________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Idea No . 1 : Bringing the outside in
Homeowners are increasingly looking to harmonize the indoors with the outdoors , creating seamless living spaces at home with nature .
Sometimes referred to as biophilic design , this growing trend engages home or building occupants by connecting them with their relationship with nature . Biophilic design principles can help reduce stress , enhance creativity and clarity of thought , improve our well-being and expedite healing . To achieve these goals , practical design elements like wood , water , greenery , natural light and air are being deployed in new ways .
One way to take advantage of this trend and its benefits is to rethink your deck or patio and how it functions as living space . Solariums and patio enclosures have been growing in popularity as an effective way to both embrace the outdoors while increasing comfortable living space , without the costs associated with a full-scale addition to your home .
Elsewhere , large format windows and patio doors can help connect you to the outdoors and let more of the outside in . More light , more fresh air , and more elegance are increasingly possible with the latest window and door technology that delivers improved views and top-of-the-line energy efficiency .
Speaking of energy efficiency …
Idea No . 2 : Sustainability at the forefront
More than a design idea , consumers everywhere are making renovation decisions with sustainability in mind . It ’ s a mindset that has the potential to touch every area of the home , but one of the more effective places
22