SPECIAL SECTION HOME IMPROVEMENT
OUTDOOR
Outdoor trends for 2018 are focusing on using nature to nurture . From flower gardens and modern green spaces to reflection pools and water features , outdoor spaces are bringing serenity to your home . Create an outdoor living area that calls you in with cushioned sectionals , accent pillows and outdoor rugs that are inviting and functional . Add a focal piece such as a fireplace or fire pit to add warmth and a relaxing ambiance to the space .
• Patios that add style : When choosing your concrete style , less is more . Paving in sections allows you to add interest to the space . Whether it ’ s using a combination of concrete and grass , or concrete and gravel , add depth and dimension by varying shapes or sizes of concrete sections .
• Back decks get a facelift : Decks are getting a lot of love and attention this year with more people wanting to spend their time entertaining outdoors . Add multiple levels to a deck to create separate spaces for dining , cooking , and relaxation . No room for adding on to your deck ? Get the same effect by grouping different types of furniture together to create distinction between the spaces . Water features are also making a splash this year . Small whimsical fountains have a calming flow of water to bring serenity to any area . Looking for more ? Create your own outdoor spa , with a hot tub integrated into your deck design .
• Trends in landscaping : With homeowners spending more time outside , ambiance is important . Whether you have a sprawling lawn or a quaint space for outdoor living , creating a welcoming space can be easy . Smaller areas should make use of multipurpose features , such as container combinations , arranging multiple plants into one pot to add interest and depth . No grass ? Add green to the space with a plant wall and succulents , requiring little maintenance and minimal space . Have a lot of space to work with ? Think about planting many of the same type of plant to create a community garden . This way you ’ ll only need to manage one type of plant , rather than tend to the distinct needs of several types .
WINDOWS / DOORS
Homeowners are veering toward natural , clean looks this year , focusing on bringing the beauty of the outdoors into the home . Bright , airy rooms are trending in all areas of the home , from living rooms to bathrooms — the more natural light , the better . By lowering energy costs and brightening up your day , homeowners are designing with daylight in mind .
• Transforming windows to doors : If you ’ re looking to lighten and brighten up a room , do it with natural light . Adding windows or creating larger , more expansive windows will not only bring in more of the outdoors , but can also change the look of a room . Large windows that were once a custom option are now available in mainstream models , with some that can expand up to 24 feet wide .
• Allowing the fresh air in : ‘ Tis the season for spring cleaning ! When you ’ re working in the garage this spring , you may find it helpful to have a retractable screen door for the garage . Whether you are doing projects , or using the space as a place to hang out , garage screens keep fresh air in and bugs out .
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