Creating a Home That Reflects Your Passions & Interests

Home is Where the Heart Is

by Lynn Sully

You and your family have unique interests and passions. Does your home reflect them? If not, perhaps it is time to invest in that pool, media room, gym, home office, or workshop you have been dreaming about.

Start by talking with your family about the activities that are most important to each of you and how you might incorporate them into your home. Brainstorm a list and let the sky be the limit – encouraging everyone to think about the features that would bring them the most joy.

There are often ways to accommodate even the most off-the-wall suggestions in some form. No matter if you reside in Whitefish and are looking for something to embrace the snow, or Palm Beach and you want to catch some waves the options are endless.

For many people, keeping fit is a top priority. And while many of our Build Magazine resort communities offer an incredible array of outdoor activities to choose from, being able to work out at your home is a definite advantage.

In turn, a home gym can provide a designated area for your indoor bike, state-of-the-art rowing machine, and weight equipment. What about a climbing wall? Or a mirrored wall and barre? A well-equipped indoor gym makes it easy to fit a workout into your day.

A pool is an excellent choice for exercise, pleasure, or both. Exercise pools take up less space than you might think. Of course, countless options exist, from stunning infinity pools to more traditional vinyl options that can be designed in virtually any shape.

Media and games rooms are also increasingly popular. A place for kids young and old to connect and hang out, a Game Room can include an old-school pool table, ping-pong table, arcade games or shuffleboard – and state-of-the-art video gaming consoles with large-screen TVs and immersive surround-sound systems.

How about a customized wine cellar to showcase your growing collection of wines? Styles can range from traditional stone-walled cellars to stunning wine jewel cases.

Whatever you choose, keeping your prized bottles at a regulated humidity and temperature is crucial. Many people bring their personality into their living space by setting aside designated areas for their hobbies – from woodworking and painting to sewing and weaving. Talk with a designer for clever storage and shelving system tips to make the most of your available space.

There are small firepits for intimate seating or large linear units long enough to warm big group apres ski in Sun Valley or Park City. Fire media options are nearly endless– glass, ceramic logs, lava, and stones, to name a few.

And while the discussion has focused on lifestyle pursuits, work is a significant part of our daily lives. Investing in a home office simply makes sense, with more of us working from home at least part-time.

A designated home office that maximizes workflow while reflecting your individual style and needs can help you close the door to your work at the end of the day, so you can truly enjoy everything your area has to offer.

Written by: Lynn Sully
Edited by: Annie Allard