081822_SW_THE ARTS_DIGITAL EDITION

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2 x August 2022 x Southwest Orlando Home & Real Estate Do dreams of lazy days soaking up the sun have you looking for ways to extend your living space outdoors? You’re not alone. According to a recent Qualified Remodeler magazine survey about the latest outdoor living trends, creating the ultimate backyard now has as much priority with homeowners as kitchens, bathrooms and other interior remodeling projects. The appeal of a backyard that can accommodate different activities, from outdoor dining to an afternoon snooze, makes sense as many homeowners look to their yards to provide more usable living space. If you’re like surveyed respondents and ready to maximize your property’s potential with an updated backyard, the process may seem daunting. Fortunately, a little inspiration and a new pergola make it easy to extend your living space outdoors. Here are three simple ways to incorporate a pergola into your backyard layout and bring the ultimate outdoor space from concept to reality. Extend Your Living Space Outdoors Frame an Open-Air Workspace Between remote work, homework sessions and impromptu art projects, table space in the home may be a commodity. Skip the daily scuffle for space. Consider using a pergola to Adding a pergola to your backyard provides more versatility to any outdoor space. frame a flexible open-air workspace that’s separate from the house. Pergolas typically sport uncovered rafters for slight but noticeable shade — much like sitting under a tree. This can help reduce the sun’s glare on a computer screen while still allowing natural light and a warm breeze to flow through the workspace. You can increase the amount of shade these open-air structures cast by draping outdoor curtains from the rafters. Finish setting the scene for heads-down concentration with comfortable outdoor furniture, potted plants and lighting accessories. Don’t forget to provide access to an outlet to keep computers and phones fully charged. Cook Up a Designated Zone for Dining Al Fresco If your home’s layout is limiting the number of guests you can entertain, consider bringing activities that are traditionally done indoors to the backyard. For example, a pergola can help define a designated zone for cooking and dining, complete with a full-size outdoor kitchen or bar. And, with the right building materials, there’s no need to worry about what effects these types of activities might have on your backyard structure. “Fortress pergolas are built with sleek, structural steel components that are dual-layer protected against fire, which means that stray sparks or hot coals from the barbecue won’t damage the structure,” said Katherine Haverkamp, a senior product manager at Fortress Building Products. “The steel components also sidestep issues associated with moisture absorption, one of the most common reasons a standard wood pergola will deteriorate. Because they’re incredibly durable, steel pergolas make it possible for homeowners to create a truly custom outdoor room that’s built to last.” Creating a Relaxing Backyard Getaway Designing spaces that promote health and well-being are more popular than ever, which makes sense given the events of the past few years. If it’s difficult to find time for yourself within the walls of your home, use a pergola to create a backyard getaway that invites rest. Typically, freestanding pergolas can be assembled across any type of outdoor surface, so consider installing one in a secluded corner of your property for moments of meditation. Because they can be configured in different ways to accommodate your design vision, there’s no need to disturb your garden or landscaping during the install process. Create a peaceful sanctuary next to a pool or water feature to enjoy the sound of moving water during an at-home yoga practice — or a nap. Complete your restorative backyard getaway with outdoor lighting for ambience on a summer night. Ready to Get Started? If you’re feeling inspired to extend your living space outdoors to enjoy the last lazy days of summer, take note of the ways a pergola can improve the usability of your home. The freestanding structure can become a designated space for headsdown concentration, outdoor dining and relaxation — take your pick. Whatever its function, it will surely add one-of-a-kind personality to your home’s outdoor living space. (BPT) ª
Today’s homeowners are more invested than ever in keeping their homes updated by elevating their style and taking on projects ranging from bringing in fresh and new paint colors to serious bathroom and kitchen renovations. Alongside these home updates is the trend of rethinking flooring and returning to the foundational roots of hardwood. “Hardwood floors are one of the best investments you can make in your home,” said Jen Meska, director of merchandising for LL Flooring. “Hardwood floors are a timeless home décor choice that brings warmth, luxury and comfort underfoot and are made to last generations.” Check out the following three reasons why hardwood is an excellent choice for your next home renovation: Where Classic Meets Style With hundreds of years of history to its name, the natural beauty of hardwood never goes out of style. As the floor covering of choice for countless generations around the globe — according to Wood Floor Business magazine — hardwood became a popular, reliable choice for flooring in the U.S. during the late 1800s. While many homes today feature vinyl and carpet, which rose in popularity in the 1950s, you’ll still find older homes with the original hardwood flooring. However, they might be hiding under a layer of dusty wall-to-wall carpeting. Investing in a hardwood floor also adds value to your home. According The Everlasting Appeal of Hardwood Popular for hundreds of years, the beauty of hardwood flooring is unmatched, and it’s available in a variety of options. to realtor.com, installing hardwood floors can boost the value of your home by as much as 2.5%, and you can possibly see a 70-80% return on investment. Lifelong Beauty There are several reasons why hardwood continues to be a popular flooring choice. Beyond its natural beauty and organic design, hardwood floors are strong, versatile and easy to clean. Hardwood also enhances the aesthetic appeal of your home and is likely one of the first things someone will notice when they step inside. Not only does it make your home Southwest Orlando Home & Real Estate x August 2022 x 3 feel effortlessly elegant and welcoming, but it also adds natural warmth to any space. Another advantage is the wide variety of hardwood floors, so you can pick the color and design that best suits your current style or set the tone for any interior-decorating renovations. LL Flooring’s hardwood collection includes several species in different colors, finishes and plank widths. The assortment includes oak, maple, mahogany, Brazilian cherry, hickory and more to suit any taste. And, you can choose from solid hardwood or engineered hardwood, depending on your flooring needs. Built to Last With proper care, hardwood floors can last a lifetime. Due to its reliability and longevity, LL Flooring confidently offers a 100-year transferable warranty on its Bellawood hardwood line, ensuring that your flooring is covered for generations. No matter what color and cut you choose, hardwood floors are excellent for home renovation. For more information or to view a selection of flooring options, visit llflooring.com. (BPT) ª
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