With warmer temperatures and the sunshine finally here, homeowners are spending less time inside and more time outdoors enjoying the warmth and extended daylight hours. As Minnesotans, we know how precious these few months are and try to make the most of them while we can. But what if there were ways to enjoy more of your outdoor space and keep that summertime brightness inside your home, regardless of the temperature outside?
Our team at James Barton Design-Build loves helping homeowners update their spaces to create brighter rooms and a more airy feel. Let’s explore a few ways to maximize the natural light in your home and get the most out of your yard and patio this summer.
1. Create an Outdoor Living Space
By the time summer finally gets here in Minnesota, it always feels too short. Having an inviting outdoor space is one of the best ways to get the most out of the warmer weather. Here are a few summer remodeling ideas to get you started:
- Build a patio with a cozy fire pit for roasting marshmallows and spending time with the family.
- Create an outdoor kitchen complete with a built-in grill so you can cook outside with the same comforts you have indoors.
- Build an elevated deck to enjoy the summer months with a view and gain more storage space underneath.
- Redo your landscaping to create a secluded woodland feel in your backyard with cozy seating nestled among your favorite plants.
2. Build a Three-Season Patio or Sunroom
Having an outdoor living area is great during the summer, but what if you had a comfortable place to enjoy the outdoors throughout the year? They might not be able to keep you warm in a Minnesota winter, but building a three-season patio gives you a cozy place to enjoy more fresh air even after summer is over.
Not only do sunrooms give you another gathering place, they have an ROI of up to 50%. Going with a professional design and build company like JBDB instead of doing a DIY job will give you the highest return on your investment. But the best benefit of all? You can enjoy summer nights without the annoyance of mosquitoes.
3. Update Your Windows
Perhaps the most obvious way to brighten your home design is by letting in more natural light. If you’re planning a remodel, consider increasing the size of your windows or adding additional windows. Not only does this let in more light, but upgrading your windows can improve your energy efficiency and give your home an updated look.
At JBDB, we work with top window brands to complement your home’s style and increase its value. Upgrading windows has an ROI of 70 to 85%, making this one of the best investments for your home.
4. Renovate Your Interior
With warmer weather, summer is a natural time for outdoor projects, but there are also plenty of ways to make your home feel bright and summery inside. Here are a few ways to let more light in:
- Upgrade your bathroom with a glass shower. This lets in natural light without blocking views, and is a great way to make a small bathroom feel more open.
- Install lighter flooring. If your home feels too dark, your flooring might be partially to blame. Wood, laminate, ceramic, and tile floors come in a wide range of choices to brighten your home and give it an updated feel.
- Swap your light fixtures. If natural light is limited, choosing the right light fixtures can not only add brightness but also improve the overall ambiance of any room.
- Upgrade your closet or pantry doors. As projects go, this is on the smaller side, but it can have a huge impact on the overall feel of your home. A pocket door, sliding barn door, or glass door can make your space more functional while giving your home a fresh look.
Creating Balance with Your Summer Remodel
If you’re striving to create a fresh feel in your home, one of our best summer remodeling tips is to keep balance in mind. You don’t need to make everything white to make your home feel bright. In fact, too much white can make your home feel sterile.
Play with different colors and textures when planning out your summer remodeling project. Consider design choices like:
- Using a textured tile for fireplaces or backsplashes.
- Opting for a contrasting color for lower cabinets or a kitchen island.
- Adding handles and knobs that contrast with your cabinets.
- Using a splash of color on an accent wall.
Remember that decor is much easier to change than structural elements, appliances, or fixtures. Choosing a timeless renovation design ensures your home will be your dream space for years to come.
Get Started on Your Home Remodeling Project Today
For even more creative ways to brighten up your home’s design, contact the home design and renovation team at James Barton Design-Build. We’ll work with you to create a custom home design that’ll brighten up every room of your home.
At JBDB, we love helping homeowners transform their spaces. If you don’t already have a project scheduled, get on the books now so we can get started on your project! Contact us today to start planning.
