Tag Archives: relaxation in the home

Creating a Headquarters for Fun

Posted on by
Game room from the Corsica model at Ironwood Crossing

Game room from the Corsica model at Ironwood Crossing

Our homes have many functional areas – kitchens for cooking, bedrooms for sleeping and so on. So how about creating a space meant for fun? If you’re fortunate enough to have a game or rec room in your home, that’s great. But if you don’t, you can still make room for entertaining your family and friends.

Start by thinking of what space you can spare. Perhaps it’s that formal dining room or living room that you never use. Or you might have an extra bedroom. Even part of your family room could work with a fun-focus.

Then consider what elements make a place special for entertaining. How about music? A chance to watch movies together? Video or board games can also add to the fun mood. You could add a bookshelf or closet where everything like this lives, to be drawn on when you have company or your kids say they have nothing to do.

Pick up a few surprises at the dollar store so that you can pull out prizes to make game night more special. This could also be a great place to store favorite snacks such as caramel or kettle corn – perfect to make movie night special. Finally, throw in a few decks of cards. There’s nothing like a card game or two to start building a competitive spirit!

What other activities does your family enjoy? Consider adding a few hidden craft kits or toys for an afternoon surprise. Art supplies or photos and scrapbook materials can also make a quiet day go faster, and your family may show unexpected skills, making something worth keeping.

So when you’re looking at the potential for your home, be sure to include space and tools for fun. They will liven up your life on a regular basis.

Create a Space to Learn

Posted on by

Marquesas-Ironwood--reading-nook-webIf you want your children to grow up to be good readers and students, there are choices you can make in your home décor to help support that goal. This corner in the Marquesas model from Ironwood Crossing demonstrates some important elements to consider.

A place for books: Plan for bookshelves in your home. You can have some built-in or select a piece of furniture such as this white shelf that provides plenty of space for books and yet still has its own style.  Don’t worry if you can’t fill them up right away. Just add accessories so that your book collection has room to grow.

A comfy chair: The upholstered chair and ottoman set to the left in the photo provides the perfect place to curl up with a book. Remember to include opportunities in terms of both time and space for reading.

A workable desk: Look for a desk with at least one drawer for supplies and a place for papers and files. Notice the three-tier storage container on this desk. It has a charming look and provides easy access to paper clips and other items your children might need to complete their homework.

Good lighting: The drop-down light fixture over the desk provides crisp task lighting for any project. Consider adding a good floor lamp behind that comfy chair too so that reading is easy in the evening.

A fan: sometimes having the air move around can keep a tired student more alert while studying. Good ventilation with a fan makes the area feel livelier when someone is focused and working.

Thoughtful design: Above all, make the reading and homework area charming and coordinated rather than an afterthought of leftover pieces. This effort shows your child or children that their time spent reading or doing homework is important, just as they are.

Guest Room Doubles as Personal Retreat

Posted on by
guest room Marquesas

From the Marquesas model at Ironwood Crossing

It’s nice to have a guest room in your home. If you have family and friends back east, it’s great to have a place to invite them so that they can escape the cold winter weather. Or if old friends or family have ended up scattered, it’s easier to encourage visits when you have a special place for them to stay in your home.

But even the busiest guest room has its down times, and that extra bedroom is always prime real estate in your home. So what can you do with the space between visitors? Well, this may be the perfect opportunity to create a special retreat just for you.

Even the most wonderful of families can get overwhelming at times, and this room could be your escape to relaxation. Whether you use it to read, watch your shows on television, take a nap or just sit and think, what a treat to have a room that’s just for you. Here are a couple of suggestions to make it special.

Have a comfy place to sit. This room turned a trundle bed into a day bed with the right kind of frame and pillows. Without eliminating a sleeping space, suddenly a bed is also a sofa, just waiting for you to settle in with a good book and a snack.

Decorate it to your personal taste. Add artwork, colors and accessories that mean something to you. Maybe you have a quilt your grandmother made, hang it on the wall where you can see and enjoy it. Or some mementos from school or special events could find a place in this room. These memories can be shared with guests, making your choices extra special.

Make room for a hobby. Do you like to sew, build models, or paint? Whatever you enjoy doing with your leisure time can be part of your personal space. These things can make your guest room an everyday treat for you rather than a room that stands empty between visitors.

Are you Ready for a Swimsuit?

Posted on by

Legacy Models 063 (1)Summer is around the corner and with that comes shorts and swimsuits. If your body is still in inter mode and you feel better covered up, here are a few suggestions to help get you back in fighting trim.

