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Increase your living space—and your home’s value
Cooking and dining alfresco is arguably the single greatest thing about warm weather in spring and summer, but most backyard barbeques involve a million trips to and from the kitchen. As such, one of the hottest trends in new home construction is outdoor kitchens. Outdoor kitchens typically feature a comfortable eating area with a combination of cabinets, sinks, warming drawers, prep counters, ranges, and refrigerators—all within arm’s reach of the grill. Outdoor kitchens provide a natural gathering spot for friends and family and can add to the value of your home.
How elaborate your outdoor kitchen should be depends on how often you plan to use it. Some people enjoying dining outdoors every evening, while others reserve it for special occasions and social gatherings. Regardless of the frequency of use, you need to use materials that do well in all kinds of weather. Stone sinks, stainless steel cabinets, and slate countertops will withstand the Seattle rain, as well as the months that pass between barbeque seasons. Many outdoor kitchens also feature pergolas or other roof structures to shield guests from sun and rain. Something else to consider is adding an outdoor gas heater or fireplace, which will extend the amount of time you can use your outdoor kitchen into the fall and winter months.
In addition to the convenience of having all your grilling accoutrements within a handy distance, a well-built outdoor kitchen also adds to the value of your home. And you don’t have to have a new home to reap the benefits. With the right space and backyard layout, owners of existing homes can easily add-on an outdoor kitchen area. When adding an outdoor kitchen to an existing home, power, gas, and water lines often have to be extended from the home, so be sure to hire a qualified contractor to do the work for you. By extending your living space outside, you have essentially increased the square footage of your home. In many cases the increase in your home’s value will equal or even sometimes exceed the cost of the project itself.
The benefits of an outdoor kitchen area and living space are many. And with the convenience of having your drinks, condiments, meat, and cooking space all in one easy-to-reach place, you can spend the precious summer moments right where you should—outside with friends and family.
What features would you include in an outdoor kitchen?
For more information on Windermere Evergreen and our agents, please contact us here.
Outdoor Living Trends
Summer is just around the corner and there is no better way to prepare than indulging in some exciting backyard inspiration. Your outdoor living space can be more than just a place to spend time with family and friends; it can be your sanctuary as well. This year is the time to turn your backyard into your own personal vacation spot.
If you don’t have a tub already, consider adding a sunken hot tub into your backyard with a deck of natural stone, tall grasses, and outdoor curtains for privacy. Include pillar candles and some twinkling lights for ambiance.
If you entertain a lot, a kitchen is the ideal outdoor space for summer entertaining. Bring out your inner Bobby Flay with a cooking station that includes a high-end grill, refrigerator, wine chiller, and elegant washbasin. Round this all out with a concrete counter, bluestone tile floor, and stainless steel.
Nothing says summer like outdoor movies and your own personal drive-in. All you need is a projector to watch your favorite movie, some dangling lights in the trees, blankets, and pillows. You could also watch it from a hanging bench or my personal favorite, a floating bed.
Gardening can go beyond being a relaxing pastime; consider growing your favorite foods and join the “farm to table” movement. In 2012, people spent $1.2 billion more dollars on food gardening than they did flower gardening. An easy way to incorporate this is to use blueberries as foundation plants or other fruits, such as raspberries. If you already have flowers planted, tuck a pepper plant or basil in between your flowers.
A reading nook outdoors is the perfect way to get lost in your favorite book or magazine. You can convert a small shed into a private reading spot, an arbor with a bench surrounded by clematis, or a relaxing hammock. These hideaway spots are what turn your home into a staycation resort.
Is your ideal summer situated by a campfire? Build a fire pit and enjoy s’mores in the comfort of your backyard. Use an old wine barrel, bricks, stones, or a concrete bowl. A lowered fire pit is great if you want to use sand for a beachy atmosphere. On a warm summer night a campfire sets just the right mood for outdoor fun.
Having a water feature in your backyard instantly creates a Zen space. They can deflect unwanted attention by drowning out unwelcome sounds. Add a fountain, pondless waterfall, or small stream to complete the vibe. If you want a smaller commitment, a shallow recirculating foundation will also do the trick. All you need is a simple foundation and recirculating pump.
To enhance your space with little to no cost, add dangling vines or twinkling lights as a finishing touch to create your backyard haven. Time is something there never seems to be enough of, but these low-maintenance enhancements will enable you to spend that time in your very own outdoor living space.
For more outdoor living ideas, follow our Pinterest board.
For more information on Windermere Evergreen, please contact us here.
Indoor gardens: cultivate while keeping the winter doldrums at bay
In many parts of the country it is still too early to start thinking about gardening. After a chilly winter, adding some green to your home’s interior may be just what the doctor (or decorator) ordered. Consider an indoor garden to liven up your home with color and clean air. There are many ways to introduce houseplants into your home décor, from edible to ornamental. Here are some tips to get you started:
Cultivate herbs or fungi on your windowsill.
