In a few short months, it will be time to trade the skis for sandals and spend your days basking in the Kelowna sunshine. But, in the meantime and with thoughtful winter home design touches, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the Okanagan at home this winter.
From small design changes to creating cozy outdoor spaces made for making memories with your loved ones, bringing nature into your life is possible in any house and on any budget.
Here are three ways to welcome nature into your Kelowna home.
1. Build Beautiful Spaces Outdoors
You’ve built the perfect patio for warm Kelowna summers complete with a pool and plenty of space to soak up the sun, but have you thought about ways to make the most of your patio in the winter?
With a few thoughtful winter home design tweaks, your patio can be easily converted to a warm and inviting winter hangout.
Imagine gathering around the fire after a day at Big White and enjoying hot cocoa with the kids or mulled wine with the adults. An outdoor fireplace becomes your winter centrepiece and adds the flair and warmth you need to stay comfortable on chilly Okanagan nights.
When the mercury dips even further, heat strips, electric and outdoor gas heaters can provide the added warmth you need to enjoy the outdoors. Many homeowners choose gas heaters for their portable and easy-to-use design. And, because they’re so popular, it’s easy to find a style that fits the aesthetic of your patio.
2. Create the Perfect Outdoor Kitchen
There’s nothing like the sizzling of meat and veggies on the grill to bring people together. In the summer, friends and family gather around the barbecue to cook meals and share stories. And, when the weather turns cold, the meals and conversation move indoors.
With thoughtful winter home design, your barbecue pad can turn into a year-round outdoor kitchen perfect for spending time together in any weather.
When planning your winter home design, consider the location of your new outdoor kitchen and its materials. If you keep your kitchen close to your home, you and your guests can stay warm on the journey from the indoor to the outdoor kitchen. To protect against the elements, save the beautiful live-edge countertop for the indoors and opt for a solid-surface countertop like granite, quartzite or concrete.
If you choose the right materials and the right location, an outdoor kitchen is the perfect winter home design feature for your Kelowna property.
3. Bring the Outdoors In
Your favourite book, a cozy blanket and a nice hot cup of tea—sometimes, that’s all you need to enjoy a cold winter day. When you’re spending your days indoors, finding thoughtful ways to welcome nature into your home can help you feel connected with the world outside.
Floor-to-ceiling windows are a great way to bring sunshine into your home, but even small design choices can help you stay cozy this winter. Evoke feelings of warmth throughout your space with candles that spread delicious scents like pine, cinnamon and spiced apple.
You can also bring coziness to your space by replacing any summery pastels with dramatic colours. Accent your space with the colours of fall—rich reds and cozy oranges and yellows—and find opportunities for earthy textures like terracotta.
Even these small winter home design changes can help bring warm energy into your living space this winter.
And, as a bonus, winter home designs like outdoor kitchens, patios and picture-perfect staging all add value when it comes time to sell. When it is time to list, Jane Hoffman Realty has more than three decades of experience in selling Okanagan luxury homes. Contact us online or at 1-888-535-6962 to learn more.