Michiana House and Home - May 2024

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Outdoor Living Spaces She Sheds & Man Caves Home Organization

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Deb Patterson dpatterson@the-papers.com EDITOR Lauren Zeugner lzeugner@the-papers.com

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MARKETING ASSISTANTS Darlene Eichelberger darlene@the-papers.com DIRECTOR OF CIRCULATION Jerry Long jlong@the-papers.com

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GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kimberly Zellers

VOLUME 21

A Room of One’s Own — ­ Creating A Man Cave or A She Shed

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Steve Meadows smeadows@the-papers.com FEATURE WRITERS BethAnne Brink-Cox, Dani Messick, Julie Young

May 2024

Then & Now — Outdoor Living Spaces Transform A Backyard

8

When It Comes to Storage Around the Home, Organization is Truly Infinite Around Michiana Build Your Future Program Encourages Youth To Consider the Trades As A Career

MHH reserves the right to determine the suitability of all materials submitted for publication and to edit all submitted materials for clarity and space.

Michiana House and Home has not independently tested any services or products advertised herein and has verified no claims made by its advertisers regarding those services or products. MHH makes no warranties or representations and assumes no liability for any claims regarding those services or products or claims made by advertisers regarding such products or services. Readers are advised to consult with the advertiser and/or other home repair and renovation professionals regarding any such claims and regarding the suitability of an advertiser’s products.

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Michiana House and Home (MHH) is a newsmagazine with emphasis on home decor, design and remodeling. MHH does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial content, nor does MHH or its staff assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial content appear in any publication.

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Servin’ Up Good Eats Bringing Luxury Outdoors: Tips For A High-End Resort Feel At Home

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| Michiana House and Home | May 2024 | 3

editor’s note...

We packed a lot of great information within these pages, from ways to organize your pantry to designing the optimal man cave or she shed to installing a deck, pergola or other outdoor living space.

Can you tell we’re ready for sunny, warmer weather? Granted April wasn’t as rainy as it could have been. Bromley and Ace, the feline dynamic duo who rule my house, have been thrilled the weather has been warm enough to have the windows open. The different smells and sounds have been like catnip to them as they’ve run from one window to the next to take in the view. They’re also on patrol, keeping tabs on the neighbors cats who cut through the yard as they saunter

through the neighborhood.

So take a break from the yard work or spring cleaning to enjoy this issue.

The yardwork has definitely started to pile up. I’m going to have to clean up all the branches that have blown down before I can mow.

Dani Messick did a neat article on pantry organization and storage. It appears what’s old is new again when it comes to stashing items such as flour, sugar, salt. It is also environmentally friendly. Canisters made of glass, ceramic and other materials other than plastic are enjoying a resurgence.

Julie Young wrote about how to plan the optimal man cave or she-shed for the adults in the household to carve out some private space for themselves.

Her article has great ideas on how to customize your own space.

Julie also wrote about outdoor spaces which have gained in popularity over the last few years. It looks like this is a trend

that is here to stay as more and more people have embraced using their deck or patio as an extension of their home.

For those who are gearing up to start a garden or add to their garden and need some help, Michiana Master Gardners has an advice line that can help. Call the Elkhart County Purdue Extension Office at (574) 533-0554 and ask for the Master Gardener advice line. Callers will typically have to leave a message and a master gardener will get back to them.

If you are an avid reader of this magazine, you may notice one of our regular writers is absent from the lineup. Prior to the editorial deadline writer Beth Anne Brink-Cox lost her beloved niece Alexandria Anne Yonkman after a long battle with cancer. Alexandria loved to bake, grow lilies, for her pets and her family and friends. She will be dearly missed.

Lauren Zeugner, Editor

Email: Lzeugner@ the-papers. com

Lauren

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A ROOM OF ONE’S OWN

Photo: Ali Harper

creating a MAN CAVE or a SHE-SHED @bubbyleandbrown.com

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By Julie Young House and Home Feature Writer

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It is the place where the traditional rules do not apply. A grown-up equivalent of the clubhouse or treehouse, the “man cave” and “she shed” are those private getaways that serve as a respite from the real world and function as an extension of one’s personality. Whether they are located within the home or in an outbuilding, experts say the man cave and she shed offer homeowners a sanctuary from the everyday stressors of life as well as benefits to mental health!

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THE SHE SHED

THE MAN CAVE Often located in a basement, attic, spare room or garage, the Man Cave is a place where a guy can be himself and do what he wants without worrying about what anyone else thinks. It is typically a hangout where men and their buddies can watch TV, play video games or tinker on various projects without female interference.

