Life sure has changed in the past two years. We’re spending much more time at home, both working and relaxing. And that means your home design and how it functions with your changing needs is very important. Major elements in this are windows and doors. And as we talk with homeowners here in the Minneapolis area, many of them are considering changes for that very reason. The home that was just fine when its residents were gone most of the day may not be the most comfortable or workable when those that live there are now home during daylight hours. So here are some remodeling trends we’re seeing.
There are two particularly popular trends that homeowners are taking advantage of when they’re remodeling their homes to facilitate being at home more, especially for those who need to work or school from home. Those are:
photo courtesy of Marvin
Natural light has many mental and physical health benefits you may not even be aware of. But there are practical considerations, too. And then there is the issue of energy conservation. Windows and doors that let in more sunlight means you don’t need to turn your lights on as much. Those who work from or school at home need good lighting, and it’s always preferable to have sunshine instead of an artificial light source.
Note the home office space shown here in this photo courtesy of Marvin. The extra-wide double-hung windows above the desk space let in lots of light, as does the 3/4 glass in-swing door to the left. A plus of that door is that it gives access to the outdoor deck when a little fresh air might be a nice break from office work. Also, the design of the windows with the bottom a little higher up the wall than you might expect facilitates opening and closing without disturbing items on the desk while still letting in light and air.
By the way, the right windows in a home office will allow you a visual break. Staring at a computer screen for extended times isn’t good for our eyes, our neck and shoulder muscles, or our souls. Imagine sitting at this desk and glancing up from time to time at the beautiful scenery right outside. How refreshing!
In this article we’ve focused mainly on the home office because that tends to be the #1 space that homeowners are focusing on in terms of making it more workable and comfortable. Another important area for daytime living is the kitchen, and we’ll be discussing that in a future post on our blog.
Here at Window Outfitters, as a licensed Minnesota home improvement contractor whose specialty is energy-efficient windows and exterior doors, we pride ourselves on working to find the perfect door or window solution for each customer. If we can help you make your home office space (or any other part of your home) better, please reach out to us. We serve the entire Minneapolis area, including surrounding communities like White Bear Lake, Edina, and Prior Lake.
Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.
