Bring the Outdoors In

Bringing the Outdoors In Freshen Up for Spring

It’s spring! The sun in West Michigan is finally shining, the birds are singing, and the flowers are blooming After so much time cooped up indoors, most of us are eager to get started on something new and fresh by either adding small touches to our existing space or going into full remodel mode to create new spaces. Some statistics put our daily time spent indoors as high as 90 percent, so it’s no wonder we crave the freshness of greenery, the tactile sensation of natural textures, and the brightness of natural light in our homes.

One of the places we spend the most time in our homes is our kitchen. The kitchen is often considered the hub of the home. Open floor plans and modern family lifestyles only reinforce this. In a traditional kitchen, food storage was key. However, now that the kitchen has become more of a social gathering space, people are taking cabinets off the wall in favor of open shelving and windows to bring openness and natural light into the space. A traditional kitchen layout sports a single window above the sink. New kitchen layouts are showcasing whole walls of windows to let in the natural light and expand the feel of the space. If you don’t like your view, you can consider instead adding a transom window or skylight. Transoms and skylights are also great options for bathrooms or bedrooms where more privacy is desired.

printed and glazed rather than blended aggregate, like quartz panels, they have higher gloss and greater clarity. Ultra-compact surface countertops, which are simular, are UV resistant and frost resistant. Even in Michigan, ultra-compact countertop will allow you to bring your indoor cooking spaces outside.

If you are not ready commit to blasting a hole in your wall for a new window, reworking your shower or resurfacing your countertop, there are many small walls to bring the outdoors in. Adding natural materials like leather, linen, or pottery accents can transform a space from sterile to organic. Small changes, like switching out the hardware on your cabinets, can make a big impact in your space. Muted metals like satin gold and brushed copper carry a warmth and depth that more neutral finishes, like satin nickel, tend to lack. Live greenery is also strongly suggested by experts to improve not only air quality, but also your emotional state.

You can also bring the outdoors in by enhancing your space with natural textures and materials. Wallpaper with organic motifs or natural texture, like grass cloth, is making a comeback. It is a great way to add natural elements without major changes. Wallpaper can be used in almost any room, where some natural materials traditionally cannot.

Previously, homeowners would have been cautioned against putting natural wood in their bathroom, either on the floor or on the wall. However, new enhancements like high-definition printing on porcelain tile and highly textured vinyl plank surfaces, are allowing the look of wood even in the dampest spaces. Porcelain is also expanding in size and scope. Manufactures are producing sheets strong enough and large enough to panel shower walls, provide full height fireplace surrounds, and be used in kitchens for seamless backsplash and countertop. Because they are

I’m one who can kill a cactus, so I feel your pain here, but let’s do our best. Open a window, pick some flowers, or add a fresh element to an old recipe. It’s finally spring and time for something new.

Anneke Huisman has been designing stunning projects with Standale Home Studio for the last 3 years. She has over 15 years industry experience working on remodels and new construction with both DIY’ers and builders. Native to Boston, Anneke is a Calvin College graduate and has called Grand Rapids home for the last 12 years.