While some of these spaces may sport a distinctly “lived-in” look (complete with mismatched furniture accented by retro memorabilia) others are high end hideaways with significant style.

Experts suggest men consider the theme of their space and then decorate accordingly but some of the must haves include comfortable seating (preferably anything that reclines), a large TV, a refrigerator, sound system, game table and gaming system. Want to take it to the next level? Consider a mini-jumbotron, an automatic beverage chiller or a custom pub sign.

“A man cave allows men to display their unique identities, relax and even reflect on their life goals,” said Dr. Mariam Beruchashvili of California State University.

6 | Michiana House and Home | May 2024 |

Unlike the man cave, which is often located inside the home, the She Shed is typically found in a backyard out building and is a dedicated space for rest and relaxation. It is a place to get away from work, the kids or even a spouse. Whether it is designed to be a book nook, a yoga studio or a craft closet, the she shed is more about self-fulfillment than anything else.

A she shed serves as a contrast to daily life and while it may include some of the comforts of home, it should also be an oasis that can moderate a mood and increase one’s self esteem. Experts suggest when creating a she shed, women should start with a focal point or theme and then choose paint colors and accoutrements that will enhance that purpose.

A cheap DIY she shed can cost as little as $500 or you can create a four season retreat that can include insulation, electricity and more. Some elements to consider include: a daybed (for a summer nap), a desk or workspace, bookshelves or display shelves, ambient lighting, Wi-fi connection, blue tooth speaker (for enjoying music), wine chiller, greenery, scented candles and artwork.

Like the man cave, a she shed allows women to have some alone time, which can benefit one’s creativity, mental health and can improve intimate relationships.

“Personal time allows us to maintain our individual identities, provides opportunities to do things we like to do, and lets us feel like we have some control over our lives,” said Rob Pascale and Lou Primavera, PhD, co-authors of Making Marriage Work: Avoiding the Pitfalls and Achieving Success. “Alone time can actually help to keep a relationship fresh and less stressful.” n

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then and now ­

By Julie Young House and Home Feature Writer

Once upon a time the backyard patio was the place where families gathered around a rudimentary picnic table to watch Dad make hamburgers and hotdogs over a charcoal grill. Over time, homeowners might upgrade this space to include brightly colored plastic lawn furniture or invest in some tiki torches for a nighttime soiree. And naturally, there was one affluent family in the neighborhood who had the greatest of all summertime diversions: an above ground swimming pool.

My, how times have changed! Today’s backyard patios and decks are versatile outdoor living spaces that can be used all year long. Over the past few decades, these rooms not only include all of the creature comforts of interior amenities, but also embrace a wide range of materials that require little to no maintenance and include plenty of options to beat the heat during a sweltering Indiana summer!

outdoor living spaces transform a backyard A CONTEMPORARY LAYOUT Josh Welker of Stone Ridge Landscaping in Goshen says today’s homeowners look to their outdoor living space as an extension of their home and they want the transition to be seamless. They are also embracing linear designs and organic shapes that complement a more contemporary layout and are including smokeless fire features, built-in lighting and using materials that require little to no maintenance such as natural stone or the U-Cara Multi-Face Wall System by Unilock that can be swapped out without replacing the entire patio or deck.

“Our guys have been using that quite a bit,” he said. “It’s a little like Lego bricks the way it fits together, and it is very popular. The Midwest is often slow to adopt the latest trends, but we find that covered pavilions are consistently in demand because, although they are open, they still provide a reprieve from the heat. We are also seeing an uptick in fiberglass swimming pools, which last a lot longer than a liner pool, but are not as expensive as a gunite model.

Vinyl decks continue to rule over the treated wood that require a lot of staining and care year-after-year. Tyler Campbell at Alpha Building Center in Shipshewana says he does a lot of custom vinyl work for homeowners which includes pergolas and decks with built-in seating for families who live on the lake.

“Networks such as HGTV have given homeowners a sense of what is possible and they are embracing it,” he said.

“Many deck projects featured on those shows utilize vinyl so homeowners naturally gravitate to it. It’s more expensive than treated lumber which used to be popular, but there is less fuss and that’s a selling point. It also looks great!”

