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Backyard Oasis

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Backyard Oasis

“Summertime, and the living is easy …” 

George Gershwin penned these lyrics over 80 years ago, but the sentiment still holds true today.  Nothing beats outdoor living when the weather is perfection, and entertaining reaches whole new heights under the sun or moon and stars.  You don’t have to break the bank in order to create a lovely staycation spot in your backyard, and even the smallest of spaces can be transformed into a “home away from home” with careful thought and attention to detail.  Several questions asked up front will help you determine your preferences for a fabulous backyard oasis, which in turn helps you prioritize your purchases and investments.  Consider the following:

  1. How is my space primarily used … for personal relaxation or for entertaining?
  2. If entertaining, do I prefer small, intimate gatherings or large parties?
  3. If I desire to utilize my space differently, what changes could I realistically make?
  4. Could some of those changes become a reality if I begin to budget for them now?

Once you’ve settled these questions in your mind, it’s time to get busy nailing down the details.  Not all changes have to be made at once.  Consider small investments you could make now and add to in the future.  When it comes to outdoor entertaining, here are some things to ponder while you plan.  Some of these can pull double-duty, depending on your available space, but let yourself begin to dream of the possibilities while you plan your strategy.

LOUNGE/EATING AREA:  If you are fortunate enough to have the space, you can designate separate areas for eating and lounging; if not, one spot can serve both purposes.  It’s preferable to include at least one backyard area that provides shaded seating.  If a pergola or gazebo are not in the budget, consider a retractable canopy over your patio or deck.  Comfort is a must, and it’s nice to vary your seating options.  A wicker sectional, a patio chaise lounge, and a suspended swing chair offer different options for those who care to read, sip iced tea, or converse with others.  A patio retaining wall can be structured to offer additional seating for larger groups.  Flexible seating, on the other hand, allows your guests to pick up their chairs and follow the action.  Above all, your seating should invite guests to linger.  Color is in, so even if your original purchases boast a neutral tan or gray, jazz up your lounge area with colorful throw pillows or flowering plants.  Choose low maintenance furniture and stain or fade resistant accessories.  A standard picnic table is always inviting, but maintenance free materials and detached benches have made these an even more attractive option.  A patio set typically includes an umbrella and comfortable, cushioned seats for those long, leisurely nights outside.  Whether it’s just you unwinding solo at the end of the day or a graduation party for 100 people, this is the most important area for a backyard oasis and the first space you should begin to create.

OUTDOOR KITCHEN:  Gone are the days of repeat trips between the kitchen and the deck!  Outdoor kitchens have simplified the cooking and hosting process, and grilling keeps rising as the preferred summer food preparation method.  Your outdoor kitchen may start with just a stainless steel grill, but investing in additional items will make your outdoor parties even more enjoyable by increasing functionality and reducing stress.  Stone countertops and wooden cabinets can be added to make room for a sink, a mini-fridge, a bar, and even a wine cabinet.  A food prep space means all the mess can be kept outdoors.  Start small with a beverage cart, a patio cooler, or a portable bar; reclaimed wood or pallets can be used to build a more economical kitchen until you can afford to upgrade.  Above all else, keep your outdoor kitchen easy to clean and maintain with surfaces that are resistant to grease and high temperatures as well as able to withstand precipitation.

FIRE PIT:  Fire pit options are as endless as the possibilities they bring for fun and connection.  If you have multiple gathering places in your yard, you may want to invest in a smaller, portable fire pit which can be moved from spot to spot.  If you have a small area for outdoor entertaining, tabletop fire pits are a great alternative.  Consider the prime space for guests in your backyard … where do folks like to gather?  This will help you determine if your fire pit should be part of a deck or patio attached to your home, or freestanding in a private corner of your yard.  In rural settings, a rustic stone fire ring surrounded by benches or logs may serve your purposes just fine.  A large stone or in-ground fire pit, surrounded by Adirondack chairs or a built-in wood or cement sectional, offer ample room for larger gatherings.  Some homeowners like the option of attaching it to the pool for warm, well-lit night swimming.  A customized concrete pit can be formed to fit your exact space and then hooked up to existing gas lines for greater ease.

LANDSCAPING/FENCING:  Landscaping and fencing can serve multiple purposes.  A well-landscaped yard adds color and beauty and softens the harsh surfaces of wood and concrete.  Large potted plants or strategically placed flower beds can be used to create zones within your yard by sectioning off one area from another.  Landscaping can also be used to add privacy, whether through tall shrubbery or trellises covered with vines.  This is always a good investment because the benefits increase each year as the plants mature and bloom.  Fencing can also be used for privacy, and while a classic wooden fence remains affordable and popular, many homeowners are investing in more sustainable fencing materials, which hold up well under the elements and require no maintenance.  Clean, minimal lines are trending, rather than the busy wrought iron fences of yesterday.