Make healthful snacks easy. Keep raw veggies washed and ready to munch, and make a tasty dip with Greek yogurt and your favorite dip mix. That gives you something fun and still good-for-you. Think fruit too. This time of year some of the best berries and summer fruits start to show up on store shelves at reasonable prices. Fresh raspberries and blueberries are loaded with antioxidants and still feel indulgent.

Build in Exercise. How about putting that stationary bike or treadmill in front of the big TV instead of tucked into a corner of your spare bedroom? With it sitting there asking to be used, you’re more likely to take advantage of it. Pick out a favorite old television series from Netflix or on DVD and watch one or two episodes a day while taking a walk or cycling. You’ll be surprised how quickly that regular exercise pattern becomes a good habit.

Go shopping. It may be time to explore the newer styles of bathing suits and shorts. Something new can help you feel good when you’re out and about. Be sure to check out some of the great deals for today’s styles online. Many online shops have good return policies if something doesn’t work.

Have fun. Remember that summer and swimming are about getting out and getting cool, not how you look. Enjoy yourself and go for a swim –after all, swimming is good exercise too!

Spring Cleaning

Posted on by

spring-cleaning-webWith temperatures in the 90’s only a few weeks ago, most Arizona residents know that summer’s heat is just around the corner. This makes Spring cleaning extra important, since now is the best time to open all the doors and windows and sweep everything left over from Winter away to gear up for Summer.

This is a great time to open all your closets and cupboards and gather old clothes, kitchen utensils and other unneeded things that have accumulated over the past year and donate them, sell them or throw them out.

Start by creating a list of goals. Do you want to make-over your master bedroom with new colors and less clutter? Maybe you would like to get rid of all the junk food hiding in your kitchen as the start to a new healthier eating plan. Or it could be time to wander through some of the toys and DVD’s that your children are too old to enjoy anymore. Remember that others can benefit from items that you no longer need.

Next, set aside time to meet your Spring-cleaning goals. Do you work better with a large block of time? Then choose a free Saturday to tackle your list. See if you can get help from your family or trade time with a friend so you can work on each home and chat while you clean and organize.

Finally, dive in. And be sure to plan a special reward when your list is finished. It might be dinner out or a bouquet of fresh flowers to set off your newly-tidy dining room. Or maybe just the promise of a Sunday afternoon with nothing to do but relax. With just a bit of planning and some serious effort, you can refresh your home this Spring and prepare for Summer. And above all, have fun with the process!

Ottoman Coffee Table Designed for Comfort

Posted on by

fulton family roomThis family room spells comfort. One reason is the choice of an ottoman coffee table. It practically begs you to put your feet up and relax. When you’re planning your family room, style has value, but be sure to build in comfort too. Let’s take a look at some of the ways this room makes everyone who enters it feel at home.

Softness: Yes, a sofa is standard equipment for a family room, but this one has oversized cushions and plenty of throw pillows. It’s big enough for everyone to spread out and relax. When you choose a sofa, make sure it invites people to sit and get comfortable.

Ottoman Coffee Table: This choice is so much more inviting than a hard surface. The tray works well when people need to set down food or drinks, but there is still room for resting your feet. This oversized ottoman suits the sectional, but the graceful legs and space under the cushion keeps it from feeling too heavy.

Curves: This room offers a wealth of curves to keep everything soft and flowing. From the circular tray centered on the ottoman to the wavy lines of the table lamps and oval dinette chairs, this room shows a soft line. There are even curves above several doorways.

Gentle Colors: Grey and cream with just a touch of rosy pink keeps the room on a soothing plane. Most of the light is tempered by shades and the dark floor provides just enough contrast to keep the space interesting.

When you design your family room, don’t let comfort stop with an ottoman coffee table. Instead, build coziness into every space along with style and you will have a home that everyone will enjoy.

Planning Your Outdoor Kitchen

Posted on by

Legacy Models 064If you plan to cook and entertain outside it’s important to make your outdoor space work for your specific needs. The outdoor kitchen shown photo above, from the Legacy community is just one example. Here are some issues to consider when planning an outdoor kitchen space.

Grill: Do you want a stand-alone grill or one built into a counter? Would you prefer the convenience of gas or do you like the flavor provided by charcoal? How much do you want to invest in your outdoor grill? How large a grill will you need to cook enough for all of your family and guests when you entertain?

Electricity: Are there other items you would appreciate in your outdoor kitchen that would require electricity? Maybe you’d like a blender to mix icy drinks for parties, or a coffeepot for an outdoor brunch? Think about the possibilities.\

Water: Would a sink come in handy so that you could rinse dishes and pots before taking them inside? What about being ready to rinse off countertops and tables before eating outside? If you think you’d need more than a hose, consider an outdoor sink.

