| Tweet |
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.
Oh My Aching Back: Cabinet Heights to the Rescue
When approaching a kitchen or bath remodel or new construction, you can make things a lot more comfortable by getting creative with the heights of your base cabinets.
Standard heights traditionally have been 36” tall (including the thickness of the countertop material) for kitchen base cabinets, and 29” – 30” tall for bathrooms. These heights are good overall, but are surely not set in stone and can make life a lot more comfortable with some tweaking.
Consider the users’ heights when deciding on cabinet heights. If everyone in the household is tall, consider having the main area of the kitchen raised an inch or so. Chopping will be much more comfortable that way, and it will help avoid arm and back fatigue. If household members are various heights, consider having one area raised higher and another area at the standard height. If you have someone who requires lower heights, such as a wheelchair user, consult a design professional to assist with their particular needs.
In the bathroom areas, consider the primary users when determining the best heights. The master bath would likely serve adults, so having the base vanities at a taller 34” height will help to avoid stress on the users’ backs when utilizing the sink for face washing and tooth brushing. If a child uses the area, keep a small step stool handy for those times. A main hall bath outside the children’s rooms could have the standard height. If the children are a bit older (and taller) and you intend to remain in the home longer than a few years, consider the taller height there too for when the children are taller, as they do grow quickly!
Just a few adjustments can make for happy backs, and aren’t difficult at all to achieve if you plan ahead. For more information on Windermere Evergreen, please contact us here.
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.
Desirable Location With Mt. Evans Views
Featuring 6 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms And Main Floor Living!
Such a desirable Hiwan Hills location with Mt. Evans views! This is a quintessential vintage Evergreen home with moss rock fireplaces and the cedar vaulted ceilings with substantial dark beams. Multiple west facing decks display Mt. Evans during all seasons. The living room has a massive moss rock fireplace that reaches high to the vaulted cedar ceilings (fireplace has a Mendota insert). A wet bar is conveniently located between the kitchen and the living area. The kitchen has mexican tile floors, new granite counters with glass tile backsplash, antiqued white cabinets and an impressive copper hood that looks over the new GE cafe gas range and other high-end appliances. There is a breakfast nook that calls out to you because it is right next to the spectacular view windows and has direct access to the decks. This main floor living home has plenty of room for friends and/or family with 6 bedrooms and a generous recreation room. Bang and Olufsen stereo system included. Main level laundry. New roof.
For more information, please visit: http://windermereevergreen.com/listing/67216667. You may also call either John Putt at (720) 201-1332 or Yvette Putt at (303) 882-2245.
Exquisite Home Surrounded By Mountains
Featuring 3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms And 2.4 Acres!
How wonderful to have this exquisite all stone house perched at the peak of the mountain to maintain serene privacy and extensive views. From the patios, you can glimpse down on Lower Bear Creek, glance up at the surrounding mountains/rock outcroppings and enjoy a grilled meal. The stonework allows for minimal maintenance, while providing mountain ambiance. The south facing, paved and circular driveway gives easy access to the front entrance and garages. The 2.43 acres are composed of two separate, legally-platted parcels allowing the new owner to keep the entire 2.43 acres for privacy or have the potential to develop separately. The open concept main level provides large and spacious rooms which help to embrace active lifestyles. The gourmet kitchen has two large islands, duel Bosch convection ovens, a gas range and direct access to the patio. New, hickory hardwood floors highlight the upstairs, while Brazilian cherry and oak floors are located on the main level.
For more information, please visit: http://windermereevergreen.com/listing/66498540. You may also call John Putt at (720) 201-1332 or Yvette Putt at (303) 882-2245.
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.
Peaceful Retreat With 29+ Acres
Featuring 4 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, Vaulted Ceilings And Impressive Woodwork!
A serene and charming river location. Turning off of S Elk Creek and over the quaint bridge and through the majestic spruces, you can hear the river below. The house is perched and positioned above Elk Creek with dynamic rock outcroppings and on agriculturally zoned 29.69 Acres with a domestic well. There is a separate entrance to more easily access the full 29.69 acres. The large, efficient and comfortable home is surrounded by massive Conifer trees and the sounds of Elk Creek are evident throughout the house. The Elk Creek sounds are even more resounding out in the yard or on the many decks. This private home has wonderful open living spaces with vaulted ceilings, sky reaching windows, new wood floors and updated tile floors in all the bathrooms. The kitchen has Wilsonart solid surface countertops, stainless steel appliances and interfaces with the living room. This house has hot water radiant floor heat throughout making it so comfortable, efficient and easy to live here.
For more information, please visit: http://windermereevergreen.com/listing/61384114. You may also 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.
