One with nature: How to blend modern home design with your natural environment

It’s no wonder that residents in California are inspired by nature: between gorgeous coast lines and breathtaking mountains the Golden State provides a landscape unlike any other. With this in mind, it makes sense that some of the most enviable homes in Silicon Valley are inspired by natural elements.

In fact, incorporating materials found in nature and designing your home to soak up the benefits of your natural environment is good for your health—both physically and mentally. At Clarum, we work with our clients to design homes that blend in seamlessly with the unique California landscape—all while maintaining innovative modern design. Read how to design your home to coexist beautifully with your natural environment!

5 ways to create a seamless space with the outdoors

1. Create rooms with ample natural light

Natural light within your home is one of the most desired elements in design. And it makes sense: not only does natural light boost mood, it also creates a gorgeous ambience. You can soak up the sun with strategic homebuilding techniques.

It’s a smart idea to design your home so that the most frequently-used rooms (such as the living room or the kitchen) receive an ample amount of sunlight. Also take into consideration which rooms don’t require a lot of extra light—and design your floor plan accordingly.

Use this cheat sheet to help you consider where to orient each room in your modern home:

• South-facing rooms allow most winter sunlight, but little direct sun during the summer.
• North-facing rooms admit relatively even, natural light, and almost no unwanted summer heat.
• East-facing rooms receive the most morning sun. Locating the dining room or breakfast nook on an east wall makes the most of light potential in the morning.
• West-facing rooms collect early evening light. Because the sun is so low in the sky, west-facing windows get direct sunlight blazing through them.

2. Build with materials found in nature

Experienced home designers know: nature is the best source to easily add color and beauty to your home. Work with your homebuilder to incorporate natural materials into floors, walls, or even furniture within your home.

Stone, wood, and metal all have gorgeous textures and hues that leave an unforgettable impression. You can get creative by installing beautiful metal light fixtures or a stunning wood backdrop to your fireplace for a personal touch.

3. Design inviting outdoor spaces

Don’t let Silicon Valley’s beautiful weather go to waste: take advantage of the climate with outdoor spaces perfect for lounging, entertaining, and dining. Outdoor fireplaces, covered outdoor patios, and elegant gazebos are all ideas to create relaxing outdoor spaces where you will love to unwind.

In addition, amenities like elegant pools, solar-powered charging stations, and wireless speakers will provide a fun atmosphere to delight you and your guests alike. Incorporate nature even further: the use of materials such as bamboo, wood, stone, limestone, metal, and even glass are all options that can be used to create gorgeous perimeters and intriguing layouts.

4. Enjoy fresh air…indoors!

There’s nothing quite as healthy or refreshing as a breath of fresh air. That’s why our team at Clarum ensures that each home we build has a constant supply of fresh, filtered air for clean, comfortable breathing.

The secret? Whole-house mechanical ventilation. This system allows our passive homes to continuously introduce fresh, highly-filtered air into your home, while exhausting stale air outside. In doing so, our ventilation system replaces all the air throughout your home nine times every hour—doing its part to prevent the respiratory problems that can arise in homes without proper ventilation.

5. Incorporate natural fencing

Believe it or not, details outside your home such as fencing are a big part in making a great first impression. While modern homes use natural materials inside to create a softer, more authentic feeling, you can extend this same principle to your outdoor space through thoughtful choices.

Bamboo, lattice work, wood screens, partitions, and pergolas are all options that can create multiple outdoor rooms, each with their own unique flair. Incorporating natural fencing to create some privacy will transform your outdoor space into a haven.

Experience the zen of nature throughout your modern home

In addition to adding to your home’s beauty, utilizing natural materials will transform your abode into a sanctuary-like setting that is so comfortable, relaxing, and calming, you’ll never want to leave.

Want to learn more about how Clarum can help you build the modern home of your dreams? Give us a call at 650.322.7069