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2020 has been a difficult year for everyone – from a global pandemic, to economic shutdowns, to record-breaking wildfires up and down the West Coast. Suffice it to say that this is a year we’ll be glad to put behind us.
But with Thanksgiving coming up (and particularly when we’ve been spending more time than ever indoors), there are still plenty of things to be thankful for as you enjoy your modern home this holiday season.
Since the sun makes briefer appearances in winter, it’s a good idea to capitalize on whatever sunlight you do have. High performance homes orient your house so that light enters it in the most optimum way. Not only will the natural light create a pleasing ambiance, but you can also cut your heating costs by 10 to 20 percent with this strategy.
Energy-efficient windows not only add to the aesthetic appeal of your home, but they are also crucial to proper thermal insulation.
Wool isn’t only for socks and sweaters this time of year – the material works great for flooring in your modern home as well. The material itself is comfortable on the feet, non-toxic, and also has a highly-insulating nature. Its ability to limit the transfer of heat or cool air in your home saves energy and puts less of a strain on your HVAC system.
A fireplace is a classic way to warm up your home, but today’s versions look much different from the past. This feature serves a dual purpose of function and beauty – modern fireplaces often omit mantels to create a minimalist aesthetic, and are framed with striking materials such as slate, marble, or other interesting textures.
What better way to spend a winter night than enjoying a relaxing movie theater experience without leaving the comfort of your home? Today’s in-home theaters incorporate technology such as dimming lights and flush high-definition screens, and striking architecture like beautiful wood accents and stadium-style elevation. With all these amenities, you’ll be happy to skip the lines and enjoy cinema just steps away.
Don’t let the cooler evenings and occasional rain keep you from enjoying nature – you can design outdoor spaces that can keep you comfortable and allow you to get some fresh air. Incorporate features into your modern home such as eye-catching fire pits and covered patios to keep the fun and relaxation going all year-round.
Your bathroom can serve as an elegant sanctuary where you can relax from the elements outside. Modern bathrooms incorporate spa-like elements such as heated towel warmers, deep soaking tubs, chic lighting, curbless steam showers, and electronic controls that allow you to preset temperature, sprays, music, and more.
By incorporating these contemporary comforts into your design process, you’ll have plenty to be thankful for this holiday season and throughout the year.
To learn more about Clarum’s approach to building high performance modern homes, give us a call at (650) 322-7069