Sure, we all wish summer weather could last all year long. But unless you live in a warm climate, cold weather is a fact of life. Not to mention that even summer has its share of downsides, including everything from mosquitos to soaring temperatures.
But just because bad weather and other factors may drive you indoors, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your surroundings throughout the seasons. In fact, there are many ways to revel in the beauty of nature all year long.
Read on for a roundup of six creative ways to update your home for all-season enjoyment.
1. Upgrade your windows
Most people don’t think twice about windows when they walk into a room. However, the style and type of windows in a space has a direct impact on its look and feel. While upgrading your windows may seem costly, there are many benefits to doing so—whether aesthetic, functional, or financial.
There are many types of windows—each with their own distinct advantages. Take picture windows, for example. These fixed windows offer wonderful unobstructed views of your surroundings while also maintaining a tight seal for optimal energy efficiency. On the other hand, if letting in lots of fresh air is your goal, casement windows, awning windows, and double-hung windows may be preferable.
Whichever window type you choose, upgrading to impact windows adds another level of weatherproofing while minimizing noise, reducing drafts, and defending against extreme weather. Over time, energy-efficient impact windows often pay for themselves through factors like utility bill savings and resale cost.
And new windows have the potential to improve the appearance of your home from both inside and outside. For example, picture windows aren’t just visually striking; they also welcome expansive views and abundant sunlight.
2. Bring the outdoors in
The benefits of nature for physical and mental health are profound. While spending time outdoors may be the easiest and best way to maximize exposure to nature, it’s not always possible. One strategy to reap the benefits of nature even when there’s a hurricane or blizzard just outside your door? Go green—literally.
While houseplants aren’t exactly a new trend, they’re having a major moment in 2023. Whether you start small with tabletop succulents or go for a statement-making plant like a rubber tree, fiddle leaf fig tree, or monstera, houseplants can liven up your environment, lift your spirits, and purify the air you breathe.
3. Turn your patio into a 3- or 4-season space
Porches, patios, decks, and sunrooms are wonderful spaces for relaxing, entertaining, and soaking in your surroundings during warm weather. But why limit those pleasures to summertime?
Turning your patio or another exterior area into a 3- or 4-season space can not only help you feel connected to nature all year long, but also extends the livable square footage of your home. Enter Eze-Breeze, an ingenious porch and deck enclosure system.
Eze-Breeze panels are an excellent way to fully or partially enclose the outdoor space of your choosing. Made with impact-resistant, vinyl-glazed panels, these lightweight structures are durable and resilient. They are also customizable with a variety of venting options to help you achieve the exact environment you envision.
4. Embrace the “organic modern” trend
One of the biggest interior design trends of the moment is actually a fusion of two recent design trends: minimalism and all things organic. Combining clean modern lines with earthy elements, sustainable furniture, neutral hues, and natural materials and finishes, the organic modern approach promises something elusive to most people in our hectic times: balance.
According to Homes & Gardens, this calming design style “harmonizes the outside world with a modern lifestyle,” making it the perfect choice for homeowners craving comfortable yet chic environments.
5. Invest in smart storage
Even the most beautiful space will feel less-than-beautiful if it’s filled with clutter. One of the simplest and most economical ways to immediately improve your environment any time of year? Organize and declutter with smart storage.
Using vertical wall space, taking advantage of double-duty furniture, and adding more shelving are all strategies for improving your home’s storage and overall aesthetic.
6. Refresh and rotate
While redecorating your home with the change of seasons is anything but practical, rotating accessories can have a revitalizing impact. This goes hand-in-hand with the “organic modern” trend: Starting with a neutral base allows you to easily swap seasonally inspired items in and out.
For example, while your summer palette may lean more toward bright pops of color, fall hues are often warmer and more rustic. Continually refreshing your space will also prevent it from feeling stale, outdated, or ordinary.
The best part of this list? From more impactful projects like 4-season sunrooms to smaller changes like rotating your accessories with the change of seasons, there is a solution (or multiple solutions) that you can use to elevate your environment throughout the year—regardless of your home type, budget, or personal taste.
