Combining family time and work-life within the same work from home structure has certainly got its benefits. Picking the kids up from school is easier, commute time is decreased and throwing a load of washing in just before a meeting helps with the day’s routine. The problem with working from home is separating your work life and your family life. Suddenly there isn’t a clear line between the two, and you may find yourself sending and answering emails into the late hours of the evening. It’s easy to give more time to our work life and it slowly takes us away from real family commitment and fun. If it looks like this type of lifestyle is going to continue, then maybe it is time to repurpose the style of your home, where work is work and family or social time is purely leisure and bonding time. A backyard renovation could be perfect for keeping the two separate!
Backyard Renovation Ideas
Having a home office certainly can help to create the division of lifestyle, although we can be guilty of using our phones for work during social time. Eating a meal as a family can be interrupted with a message from the boss or a client. It is difficult to put that phone away when we are indoors, but taking a step outside can certainly provide you with a whole new perspective. Why not create a haven in your backyard, which provides a place of enjoyment, fun, togetherness and can place a direct line between work life and social time?
The Australian climate is the perfect backdrop for fresh air, sunshine and encouraging positivity. Your phone will not work in a pool or spa, and the kids are going to enjoy that new addition to the backyard. Distinctive styles of pools and spas can be designed to suit a variety of backyard sizes. The kids will love even the smallest plunge pool or spa, and the time you will spend together will definitely be uninterrupted.
Another fantastic addition to a backyard renovation is to create alcoves. Using decking of different proportions, screening and fencing that looks calm and inviting enable you to share your relaxation time with friends and family. Adding an outdoor kitchen to a pergola area and sharing meals outdoors is a lot of fun. In the cooler months, heaters can be placed into areas that warm up quickly and when it’s really hot, the shade will provide comfort. Adding fans also delivers a cool breeze as well as keeping those pesky flies away. Talking to your builder will help you to understand the variety of differently designed pergolas, decking or screening that will make these additions work best for you.
For younger kids, add a swing or a cubby house in an area where you can relax and enjoy watching them play. Older children may like a games area, basketball ring, soccer goals or climbing equipment. No matter what, add some comfortable seating where you can all chill. Keep the laptop and phone inside on the charge to stop yourself from distractions.
Outdoor cinemas are great for all ages. Outdoor stairs can double up as seating and provide a great family experience as well as a relaxing environment. Friends can gather to watch sport whilst enjoying the great outdoors. Definitely a great way to remove yourself from an office environment and reclaim your house as a home!
If you require any help with building and recreating a backyard renovation, call Shane at Dependabuild. His team can offer you some great ideas or work with you to achieve the backyard of your dreams!