POOL/POOL HOUSE:  Nothing says “party over here” quite like a pool!  Even small yards can house a pool for a refreshing dip at the end of a long day.  Single depth pools with classic geometric shapes are popular these days.  Darker pool finishes have replaced white or light blue and cast an ocean-vibe over your backyard.  Sun shelves are making an appearance.  These wide ledges are an extension of the pool, usually submerged in less than a foot of water, and can be made wide enough to accommodate lounge chairs for sunbathing or reading.  A pool house is a great way to extend hospitality to guests and can even house your outdoor kitchen or lounge area, if space allows.  Lighting is key for those nighttime parties, and even ceiling fans or a weatherproof sound system can be installed.  A pool house offers space to store extra suits and towels, snacks and beverages, and even a bathroom, cutting down on traffic in and out of your house.  If your home is a gathering spot for friends and family, this is a worthy investment.

Proactive planning is your best friend when it comes to outdoor projects.  Stock up on end-of-the-season sales for outdoor seating, cushions, and candles.  Gather estimates for larger projects so you can begin to accumulate the necessary funds.  Begin landscaping with larger foliage and add smaller plants to the layout each year.  With a little forethought and creativity, a backyard oasis can be yours no matter your location, property size, or budget. 

Inside Out: Windows and Doors Take Center Stage

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www.marvin.com
www.marvin.com

Inside Out: Windows and Doors Take Center Stage

Red Couch Interiors recently attended the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s (NKBA) Susquehanna Valley Chapter meeting at Studio 4 Showroom, an exclusive Marvin window and door dealer in Harrisburg, to learn about the ins and outs of windows and doors, the two primary ways we link the indoors and the outdoors of our homes.  They serve a dual purpose of inviting the natural outdoor light to permeate the interior while also allowing those folks indoors to enjoy the outside view. 

Standard options still exist within the industry and may, indeed, serve your purposes just fine.  But as the market has increased the available options, it’s no longer solely upper end homeowners who have access to new and innovative design and function.  No matter your geographic location, there are window and door options that can improve your home’s appearance and practicality.  Whether you are building a new home or renovating an existing one, here are some ways you can maximize their overall impact on your house.

www.marvin.com
www.marvin.com

Explore your options.

Don’t settle for what you already know!  Take some time to investigate current window and door possibilities, with an eye toward new technology and new design trends.  Visit showrooms, page through magazines, study neighborhood homes, and speak with a contractor so you are fully informed about your choices.  Research locking systems to determine whether a lever/knob system or a keypad with Bluetooth best fits your needs.  Consider upgrading from single-hung to double-hung windows for ease of cleaning and better ventilation.  Study the materials used in window and door fabrication to find what works best for your home and your budget: vinyl, fiberglass, wood, or aluminum.  Orient a new home build to allow for the highest winter solar gains in terms of natural illumination.  Lower your energy bill by installing double or triple pane windows for greater efficiency and decreased heat loss.  Information is your biggest asset in the early phase of design and renovation, so do your due diligence before making any commitments.

www.marvin.com
www.marvin.com

Elevate your design.

Natural light brings a wow factor all its own, and there are various ways to facilitate its entrance into your home.  When it comes to windows, get playful with your use of grilles.  Add a row at the top and bottom of a large window panel, or use diagonal grilles to create diamond shapes. Rounded window arches can appear dated, but a rectangular accent piece, also known as a transom, over your primary window will modernize your look while letting in extra light.  Choose dark blue or basic black for a front door that draws the eye as a first hello.  Clean lines and brushed brass hardware are rising to the forefront as simplicity replaces ornate design and décor.  Flexibility and flow remain key features to home layout, and modern interior door options help meet this need for smaller spaces that can expand to facilitate large groups.  Interior bi-fold, double pocket, and barn doors allow homeowners to adjust their space as needed.  

www.marvin.com
www.marvin.com

Expand your view.

More glass, less frame is the mantra for 2019 as slim black frames and larger windows take center stage.  Well-designed outdoor living spaces continue to trend with homeowners choosing window walls, often without grilles, to create a seamless segue between indoors and out.  For those residing in more populated areas, skylights or elevated windows above eye level help bridge the gap, allowing homeowners a glimpse outside while still maintaining privacy.  Consider installing a new front door with sidelights or a transom for added exterior beauty and interior lighting.  Replace a small window with a set of sliding doors or use French doors inside to section off an office while still maintaining an open feel.

