The Art of Interior Design

Your Backyard Retreat: Outdoor Living at Its Finest

With summer on the way, it’s finally time for fun in the sun! Studies have shown that there are many physical and mental health benefits of spending time immersed in the great outdoors. In the last year, more than 90 percent of people with outdoor living space have been spending more time on their patios and porches, enjoying their outdoor living space more than ever before. For those looking to relax, entertain, grill or garden, having your own backyard retreat is a must.

It seems that everything is better outdoors with warmer weather. Gone are backyards of the past with stackable plastic chairs, a grill and some colorful flowers blooming on the side of the deck. Now, a loaded deck with an outdoor living room, comfy chairs, twinkle party lights, a full kitchen, bar, island, firepit and even a television are found throughout the First Coast. When choosing furniture for your outdoor space explore options such as wrought iron, cast iron, aluminum or even traditional wood. If your furniture is not kept under a cover or a patio enclosure or lanai, synthetic weatherproof patio furniture with durable fabrics are available to stand up to the elements. By adding a lanai, patio cover, awning or screen enclosure, your furniture will have some protection from direct exposure to the elements whether it’s sunny or raining. It can even provide some privacy from neighbors. By bringing the indoors outside, homeowners can satisfy one of their top wants by turning simple living spaces into their favorite part of the home, complete with all the comforts of the indoors at their fingertips. With more than 31 years of experience, Lifetime Enclosures in Jacksonville is one of the top choices First Coast residents look to when renovating their outdoor space with lanais, outdoor kitchens, sunrooms, screen enclosures and more. When planning your outdoor living room, think about creating different rooms. Imagining furniture for the sitting area will help with building a deck or patio large enough to accommodate your wants. Families may even want to create a kid’s outdoor playroom complete with a playset and even a garden. If you are adding an outdoor kitchen to the mix, include a sink, enough counter space to cook and lighting so you aren’t left in the dark.

Photo by David Hunter, courtesy of Unsplash

Planting various flowers, plants and shrubs can add splashes of color as well. From a simple herb garden in a planter to a small patch of tomatoes, peppers or other easy-to-grow veggies, gardening can be a fun and rewarding use of outdoor space. For some backyards, a hardscape area is another good option to spruce up the space. Edging hardscape areas with ground covers and low-growing plants can soften the edges and bring more color and life to the area. Whether it’s for relaxation, entertainment or play, your yard is an extension of your indoor living space, so make it as warm and inviting as you do your home. All aspects of home improvement require planning and time, so enlist a professional such as Lifetime Enclosures to make your vision and plan into reality. With free estimates, these professionals can create your own personal retreat that can be enjoyed for years to come.

Custom Storage Suited for You: Closets by Design

Maintaining an organized living space is becoming a major focus for homeowners in 2022. They not only want to be able to entertain guests without having to frantically put away items, but also have the peace of mind that only comes from a clutter-free home.

Good storage is essential to a clean, organized home. Unfortunately, not all homes or home builders have caught up when it comes to storage needs in the 21st century. Unless you’re building a custom home, you will likely receive basic wire racks in most of your dedicated storage spaces including closets, laundry rooms, pantries and garages. That doesn’t mean you’re simply stuck with your home’s built-in storage. Leading industry expert, Closets by Design of the First Coast, works diligently to create beautiful custom storage solutions to elevate a home’s design and functionality. Just like you would hire a painter or landscaper, custom storage professionals can help you design custom storage spaces for your newly constructed or existing home.

Closets

Closets are the most important storage space in your house, but many only have basic wire racks that are a major waste of space due to limited functionality and lack of hidden storage. Thanks to specialists like Closets by Design, this no longer has to be your reality. Selecting from heavy-duty finishes and countless options, you can give your closet its own makeover. This could include custom shelves, hanging racks, cabinets and drawers that are all designed to your liking. Above all, it’s important to know that no space is too big or too small. Homeowners are often surprised how much they can fit into a small hall closet after undergoing custom upgrades.

Garages

A common misconception is that a garage typically goes unseen. Today, garages often function as more than parking places. They’ve become gathering places for social get-togethers and hobby areas for homeowners. Even if you just use your garage for storage, having a place to put things away neatly will result in a level of functionality

Photos courtesy of Closets by Design

Laundry Rooms

The area where you wash your clothes is just as important as the place where you store them. With all the different detergents, stain releasers, fabric softeners and starches, a laundry room needs adequate storage space. Yet, builders can easily overlook this, even if the room is fairly large. With Closets by Design, you can install cabinets and shelves that will take your laundry room to the next level.

Pantries

A well-organized pantry is a necessity in every home. When it’s cluttered, it’s easy for food items to get lost in the back and never used. Consulting with a design expert can help you determine the best layout to properly store food, dishes, small appliances and other kitchen products.

that wasn’t possible before. Adding cabinets, shelves and countertops to a garage can create a custom space that will make it easier to store items of any kind. Closets by Design of the First Coast is the go-to local provider of custom storage solutions. The in-house team of designers, builders and installers work together to create a seamless process from start to finish. With a best-in-class warranty, financing options and a proven history of quality construction, Closets by Design offers a way for every homeowner to have the custom experience of their dreams.