8 | Michiana House and Home | May 2024 |

photos: shutterstock.com

ALL THE AMENITIES The kettle grill and woven lawn furniture of yesteryear has also gone by the wayside in favor of elaborate outdoor kitchens, ambient lighting and comfortable furniture with ample seating for everyone. Homeowners are also installing outdoor televisions and fans so that they feel as comfortable outdoors as they do inside their homes. No matter if you are entertaining the immediate family or the entire neighborhood, there is an up-to-the-minute outdoor living concept that will meet your needs.

“Things have come a long way in the past 20 years,” Welker said. “That’s when outdoor living became popular, and it has been growing ever since.” n

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When it comes to storage around the home,

organization

is truly

INFINITE

By Dani Messick House and Home Feature Writer

From Ikea to Temu, the world of home organization is truly infinite. Tastes and trends change with the wind but timeless classics remain.

With homeowners striving to develop more sustainable practices, plastic materials are on the outs and the materials our grandparents used are making a comeback with modern flair and innovative design.

To be on par with current trend, and create a more sustainable home, consider switching to metal, glass, ceramic or natural fiber storage containers throughout the house.

For blankets, towels and linens, a wood or metal ladder shelf offers a great modern classic touch. They come in upright options to be leaned against a wall, or in hung options for optimum space saving. You can buy a cheap metal option for as little as $15 at Walmart. In October 2023, Hey There Home released a tutorial to create your own Pottery Barn knock-off version for under $10. Find it here: https:// www.heytherehome.com/ diy-blanket-ladder-potterybarn-knock/

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You could also opt to store blankets, throw pillows, and even stuffed animals in a simple woven basket or wooden chest. The great thing about most sustainable options is they can be handmade, even from recycled materials. Thoresby Cottage boasts a crochet tutorial for turning t-shirt yarn into baskets for small storage, which can be retrofitted as larger storage too. You can also make the yarn from actual old t-shirts. Check out the tutorial here: https://thoresbycottage.com/2017/08/25/freecrochet-toy-basket-pattern/ 10 | Michiana House and Home | May 2024 |

In the kitchen, ditching plastic has never been easier.

Saving money long-term can look like a heavier upfront investment, but for many people, knowing the storage materials are readily available and doing right by the environment are worth the cost.

Counter canisters can also be made from glass, wood, metal or even ceramic. Glass and ceramic options are, as expected, more fragile but wood and metal options are at risk when water is near.

Choose whatever option is best for your needs. In a pinch, Ball canning jars and vintage thrift items can also create the look at a significantly reduced price.

In today’s age, finding sustainable materials isn’t difficult at all, with both big box stores and local shops selling beeswax food wrap sets designed to replace plastic cling wrap and zipped baggies. Made from cotton infused with beeswax, rosin and oils, beeswax food wraps generally last about a year but are priced on the higher side for the purpose they serve, at anywhere from $6-$15 per individual wrap, depending on the store and properties. Buying in sets is a major money saver here.

If you’re going to go with the sustainable route, many folks also choose to go with eco-friendly companies as well. Be sure to check reviews and confirm the products you’re buying are designed for what you intend them to be used for. Local stores have tons of options but online, places like the Package Free Shop ship with recyclable packaging for additional climate-friendly protections.

If you’re the kind of person who likes to have a storage space with matching containers for flours, cereals, beans, etc., then you’ve probably found yourself with a pretty expansive collection of plastic airtight storage containers, or worse, a cabinet full of Tupperware with mismatched lids. But when it comes to durability, longevity, recyclability, and yes, what’s trending, glass is the clear winner. If you’re in the market for new containers, with plastic ones breaking, missing entirely or with broken seals, you could opt to purchase plastic again or you could get to work on a nice glass collection.

Options for sealing power do include more easily replaceable plastic or silicone lids but there are also fully sustainable options that do preserve long-term, such as wood with cork. Whatever you choose, make sure you’re opting for an airtight lid.

Sustainable storage isn’t a one-and-done situation. Folks who use recyclable materials know that by and large, these containers might not last as long as plastic or silicone.

But that’s kind of the point. If your wood shelving unit breaks, you can feel confident recycling or tossing it to get a new one, fixing it up or upcycling the materials into something beautiful. But if your plastic bins break, other than a short-term solution of plastic glue, there’s no fixing that, and tossing it only adds to landfills already overflowing. That’s a major reason a lot of folks are opting for more costly containers, even though some might not last as long.

In addition, sustainable materials are going to cost quite a bit more than plastic-based options. Take your time transitioning and don’t try to replace everything all at once. That’s not sustainable for your pocketbook. n | Michiana House and Home | May 2024 | 11

around

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michia ichiana na

MAY 11 | GOSHEN

Bring the family outdoors to read a children’s book while walking a short path at Riverbend Park; book pages are placed in special kiosks along the path. New books are installed monthly. Event partners are the Middlebury Public Library and Middlebury Parks Department.

gospel in an informal jam session. Meets the first Thursday of the month.

