Published on our August 2023 Newsletter
Question: “When renovating a home, what are some ideas to make a home more comfortable?”
Christie’s Answer:
On St. Croix, both indoor and outdoor spaces of a home are crucial in forming a comfortable and welcoming setting. A spacious and open floor plan allows for movement, mingling, and conversation to flow, as well as for comfortable breezes. Here are 7 ideas which will make a more comfortable home:
- The heart of a home is its kitchen. Create a space where you like to be while cooking for yourself or your guests. Make sure there’s a place for them to sit while talking with you, and enough room for them to help you cook!
- Replace older AC units for energy efficient mini split units.
- Shade for comfy outdoor furniture make a wonderful space for you and guests. Have around 150 square feet of shaded space, the size of a small room, if it will fit in your plans, more is always welcome. Use all-weather outdoor furniture which can handle the elements of the tropical climate.
- Replace old windows, ceiling fans, and screens as needed for good air flow. You are going to want those breezes!
- Think about how you use your home at night. Appropriately recessed lighting, wall sconces, and outdoor lights can make a huge difference in your comfort and tranquility.
- If you don’t have the space or resources for a swimming pool, a plunge pool goes a long way to help cool you on those hot sultry days.
- How about an outdoor shower? Showering outside while enjoying the view is delightful, especially after a day of snorkeling or diving, and decreases the amount of sand getting into your home!