3 Steps to Creating Your Outdoor Entertaining And Living Areas

Studies prove that people who spend a significant amount of time outdoors are more likely to be happier and healthier mentally and physically. Those of us living on Vashon Island and in the Pacific Northwest have gorgeous landscapes that allow us to find serenity and tranquility when we spend time outside. 

You may love the outdoors but also want to entertain at home. You can achieve that inner contentment by creating outdoor living and entertainment spaces that provide the best of both worlds. Here’s how…

1. Plan Your Space

Consider how your family spends their time. For example, if your family prioritizes reading and yoga, why not create a space outdoors that can offer more tranquility. If your family loves to play board games and cards or have friends over for drinks, make sure there is lots of seating and a stocked beverage fridge.  

2. Create Functional Living Areas

Creating an outdoor area that provides the same function as your indoor living area is ideal for those who want additional living spaces. You plan the outdoor living the same way you’d execute a livable indoor design by deciding which areas to add based on your family's needs. Will you be adding just an outdoor living space, or will you create a second dining area and kitchen? 

3. Choose High-Quality Materials

My number one tip? Invest in high-quality furnishings and exterior fabrics.

There is nothing worse than buying items for your exterior space that cost less and look good temporarily but look sad and worn out the following year from weather, wear and tear. Then, you’ll have to restart and spend time and money to figure out how to repair, paint or resurface.

Excellent exterior furniture materials include:

• Polywood/HDPE plastic

• Teak 

• Aluminum 

• Polypropylene fabrics will be the best go-to for upholstery on your lounge furniture, cushions, and umbrellas.

Need Help?

Do you need help creating an additional living and entertaining area outside? You may have ideas but are finding them challenging to execute. Or do you need help building a concept or vision? I’m here to share creativity, and ideas, so you can create a functional and enjoyable space.

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Cheers,

Angie

How to Design Your Ideal Home to Highlight Health & Wellness

Over the last two years, our homes have been our health haven. We have spent plenty of time thinking about our homes and how they promote and protect our family’s health. Of course, we all approach this differently, but there are ways that we can consistently and efficiently foster health in our homes.

Today, I’m sharing 3 ways to design your home to cultivate health, wellness, and a sense of belonging. Take a look…  

1. Be Inspired by Nature

The most soothing thing for humans is nature. It is a constant quest to bring as much of the outdoors into our homes without it feeling cluttered or dirty. When you mimic nature, our natural homeostasis is rest, and we actually relax. 

To bring nature into your home, bring in nature's colors. A soothing paint palette can ease the mind. Think of your favorite relaxing places, such as spas and retreat centers. The best ones have a calming, nature-inspired palette. 

2. Create a Home with Functional Design

It is not always easy to achieve wellness. That's why we have designers! Designers can help make sure a nature-inspired home complements your routine. A house designed to function with you in mind will allow you to have a stress-free and joyful experience. 

3. Sensory Design Must-Haves

Wellness is a delicate balance of stimulating senses. For example, your eye is intrigued by color, but with a gentle harmony so as not to overwhelm you. Calming things like soft fabric textures aid in this sensory treat. Natural textiles aid in the touch experience, and when it's something that feels soft, like nature, it relaxes you.

This is just the tip of the iceberg regarding what biophilic design can do to increase your relaxation and comfort in your home. Hiring a designer can help you create a whole plan for your entire home to be an oasis of natural products that benefit your mental state while being good for the planet.

If you would like support in creating your healthiest home, we would love to help. Reach out, and let's get to know each other.

Cheers,

Angie

3 Easy Shifts You Can Make to Go Green at Home

Today it’s easy to shift to sustainable and eco-friendly products. Environmentally friendly products are readily available containing ingredients safer for the planet and safer for your family's health. 

Here are 3 simple steps that you can use to start protecting your family's health and help the planet at the same time... 

1. Reduce Waste with High-Quality Furnishings

When I specify client purchases for important things like furniture, I always start with very transparent companies about their operations. I lean toward companies who are part of the Sustainable Furnishings Council, like Room and Board. 

I have found that purchasing high-quality pieces from transparent companies makes a sound investment. 

Like so many of us have, I have been burned too many times by falling into the fast-and-cheap purchasing trap. Those products are made with inferior components, like particleboard and toxic glues. And I eventually have to replace the item anyway because it doesn't last, and I end up buying the expensive piece to replace it, anyway. 

So save yourself the cost of the fast-cheap-toxic item and just invest in quality craftsmanship with superior and sustainable parts in the first place!

2. Favor Toxin-Free Alternatives

Toxic chemicals cause long-term damage to people, and they also compromise the environment in producing and getting rid of them. However, there are excellent alternatives that are readily available. 

For example, I always look for "free and clear" ingredients like laundry detergent and cleaning spray. When shopping for cabinet manufacturers and furniture makers, I opt for companies that produce products made from genuine materials like solid woods, steel, and natural fibers in the fabrics. When materials are layered, like in plywood and veneers, that's where you find toxic chemicals with the adhesive and filler chemicals.

3. Improve Energy Efficiency Where Possible

I am big on ambiance. I keep low lights on throughout the house for ambient lighting and mood. But am I racking up the electricity bill? No. I use LED bulbs. Whenever I design a home remodel, I specify LED bulbs and dimmable switches. 

I also recommend connecting lights to a home monitoring system controlled by a smartphone app. Then, you can set up all of your ambient lights on timers to manage the intensity throughout the day and program them to turn off when you leave and at bedtime.

There are many options to save the planet and reduce toxic exposure to your family while even saving money. These changes don't have to happen overnight, but simple awareness while you’re involved with a remodel, can help bring peace of mind that you are protecting the environment for your family's health and the planet's health.

In addition, hiring a designer that is up-to-date on sustainable practices and technologies that offer green efficiencies will help you transition your home to a healthier place.

If you want support creating an environmentally-friendly home, we would love to help. Reach out for a consultation, and we can talk about how we can help you make sustainable changes to your home. 

Warmly,

Angie