6:30-9 p.m.

Doc Able Pavilion 116 W. Waterford St. Downtown Wakarusa, 1 block west of stop light Free admission, free will offering (574) 862-2200 Wakarusabluegrassjam.com

MAY 1-31 | SOUTH BEND

MAY 4 | SYRACUSE

MAY 17 | GOSHEN

YEAR ROUND | MIDDLEBURY

TRAIL TALES

SOUTH BEND FARMERS MARKET

Indoor market featuring homegrown produce, dairy products, meats, eggs, maple syrup, jams and jellies, handcrafts, artwork, jewelry, more 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturday.

Free admission 1105 Northside Blvd.

(574) 282-1259 southbendfarmersmarket.com MAY 2 | WAKARUSA

WAKARUSA BLUE GRASS JAMBOREE

A host of local musicians and bands gather to pick, play and sing bluegrass, country and

EARTH DAY FESTIVAL

Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation 11586 SR 13 Activities for all ages including raptor bird, arrowhead making, native seed balls and more.

Over 20 vendors tables Admission is free. First 250 receive a free lunch.

11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

(574) 457-4549 wacf.com MAY 7 | WARSAW

TED YODER IN CONCERT

6 p.m.

Warsaw Community Public Library 310 E. Main St., Warsaw

12 | Michiana House and Home | May 2024 |

CHILD’S PLAY: A CONCERT FOR AND ABOUT CHILDREN

Camerata Singers with the Rejoice Children’s Choir Goshen Theater 216 S. Main St. Tickets are $18 general public, $6 for students.

AN EVENING WITH CARRIE NEWCOMER

Sauder Concert Hall Goshen College 7:30 p.m.

Tickets $20-$30 MAY 18 | ELKHART

REMEMBER: HONORING THE LEGACY OF VETERANS, PAST AND FUTURE

Guest Speaker: Capt. Chad Fleming 5-10 p.m.

21565 Executive Pkway, Elkhart Tickets are $60 per person, $110 per couple or $350 for table of 8 Freedomsystem.org

MAY 19 | NOTRE DAME

SOUTH BEND CHAMBER SINGERS

Crossing Borders: Songs of the Immigrant 7:30-9:30 p.m.

Church of our Lady of Loretto 100 Lourdes Hall Saint Mary’s Tickets: $25 MAY 26 | WARSAW

CITY OF LAKES CAR SHOW

Courthouse Square Door prizes, dash plaques, food and music Registration $12 Noon to 3 p.m.

Judging begins- must be registered by 3 p.m.

Lakes Area Community Band Concert 3 p.m.

Awards ceremony at 4:30 p.m.

(574) 527-9563 n

Build Your Future program encourages youth to consider the trades as a career For the last few years there’s been concern that eventually there will be no one with the knowledge to fix the plumbing or install electrical work. Those concerns may seem justified when the average age nationally for a plumber is 55 while for an electrician it’s 57.

The Builders Association of Elkhart County is working to alleviate those fears. Three years ago it started “Build Your Future.” The Build Your Future committee is mandated by the BAEC to come up with a process to elevate the trades and keep local kids in the area with good paying jobs.

Justin Hurtekant, president of Inspired Custom Homes and a member of the Build Your Future Committee, explained they’ve done a lot in three short years. Last year the BYF committee spent significant time introducing themselves to the building trades programs in the area. A fundraiser held last November raised $16,000 for scholar-

ships. At a special event held Thursday, April 18, $9,000 in scholarships was awarded.

These scholarships are to assist students wanting to go on to trade school after graduating from high school or there are also workforce development scholarships which assist those going into the trades in acquiring the tools they need.

Members of the committee have also been allowed to go into the schools to do some teaching and sit on a variety of panels. Hurtekant said he recently taught the Pythagoras theorem and why it’s so important in construction to seventh graders.

“We’ve been pushing very very hard,” Hurtekant said. In addition, Indiana recently created a new Pathway to graduation regarding students who want to go into the trades involving on-site training.

Meanwhile area schools are saying they can send as many kids as BYF can handle for an on-site training program, but there are obstacles, mainly insurance and transportation.

The BAEC’s Build Your Future program recently received a national grant to partner with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Elkhart County to host six events to expose kids of all ages to the trades as a possible career path.

