2020 has certainly been an interesting year. Although it’s felt like a bit of a time warp at times, as schools reopen and kids return to class, we have to face the inevitable, summer is ending. As someone who doesn’t enjoy the cold weather, I still think that fall is one of the nicest times of year to be outside. But now is the time to begin to think about cleaning up and preparing your outdoor space to undergo seasonal protection and maintenance so it will be good as new for next season. It’s also time to look at making our indoor spaces ready for enjoyment!
Storage and Winterizing
The pandemic prompted many of us to invest in new outdoor furniture this summer. It’s important to make plans for proper storage and or covering your furniture so that next year you don’t feel like you’re sitting on ratty cushions and drab furniture. Outdoor furniture covers are a start, but furniture should be properly cleaned, sealed if necessary, covered, and then possibly even stored if you have the space.
Don’t have space to store furniture? It’s a great time to get creative. This home in Rowayton had lots of unused space underneath the back porch. By creating doors and a rolling mechanism, large flats were able to be rolled out to stack dining chairs and outdoor teak sofas to protect them from the elements, and clean up the space for the winter.
Don’t have a space like a garage or crawl space you can access? Consider building a shed that can store not only patio furniture in the winter, but other outdoor items like planters, grills or even large kids’ toys when not in use to protect them from the winter. There are many off-the-shelf shed options from home improvement stores, or we can custom build one to match your home, like this one we rebuilt in Greenwich, CT this summer.
Make Life More Convenient
Tired of dumping pounds of heavy snow off the lids lids of your garbage cans when you take out the trash? What about when heavy winds end up blowing your trash cans across your property?
Having a small covered structure to house your garbage and recycling cans can make your life easier through the changing seasons, help keep the critters at bay, and not to mention add to your curb appeal.
Custom built by HomeSquare for a client in Old Greenwich, CT
This trash shed has barn style doors that are easy to open for full access to quickly grab the cans and roll to the curb.
This trash area is built into the house with sliding doors to keep the cans hidden.
This shed is easily hidden with lush plantings above and blends into the surrounding fencing.
Make Good Use of Your Square Footage
More importantly than protecting your trash from the elements, how about your cars? If your garage is looking more like a storage unit than a garage, it might be time to reassess your organization needs. Taking the time now to install a garage organization system will make sure you free up space for your car come winter. It will also make it so much easier to find things.
Hanging wall panels allow organization to be changed as needed, for bikes, rakes and shovels, and even sporting equipment.
Lots of cabinets can conceal and protect clutter from dust, countertops provide a work area.
Make the Uninhabitable… Inhabitable!
If car storage isn’t what you’re after this season, maybe you’re looking to take better advantage of your home’s square footage. Perhaps a garage conversion is more up your alley. There are lots of ways to convert garages, from a simple home gym, to more complex spaces. Think about what activities you wish you had more space to do in your house, and see if they can be adapted to your garage. You may also consider an in-law type suite for an additional income stream if zoning permits.
This garage turned gym has a modern feel with bright lights and garage doors that open for air flow and an open feel.
This garage features polished concrete floors in a lounge/hangout area.
This detached garage has been converted into a fun hangout space. With swinging carriage style doors the space is inviting and unique!
With swinging doors this two car garage is now home to a pool table and sofas, a perfect space to hang out and watch the game!
Looking for extra space your family can grow into? Turning your garage into a playroom can be a great idea. It hides the clutter of toys from the rest of your home. You can have a space for kids to ride bikes no matter the weather. Built in desk space can function as a craft area that grows with your child as we navigate virtual/hybrid schooling, and even if your student is in the classroom full time, it can still serve as a homework and study space! Get as wild and creative as you want, add a synthetic lawn and even a small jungle gym. This space can serve many functions for your kids and can change as they grow. When they’re teens, add a futon, some bean bags and a TV area for movie night and sleepovers.
This garage turned playroom has lots of smooth flooring for wheels to roll on, but also a soft sofa and fun rug, not to mention plenty of space for arts and crafts or school work!
This garage is the perfect hangout for tweens and teens alike with a groovy 70’s vibe, space to watch TV, grab a snack, and feel independent.
Plan Ahead – The Time For Outdoor Work is Fleeting!
If you’re thinking of making changes to your outdoor space, or preparing your garage for a conversion, the time to act is now! We’re already losing more and more daylight as the days go by. So any outdoor construction should be tackled sooner than later. Whether it’s building a shed, a fire pit, or even repairs for next season, it’s a smart idea to get them done now while summer is winding down, so you can enjoy them possibly for the remainder of this season, and as soon as the weather starts to turn brighter next year! There’s nothing worse than having to spend all spring and summer waiting on outdoor furniture, or outdoor environments to be constructed. Contact HomeSquare today to discuss your outdoor (and indoor!) visions, and winterizing your space.
Katie Canfield is the founder and principal designer at Studio KC. Studio KC got its humble start in 2015 when Katie was just 23 years old. While she was freelancing with other interior designers in the NY and CT area she also became a go-to designer for local contractors and trades that needed a designer’s help for their clients whether it be for custom cabinetry drawings or plans for a gut renovation on an entire home.
Katie Canfield’s design aesthetic is eclectic and flexible. She delights in the marriage between old and new- keeping spaces approachable but still matching each client’s unique aesthetic and family narrative. Her passion for design keeps her motivated and constantly on the hunt for new trends and materials. Her broad experience includes an art history background, study at the Accademia Italiana in Florence, a stint with the renowned Manhattan firm Amanda Nisbet Design, as well as collaborations with builders and designers across the tri-state area. She’s seen it all: from gutting prewar Manhattan apartments to new construction in the ‘burbs.