Lighting: Are you likely to entertain and even cook after dark? Some well-planned task and ambient lighting can create a wonderful atmosphere for entertaining and enable you to keep on grilling long after the sun goes down.

Counters and Seating: Some outdoor kitchens feature counter seating, allowing you to cook and chat with family and friends at the same time. Those counters can also serve as a buffet when it’s time to serve.

If you think about how you will use your outdoor space, you can make sure that your outdoor kitchen is everything you want it to be.

Kitchen Pantry Pleasure

Posted on by

pantry 2 fultonOver the years, homeowners have enjoyed the pleasure and convenience of walk-in closets, and now many homeowners are discovering the benefits of a walk-in kitchen pantry.

Once a common feature in farmhouse kitchens where food storage was as important as preparation, pantries are now a luxury well worth the investment. Here are some of the advantages.

Large container storage: If you’re a fan of those warehouse stores, often you may need to set up a spot in the garage to hold the space-robbing containers of canned goods or paper products. With a pantry, you control shelf height, enabling you to fit even the most massive purchases right next to the kitchen.

Easy visibility: Instead of having to search through cabinets and drawers to find the cranberry sauce or soup, everything is easily visible when you walk in.

Perfect for storing serving pieces: The long shelves provide the space you need for larger trays or stock pots.

Off the kitchen but not in the kitchen: That much storage space would create a bank of bulky floor-to-ceiling cabinets in your kitchen extending out into the family room. Instead with a pantry an incredible amount of kitchen storage is just a doorway away.

Hidden storage: When guests come, simply close the door to hide the pantry and everything inside it. It’s also a perfect place to put half-empty bags and boxes of crackers or chips where they are out of sight but easy to grab when restocking appetizers or snacks at a party.

How will you use your walk-in pantry? Chances are once you have one, you’ll constantly find new ways to incorporate it into your regular kitchen routine, and you’ll wonder how you ever cooked or entertained without it!

Host a Movie Party

Posted on by

media room 2Just because the holidays are over, that doesn’t mean that you can’t host a fun party. Consider one built around a movie theme, with the film showing as part of the event. Here are a few suggestions to make the evening special.

Choose an iconic film to set the tone. “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” is a great film for a girl’s night in. “Field of Dreams” might be fun to bring in the baseball season. Or for your sci-fi fans, consider a “Star Wars” marathon. Or you could feature an evening of award-winning short films. Think about the tastes and interests of your friends when choosing the film or films you will be showing.

270Match the theme with your snacks and décor. Popcorn is a must, but how about a selection of junior-size candy bars to reflect the movie snack scene? Or you could choose appetizers to match your film, such as serving 1950’s appetizers for “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” with a tablecloth in Tiffany blue. Of course, movie nights would be extra fun in a room such as this media room from the Fulton model at Legacy.

Plan before-and-after moments. Hand out index cards so that people can jot down their favorite quotes or scenes to talk about after the film. Pre-screen any additional interviews or information provided on the film from the DVD or online, and share the ones that are the most interesting.

media room 3Remember to provide plenty of seating. You may want to bring comfortable chairs into your viewing area, and maybe some floor pillows for those people who like to lounge during a movie.

With just a little planning, you can create an unusual and fun evening for friends and add a spark to the after-holiday season. And who knows? You may want to make movie night a regular event!

 

A Relaxing Master Bath

Posted on by

DSC_0153 (2)At the end of a long hard day, can you imagine sinking into a nice warm bath, maybe soothed by a generous helping of bubble bath in your favorite scent? The wide edging around the tub provides enough space to light a few candles and prop up a favorite paperback to read while soaking. This relaxing master bath is ready for you.

Or if you prefer showers, how about washing off the stress of the day in this oversized shower, complete with a bench to relax on?

No matter how you use your master bath, just walking into a room like this one can help reduce your stress. The vanity has plenty of storage space, making it easier to keep the counters tidy. The two tones of rectangular tile set the scene for a spa feeling.

Do you dream of a relaxing master bath like this one from Legacy? One with plenty of room, and designed to match your specific taste?

DSC_0098If instead you want one that has a more traditional style while kicking up the glamour, how about the master bath to the right? The gold pendant lights set the stage for luxury. Notice how the filigree creates an inviting pattern on the walls while the lower counter on the vanity provides a space to sit to fix your makeup.

This master bath also has a comfy tub in place, made for soaking. And if you peek in the mirror, you can see the reflection of a generous walk-in closet.

What would your ideal relaxing master bath look like? To get some great ideas, why not visit the models at our Legacy community? We think you will be enchanted by what you find there.