footage and value of your home.
The most successful outdoor space will be an extension of your homes interior style while blending with the surroundings. A perfect plan will provide appealing and useful outdoor “rooms” as well as beautiful scenes when you look out the window.
Where do you start?
- Our recommendation is to first make a list of any daily activities that would be pleasurable if moved outdoors. Often relaxation tops the list, with entertainment, cooking and play space following closely.
- Take inventory of your property and the available options to create outdoor rooms. Consider exposure to the elements, the direction of sunlight and your desire for privacy vs. neighborhood interaction. This will guide the placement of your outdoor living space to the front, side or back yard of your home.
- Next evaluate your floor plan and the most logical points for moving from indoors out. The more convenient this transition, the more you will use your outdoor areas. When building or remodeling, we like to feature specialty Nano (folding) or French Doors to visually diminish the indoor/outdoor line and encourage fluid movement.
- An informal sketch of your property showing home placement will allow you to designate logical active and calm areas. Allow for entertaining and family fun as well quiet activities like reading, napping and gardening.
- Consider ways to lengthen the time you can enjoy spring and summer months by including the protection of a covered porch or three season room.
- Connect your outdoor living areas with landscaping, walkways and privacy screening than integrates the outdoor space with the overall architecture of your home.
- Finally, remember that there are experts, like those at Lowell Management, with the expertise and ability to guide you in the planning and execution of your new home and remodeling projects.