I love a house with a grand entry - and in California a grand entry does not necessarily mean columns and sweeping stairs. We love to unite indoor and outdoor living, and one beautiful example of that is the home atrium.
Made popular by the Eichler homes dotting the SF Peninsula, but oft used by the Romans as a means for bringing cooler air into living quarters, home atriums welcome sunshine and visitors alike to the home. But wait, you might ask, is my courtyard really an atrium? Both are open air spaces but an atrium is more likely to be closed in on all sides and allow access to multiple rooms within the house.
Decorating an atrium can go in many different directions, although generally a simple style allows natural elements to shine. Picture a Zen garden with sand and bonsai or a lush jungle surrounded by glass walls to help capture humidity. Imagine a water feature, such as a stone fountain or Koi pond. Envision stepping stones leading from various rooms, or pebble pathways connecting them. And feel satisfied that the space you creat is not just pretty - if can reduce energy costs by inviting in natural light and cooling breezes.
Looking for an atrium in your next home? I can find some beautiful examples in the many homes for sale today along the SF Peninsula.
Nancy Palmer, CRS
Broker Associate
Presidents Roundtable
REALTOR®
LICENSE # 00525350
Alain Pinel Realtors® Woodside
D 650.492.0200 | O 650.529.1111
www.NancyPalmer.com
Image courtesy of Iffy Huang/ PublicDomainPictures.net