Hurtekant said the first event, Trades to Trusses, which was held in early April was phenomenal. The kids built Charcuterie photos: shutterstock.com

boards to take home. Hurtekant said the last student he worked with was a small seventh grade girl. “As we worked on her board, I watched her just inhale this sense of pride,” he said.

In the BAEC’s service area there are four builders trades programs in area high schools. Concord High School’s program is more focused on engineering and design.

Fairfield Junior/Senior High School builds a house every year. Jimtown High School partners with the Elkhart Area Career Center and Penn High School’s builders’ trades program builds a new home every year.

“Right now the story out of Concord is they had 60 spots available (in their program) and had 130 sign up,” Hurtekant said. He stressed there is a desperate need for trained high school graduates who know general construction.

Hurtekant said there has been a swing in education with the realization that pulling vocational trade education out of the curriculum completely was probably not a wise idea .

The BYF program is looking to develop more apprenticeships and builders clubs to assist kids interested in the trades. These include opportunities for kids to learn about concrete and plumbing among other skills.

And the program will be featured in a commercial for the National Association of Homebuilders. n | Michiana House and Home | May 2024 | 13

How to Pick Plants That Will Thrive in Your Climate (StatePoint) When hen choosing what kind of plants to put down in your yard, you likely focus on the what and the where. After all, all a beautiful plant in a prime location enhances curb appeal and even bragging rights.

statepoint

.com

You may pay less attention though to understanding your plant hardiness zone and all the ramificafications that come with it. To help ensure your plants don’t just survive, but thrive, the experts at lawn care equipment manufacturer Exmark are sharing the following insights about plant hardiness:

What is My Growing Zone?

The United States is divided into 13 zones. Zones 1-6 being the coldest, and 7-13 the warmest. Zone 1 averages -60 degrees F while zone 13 never drops below 70 degrees

14 | Michiana House and Home | May 2024 |

F. A general guideline is to plant anything designated for your zone or lower, but never higher. Know what zone you live in, and be sure to always check the tag on the back of the plant or seed pack before planting anything.

Perennials Versus Annuals There’s a reason you see palm trees in Miami, not Minnetonka, Minn. In the case of perennials, it’s not about when the first frost is, but how cold it gets, and whether that plant can survive and thrive through winter.

Plant hardiness zones are less important however when it comes to annuals.

Because these plants are only meant to last the length of one growing season; waiting until after the average first frost date will save you from having to re-plant. Know that even if your plant survives the frost, it may never match the photo you saw advertised at the nursery.

Planting Zone Rule of Thumb Plant hardiness zone maps are, well, all over the map. Consider the number assigned to your zip code as a starting point.

You may live right at the break between one zone and the other. Remember that it’s better to guess too low, than too high. In the South, the heat can put real stress on a plant not made for it. Your particular geography can also affect your hardiness zone, like if you

live on a hill or in a valley.

For more insights, check out the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, and watch “Find Your Plant Hardiness Zone,” a recent episode of “Backyard Smart,” an original series from lawn care equipment manufacturer, Exmark.

To watch the video, visit Backyard Life, which is part of a unique multimedia destination with a focus on helping homeowners improve their outdoor living spaces. There you can also download additional tips and view other Exmark Original Series videos.

Understanding what plants will thrive in your climate is essential to having a healthy lawn and garden.

Fortunately, free resources abound to o help you garden and landscape successfully. n

shutterstock.com

What is Plant Hardiness?

The secret to growing healthier plants is called plant hardiness. Plant hardiness is the ability of a plant to survive adverse growing conditions such as drought, flooding, heat and cold. Ever watched with frustration as a late-season temperature dip leaves your beautiful buds with a serious case of frostbite? That’s why plant hardiness zones were developed.

American farming contributes billions of dollars to the gross national product every year, which is one reason why the USDA has long monitored weather data. If determining when the average final frost may occur for every region in the country is worth billions, what could that same knowledge mean for your garden? Well, choosing plants with hardiness levels appropriate to specific planting zones gives you the best chance of gardening and landscaping success.

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30-35 m in ut it h co nfection w ed st du t, ho Se rve .com

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SHIPSHEWANA

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Open Mon-Sat 9-5 and by Appointment • Junction 5 & 20, Shipshewana

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Amish-built for life, Customcrafted for your lifestyle.TM

© Copyright 2023. All rights reserved. | Michiana House and Home | May 2024 | 15

BRINGING LUXURY OUTDOORS:

Tips for a High-End Resort Feel at Home (StatePoint) Elevating your outdoor space into a luxurious retreat that rivals a high-end resort is a dream that many homeowners share.