Hiring a designer to help navigate the decision-making process will confirm that your choices are architecturally prudent and visually appealing; likewise, hiring a professional contractor for new window and door installation guarantees proper installation for water management and an air tight seal.  Investing in new windows and doors will reap dividends in the days to come as both you and your guests enjoy the changes to your home.

The Laundry Room: Funds, Functionality & Fun

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The Laundry Room: Funds, Functionality & Fun

In decades past, laundry rooms were more of an afterthought, often relegated to the basement or tucked into an odd corner of the house, if space allowed.  Thankfully, the tide has turned, and homeowners are putting more thought into both the fun and functional aspects of their laundry rooms. Most adults could attest to the inordinate amount of time spent doing the laundry, from the sorting to washing, drying, and folding, so why not make this space as enjoyable as the rest of your home?  Here are three questions to ask yourself, along with practical advice for finding answers that will guide your laundry room renovation.

  1. How should I prioritize FUNDS for my laundry room renovation?

The answer to this question will best be found by determining which part of your laundry room is most important to you.  If the size of your household translates to large amounts of laundry, you may want to invest in top-notch appliances with large capacity function.  After taking into consideration your available space, research your options at a local appliance retailer. If space is at a premium, you may want to consider a stackable set to maximize your footprint.  If a designated spot for folding and organizing laundry is a necessity, then consider a front loading set so you can install a counter over top. If you have young, active children, you may prefer a top loading washer for its pre-soaking capabilities.  While everyone will have an opinion, you will know your individual needs better than any expert. 

If storage is your foremost objective, then invest in quality cabinetry, customized for your individual needs.  Beyond the basic laundry detergent and other related supplies, you may want to include space for cleaning products, your iron and ironing board, or room to stock up on supplies such as paper towels.  Fabulous options for built-in sorting bins, drying racks, and even pet nooks can be incorporated into your design. The possibilities are as endless as your imagination.

If the esthetics are a priority, consider a beautiful slate or marble floor or a tiled backsplash behind your utility sink.  Invest in some new windows to improve lighting or hang eye-catching light fixtures for visual appeal. Personalize your space with floral window treatments or unique artwork.

  1. How can I increase the FUNCTIONALITY of my laundry room?

If several family members share the responsibility for laundry duty, eliminate frustration by increasing order and ease of communication.  Use matching baskets, labeled and lined up on shelves, to designate each family member’s items. Assign a different hanger color for each person so everyone can easily identify when he or she has laundry to iron or put away.  Incorporate a small chalkboard or dry erase board to leave notes with special instructions, such as which items should not be placed in the dryer.

Not everyone has the luxury of a large laundry room, so maximize your available square footage.  Hang a shelving unit or a peg rack on the back of the door for additional storage. Elevate your washer and dryer by building or purchasing shelves or drawers that fit underneath.  Attach a colorful curtain around the base of your utility sink to create an extra storage nook and hide unsightly plumbing. If your laundry space is more of a “glorified closet,” suspend a small ladder horizontally above the washer and dryer and use it to hang items that need to air dry.

  1. How can I add some FUN to my laundry room?

Most of us would not necessarily categorize doing laundry as “fun,” but adding a dash of character to your laundry room will undoubtedly improve your mood while sorting or folding.  Consider a boldly patterned wallpaper to accent the space behind your washer and dryer. Purchase a colorful rug for inspiration, or even better, install a Moroccan-style floor or geometric backsplash.  Mount a chandelier overhead for an unexpected dash of glam. Forego the standard stainless steel or white appliances and select cranberry red or ocean blue for a welcome pop of color. Think outside the box by utilizing a galvanized tin trash can as a hamper.

Tie your decor together with a theme.  Go vintage by utilizing a farmhouse laundry sink and displaying antique clothespins and washboards.  Think “black and white” by highlighting white appliances with black chalk paint walls, or contrast black appliances against white subway tile.  Bring in the great outdoors by installing a natural wood folding table or display shelves, then accent your room with some potted succulents.

Finding the balance between function and fun will transform your laundry room into an enjoyable space for checking off the to-do list.  Letting room in the budget for reliable appliances as well as smart storage solutions and pretty accents will create a winning combination of beauty and practicality with long-lasting impact for the whole family.