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Dreaming of Outdoor Bliss? Winter is the Perfect Time to Start Planning Your Outdoor Living Space for 2025!

12/17/2024

 
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Ah, outdoor living spaces — the ultimate blend of nature and comfort. Whether it’s a cozy nook for morning coffee, a stylish patio for entertaining, or a backyard haven where the kids can roam, outdoor living spaces elevate your home in ways that are both functional and fun. While summer may be the season to enjoy them, winter is the *perfect* time to start planning your dream setup. Let’s dive into why you should get started now and what’s trending for 2025!
 
Why Winter is the Ideal Time to Plan
 
You might be thinking, “Why plan an outdoor space when the weather is cold, and I’m bundled up inside?” But hear me out — winter offers some unique advantages:
 
1. Get Ahead of the Rush: As soon as spring rolls around everyone else will have the same idea. By planning in the winter, you’re first in line to book contractors and order materials.
  
2. Time for Thoughtful Design: Great outdoor spaces don’t just happen overnight. Winter gives you ample time to dream, research, and collaborate with professionals to ensure your space is exactly what you envision.
  
3. Seasonal Discounts: Many contractors and suppliers offer discounts during their off-peak season, saving you money on your project.
 
4. Be Ready for Spring Enjoyment: By starting now, your outdoor living space can be ready for use when the first warm day arrives. No waiting, no missed opportunities!
 
2025 Trends in Outdoor Living Spaces
 
The upcoming year is all about blending style, sustainability, and functionality. Here’s what’s making waves in outdoor design:
 
Multi-Zone Spaces: Think of your backyard as an extension of your home, with distinct zones for dining, lounging, and even working. Outdoor kitchens with pizza ovens, separate firepit seating areas, and shaded reading nooks are all the rage.
 
Nature-Inspired Materials: Expect to see more natural textures like stone, wood, and concrete taking center stage. These materials not only look beautiful but are also durable and sustainable.
 
Year-Round Usability: Homeowners are investing in features like outdoor heaters, retractable awnings, and covered patios so they can enjoy their spaces regardless of the season.
 
Smart Technology: From built-in Bluetooth speakers to app-controlled lighting and heating, smart tech is making outdoor spaces as convenient as their indoor counterparts.
 
Sustainable Landscaping: Xeriscaping (drought-resistant landscaping), native plants, and rainwater collection systems are popular choices for environmentally conscious homeowners.
 
Biophilic Design: Incorporating greenery and natural elements directly into your design is a major trend. Think living walls, pergolas with climbing vines, and even backyard ponds.
 
Benefits of an Amazing Outdoor Living Space
 
Investing in an outdoor living space isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about lifestyle. Here’s what you’ll gain:
 
 Expanded Living Area:  Gain square footage without the cost of an indoor addition.

Boosted Home Value: Outdoor living spaces rank high on the list of features buyers look for, giving you a strong return on investment.

Improved Mental Health: Spending time outdoors reduces stress and enhances your mood — science says so!

A Gathering Spot: Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or a cozy winter bonfire, your outdoor space becomes the ultimate destination for friends and family.
 
Make 2025 the year you transform your outdoor space into the heart of your home, and it all starts with a little winter planning!
 


This article is for general information purposes only. Rick Kelley Builders makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability of any information contained herein.

Maximizing Space in Small Bathrooms: Big Ideas for Tiny Spaces

12/11/2024

 
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​Ah, the small bathroom—the cozy cubicle of the home, where space is scarce, but dreams of spa-like luxury run wild. If you’ve ever found yourself awkwardly shimmying past your towel rack or performing acrobatics to open a cabinet, this post is for you. Let’s dive into some clever, space-saving tips that will make your small bathroom feel bigger, brighter, and far less frustrating.
 
1. The Wall Is Your Best Friend
When floor space is tight, go vertical! Install floating shelves, wall-mounted cabinets (above a toilet, for example), or even a ladder-style towel rack. Bonus points if you can repurpose something quirky—like a vintage wine rack for rolled-up towels.
Pro Tip: Keep shelves shallow. You don’t want to risk knocking over your carefully curated row of toiletries every time you reach for the soap.
 
2. Reflect On This
Mirrors are the MVPs of tiny bathrooms. A large, frameless mirror can make the room feel twice its size, while adding a touch of elegance. If you’re feeling fancy, consider a mirrored cabinet—it’s functional and fabulous.
Pro Tip: LED backlit mirrors are super cool and we highly recommend them. Most of them also come with anti-fog capabilities which is always helpful when hurrying to get ready in the morning.
 
3. Go With the Flow (Of Your Shower)
Switch out that clunky shower curtain for a clear glass door (sliding or hinged depending on your available space). This instantly opens the space up and makes it feel less like you’re showering in a broom closet.
Pro Tip: If you’re stuck with a curtain, opt for a curved rod to give you some extra elbow room.
 
4. Declutter Like You Mean It
Look, we all love an arsenal of beauty products, but do you really need six half-empty bottles of shampoo? Embrace the minimalist life and store only what you use regularly.
For those "must-keep" items, invest in stylish organizers or baskets to keep them from taking over your precious counter space.
 
5. Tiny Fixtures, Big Impact
Small bathrooms call for small fixtures. A pedestal sink or a wall-mounted vanity with wall-mounted faucet frees up floor space, while a compact toilet saves room without sacrificing function.
Consider fixtures with built-in storage, like a vanity with drawers or a medicine cabinet disguised as a mirror.
 
6. Lighten Up
Dark colors may be moody and chic, but they’ll make your small bathroom feel like a cave. Opt for light and neutral colors on walls and floors to brighten the space.
Pro Tip: If you want to add a pop of color, do it with towels or small décor items. And don’t forget about good lighting—LED fixtures or sconces can make a world of difference.
 
7. Sliding Doors for the Win
Traditional hinged entry doors can be a space hog. Swap them out for pocket doors or sliding barn doors to reclaim valuable square footage. Plus, barn doors are trendy and add a rustic-chic vibe.
 
8. Think Outside the Tub
In tiny bathrooms, a tub might not be the best use of space. Consider replacing it with a walk-in shower featuring sleek, clear glass.
Pro Tip: Always good to have at least one tub in a home for resale so if you only have one bathroom it’s likely best to keep the tub.
 
9. Get Creative With Corners
Corners are often wasted in small bathrooms, but they don’t have to be! Try a corner sink, a triangular shelf, or even a corner shower to maximize every inch.
Bonus Tip: Plants love corners too. Add a small, moisture-loving plant to liven up the space.
 
10. Call in the Pros
Let’s face it, small bathrooms can be tricky to navigate—even for very seasoned DIYers. That’s where we come in! Whether it’s installing custom storage, reconfiguring the layout, or adding a few finishing touches, we’re here to help you transform your tiny bathroom into a space you’ll love.
 
A small bathroom doesn’t have to feel like a tight squeeze. With the right strategies (and maybe help from us), you can create a functional, stylish space that works for you. Ready to get started? Give us a call—we’ll bring the big ideas to your tiny bathroom.


This article is for general information purposes only. Rick Kelley Builders makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability of any information contained herein.

    Author

    Jeremy Kelley is a home builder and remodeler in the Columbus, OH area.  He is an avid volunteer, family man, and knows the difference between your and you're.

    View my profile on LinkedIn

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7521 Concord Road 
Delaware, OH 43015
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