Whether you’re renovating your current property, planning a complete transformation, or starting fresh with a custom build, use these tips and design elements to get started.

Embrace Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Living:

Create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces by incorporating features like bi-fold doors or expansive sliding glass doors that open onto a patio or courtyard. This continuous flow enhances your living experience and sets the stage for a resort-like ambiance.

Go Big and Bold with Backyard Landscaping:

According to experts, landscaping should provide contrast. “Incorporate modern aesthetics into your backyard with bold and innovative landscaping that includes both hard and soft elements,” suggests Kevin Scott, owner and partner of Alair Sanibel, a custom home builder in Southwest Florida.

Put Modern Twists on Natural Elements:

Bringing the beauty of nature into your outdoor design will create a calming environment. To maintain a contemporary feel, use materials like stone, wood and bamboo in creative ways, such as with modern sculptural planters, sleek wooden decking or minimalist stone pathways.

Create a Cozy “Sane-tuary”:

Leili Fatemi, of Leili Design Studio, recommends transforming your outdoor space into an extension of your interiors to achieve harmony. Choose cozy and comfortable furniture like sofas, lounges, swings and dining sets, and add finishing touches such as pillows, rugs and accessories.

“When selecting outdoor items, opt for weather-resistant materials like wrought iron, teakwood, and outdoor-grade wicker and fabrics that are 100% solution-dyed acrylic for 16 | Michiana House and Home | May 2024 |

fade- and mildew-resistance,” advises Fatemi, emphasizing the importance of easy-care living.

Create a Versatile Outdoor Retreat:

Incorporate a backyard studio that can serve as a sheltered spot for various purposes such as a guest room, home office or party room.

Enhance Ambiance with Outdoor Sound Systems:

Install high-quality sound systems so you can enjoy convenience and comfort outdoors, whether relaxing or entertaining guests.

Illuminate with Smart Outdoor Lighting:

Consider installing smart outdoor lighting systems that can be controlled remotely to improve security and safety and to highlight landscaping and architectural features at night.

Focus on Wellness and Entertainment:

Design outdoor spaces that promote wellness and entertainment. LeTricia

Zogheib of Zogheib Necessary Luxury recommends incorporating features like a giant chess set or innovative installations. “I recently had a client request an outdoor TV installed at the end of his pool that could rise from the ground and rotate for different seating positions,” says Zogheib.

Introduce Water Features and Outdoor Luxury Showers:

Capture the resort-like feel by incorporating water features such as fountains, reflecting pools or small waterfalls, as well as stunning additions like outdoor luxury showers for a spa-like experience.

Partner with Expert Builders:

Collaborate with experienced builders specializing in outdoor luxury design.

“A reputable builder can ensure that your outdoor retreat is crafted with precision and attention to detail,” says Glen Harris III, regional partner at Alair Florida.

To explore how experts can help you create an outdoor living space that rivals the experience of a high-end resort, visit www.alairflorida.com.

With thoughtful design, premium materials, attention to detail and the expertise of knowledgeable professionals, you can transform your outdoor area into a luxurious retreat where every day feels like a getaway. n statepoint.com

Did You Know?

By Lauren Zeugner House and Home Editor

May has finally arrived so here are some fun facts about the month of May.

The month of May is named for Maia, the Greek goddess of fertility.

kentuckyderby.com

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May’s birthstone is the emerald which is thought to be emblematic of love and success. The best emeralds are found in two mines in Columbia. Columbian emeralds tend to have more trace amounts of chromium (usually called an inclusion) which gives them the pure bright saturated green emeralds are known for.

No American president has ever passed away in May. U.S. Presidents have passed away every other month of the year.

May 12 is Mother’s Day May 22 is National Maritime Day in commemoration of the first transoceanic voyage via steamboat recognizing the efforts of the U.S. merchant marine during both war and peace.

The trip was completed by the U.S.S. Savannah in 1819. thereisadayforthat.com

photos: shutterstock.com

The Run for the Roses, aka The Kentucky Derby has been held in May, traditionally the first Saturday, since 1875. Only twice has the race been held in a different month, in 1945 when horse racing was prohibited during World War II and in 2020 when the event was postponed to September due to the pandemic.

The United Kingdom celebrates May as

National Smile Month

... and now you know!

The German High Command unconditionally surrendered to coalition forces on May 8, 1945, ending World War II

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