Create or find an indoor greenhouse:
Or maximize your space with a hydroponic tower:
Plant a lemon tree, or a whole orchard:
Make a statement with a hanging garden:
Keep your houseplants in unexpected rooms:
If you have young children or pets, you will want to consider the toxicity of some of your plant choices.
Indoor plants have their benefits, including cleaning the air you breathe. Some plants are more effective at recycling the CO2 in your home than others.
We’d love to hear your tips for adding indoor plants and gardens.
Check out more home ideas on our Pinterest page.
For more information, please visit Windermere Evergreen.
Quiet and Serene Retreat
Featuring 4 Bedrooms and 4 Bathrooms
Off of the Cul-de Sac and through a gated entrance reveals this special 5.63
acre property. A meandering driveway leads you through the trees to the
house. This distinctive and grand home graces one of the most desirable
settings in Soda Creek, complete with mountain views, a gentle meadow,
abundant Aspen and Conifer trees and dynamic rock outcroppings. So close to
Evergreen shopping and restaurants and quick access to I-70, yet this is a quiet
and serene retreat. Large home with four bedrooms upstairs and a sprawling
floor plan that allows for family gatherings and easy living. Great indoor
swimming pool area that spills out to the South facing lawn.
For more information on 591 Sundown Lane in Evergreen please click here.
You may also call Yvette Putt at (303) 882-2245 or John Putt at (720) 201-1332 to see the property today!
A Peaceful Slice of Mountain Heaven
Featuring 5 Bedrooms and 4 Bathrooms
A very peaceful slice of Mountain Heaven while only being thirty minutes from Denver. A Colorado Ranch style home that offers main floor living. 3.6 Acres of very gentle expansive land and graceful trees with a large home and great barn (wonderful for horses, cars or a workshop). The back side of the house faces south and mountain views encircle the property. Master bath and kitchen have been updated.
For more information on 22398 Blue Jay Road in Morrison please go to the Listing Website. You may also call Yvette Putt at 303-882-2245 or John Putt at 720-201-1332.
Beautiful Home in Lakewood Estates
Featuring 3 Bedrooms and 3 Bathrooms
Beautifully appointed main floor living, patio home in Lakewood Estates! Best of both worlds having a single family home within a HOA community. So much of the exterior maintenance is worry free as the HOA takes care of the exterior and ground maintenance. This house is steps away from the community pool, hot tub and center. The new wide plank, diagonal positioned, natural Hickory floors, new carpet and interior paint are all accented by all the light filled rooms and vaulted ceilings. Sucheasy living with direct access to the east outdoor patio. Open concept design allowing the kitchen, dining and living rooms to interface with each other and the main floor master with large en-suite master bath and substantial walk-in closet. The south facing garage entry insures the best possible exposure. Finished lower level with large light filled workshop with workbenches. Anderson Renewal Windows throughout, furnaceand A/C are 6 years old. 95% efficient furnace.
For more information please visit the listing website or call Yvette Putt at 303-882-2245 or John Putt at 720-201-1332
Spacious Ranch With Breathtaking Views
Featuring 5 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms, A Barn For Horses And A Large Deck!
A very peaceful slice of mountain heaven, while only being 30 minutes from Denver. A Colorado ranch style home that offers main floor living. 3.6 acres of very gentle, expansive land and graceful trees with a large home and great barn (wonderful for horses, cars or a workshop). The back side of the house faces south and mountain views encircle the property. Master bath and kitchen have been updated.
For more information, please visit: http://windermereevergreen.com/listing/65211137. You may call either John Putt at (720) 201-1332 or Yvette Putt at (303) 882-2245.
Serene Retreat With 10+ Acres
Featuring 4 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms, An Open Floor Plan And A 3-Car Garage!
Off of a cul-de sac and through a gated entrance, reveals this special 10.6 acre property. A meandering driveway leads you through the trees to the first 5.6 acre parcel with the house. A second 5 acre buildable parcel is included in this sale. This distinctive and grand home graces one of the most desirable settings in Soda Creek, complete with mountain views, gentle meadow, abundant Aspen and Conifer trees and dynamic rock outcroppings. So close to Evergreen shopping and restaurants and quick access to I-70, yet this is a quiet and serene retreat. Large home with four bedrooms upstairs and a sprawling floor plan that allows for family gathering and easy living. Great indoor swimming pool area that spills out to the south facing patio. Large 3-car garage with a separate heated workshop.
For more information, please visit: http://windermereevergreen.com/listing/59734040. You may also call either John Putt at (720) 201-1332 or Yvette Putt at (303) 882-2245.
