HomeReal Estate October 22, 2024

Your Home Should Be Your Relaxing Sanctuary

Your home should be a place to relax, spend time with loved ones, and unwind from the stresses of everyday life. Your home should be your relaxing sanctuary. Unfortunately, now more than ever before, the work/life balance lines have become grayed as many of us are still working in some sense from home. It is likely that work stressors bleed over into your personal time now more than they ever have in the past. If this is the case, your home might start to feel less like a sanctuary and more like the focal point for life’s anxieties. How do you overcome it? Can you find sanctuary in your home again? 

Of course! We are here to help you create that space. If not in your current home, we can help you discover it in one that meets your new work/life needs if you have outgrown the old. Take a peek at what is available here. 

If you are looking to reduce stress when you are home by turning your current space back into a place of rest, follow along for a few DIY projects that could just do the trick. 

Feng Shui 

The ancient practice of Feng Shui has been guiding people toward creating balanced, harmonious spaces for thousands of years. Whether or not you embrace the idea that positioning your bed with the headboard against the north wall can enhance your sleep, many Feng Shui principles are hard to argue with. One such timeless concept is bringing elements of nature into your home to foster a sense of calm and tranquility. You can achieve this by incorporating living plants, which not only purify the air but also infuse the space with vitality, or by adorning your walls with artwork that displays serene natural landscapes. Both approaches help create an atmosphere of peace and well-being, turning your home into a sanctuary. 

If you implement this into your space, share what you have done with us by tagging us @windermere-whidbey-island on Instagram. 

Declutter 

Today, it is difficult to avoid the consumerism bandwagon. Many homeowners are finding themselves in a “maximalist” lifestyle regardless of whether they intentionally choose to. Unfortunately, clutter has a habit of stressing people out. To reduce stress, we suggest tidying your space. Go through your things regularly and get rid of items that aren’t sparking joy anymore. If you don’t wish to get rid of items, consider investing in attractive storage solutions that allow you to hold onto your items while attractively making use of your space. Consider placing a flip-top bench at the end of a hallway or at the foot of your bed to hide infrequently used items. 

Rounded shapes 

Clean lines and order can bring comfort to many. However, too many right angles can be overly stimulating. Circles and ovals, on the other hand, can create a soothing organic feel. Try adding round touches with circular ottomans, oval frames for mirrors and art, and spherical elements such as a globe or orbs on a bookshelf. 

Color 

The hues and shades you use in your home can have the biggest impact on your mood. Bright colors can be energizing, and reds are great for stimulating appetites in kitchen and dining rooms. But if you are looking to bring a sense of calm to a room, muted shades of blue and green or earth tones are best. Mental Health America says, “Bright, warm colors (reds, oranges, yellows) stimulate energy and happiness while cool, subdued colors (blues, greens, purples) are soothing and calming. Bright, warm colors are best in rooms for entertaining like dining rooms or kitchens, while cool colors work best in relaxing spaces like bedrooms or even bathrooms.” If you are reluctant to paint a whole room, try an accent wall or incorporating throw blankets, pillows, and artwork. 

Lighting 

The way we light our homes—and when we choose to turn off the lights—can significantly affect our mental well-being. Natural sunlight streaming through unobstructed windows is ideal for boosting your mood and increasing productivity during the day. However, if your home has limited windows or you value your privacy, incorporating lamps that emit warm, soft light can create a calming and cozy atmosphere. 

A good night’s sleep is one of the best ways to manage stress, and the right lighting can help. As the evening sets in, dim your home’s lights to signal to your brain that it’s time to wind down. When it’s time for bed, consider using blackout curtains to achieve complete darkness for restful sleep. Avoid lightbulbs designed to mimic daylight, as these can interfere with your natural sleep cycle—unless you’re using them to combat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) during the winter months. 

For a cozy décor idea, switch off harsh overhead lighting and opt for lamps with dimmable or adjustable light settings to create a serene, adaptable ambiance in any room. 

If these tips don’t work for you, maybe it is time to consider a new home that fits your new needs. If this is the case. Connect with us and we can help.  

Destination WhidbeyOak HarborPlacesThings to Do on WhidbeyWhidbey Island October 21, 2024

Bowman Bay

Photograph provided by @PNWBirdie 

Bowman Bay, located in the stunning Deception Pass State Park, is a place steeped in history and natural beauty. For generations, this serene bay has been a source of wonder and a haven for explorers, families, and nature enthusiasts alike. Its tranquil waters, framed by rugged shores, provide more than just breathtaking views. These shores serve as a sanctuary for a diverse range of marine life. The bay is part of a vital ecosystem, offering a home to creatures such as harbor seals, sea stars, and migratory seabirds, all thriving in the pristine environment of Puget Sound.

Bowman Bay: For the adventurer

Beyond its ecological significance, Bowman Bay beckons adventurers, hikers, and seekers of peace to its shores. Whether you are hiking the nearby trails that weave through towering evergreens, kayaking across the bay’s glassy waters, or simply enjoying a picnic by the shore, the natural allure of this place is undeniable. The surrounding cliffs and wooded hillsides provide a sense of seclusion, making it an ideal spot to unwind and connect with nature.

Bowman Bay: Maritime history

But Bowman Bay’s charm doesn’t stop with its scenic beauty. Bowman Bay holds deep ties to maritime history and the local community. This bay has long been a safe harbor for seafaring vessels navigating the often-challenging waters of Puget Sound. Over the years, tales of fishermen casting their nets and sailors guiding their boats through the narrow channels of Deception Pass have been shared around campfires, passing from generation to generation. The area even served as a location for a Civilian Conservation Corps camp in the 1930s, where workers built many of the trails, shelters, and structures that visitors still enjoy today.

A place to make memories for a lifetime

The enduring spirit of community that thrives here is palpable. Bowman Bay has been a place where families come to create lasting memories. Whether it’s children exploring the tide pools, grandparents sharing stories of the bay’s history, or friends gathered around a campfire as the sun sets behind the distant Olympic Mountains. This bay, with its quiet charm, leaves an indelible mark on all who visit, reminding them of the delicate balance between humanity and the environment.

A place of reflection and reverence

Bowman Bay serves as a testament to the connection between the people of Whidbey Island and the sea that graces their shores. The bay’s rhythm—of tides coming in and going out—echoes the lives of those who have lived, worked, and played here. It’s a place that inspires reflection and reverence for the natural world, while also celebrating the resilience and history of the coastal communities that depend on it.

For those who venture to Bowman Bay, the experience is more than just a visit—it’s an immersion into the harmony of land, sea, and sky. Whether you’re drawn by the bay’s wildlife, its historical significance, or simply the peaceful atmosphere, Bowman Bay offers a unique opportunity to witness the enduring relationship between Whidbey Island’s inhabitants and the captivating marine environment that surrounds them. Here, amidst the beauty and tranquility, you’ll find a deep connection to the Pacific Northwest’s timeless spirit of exploration, community, and respect for the natural world.

If you have fallen in love with Whidbey and wish to make it your permanent home, connect with us here.

Destination WhidbeyOak HarborPlacesWhidbey Island October 7, 2024

The Development of Deception Pass

Recognized for its breathtaking beauty and stunning engineering, the Deception Pass Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in Washington State. Spanning the turbulent waters of Deception Pass and connecting Whidbey Island to Fidalgo Island.  The bridge has become a symbol of the Pacific Northwest’s natural and manmade wonders, drawing countless visitors each year.

Have you ever wondered how such an awe-inspiring structure was built, especially during the early 20th century? Its story is as impressive as the bridge itself. Keep reading to learn more about the development of Deception Pass.

A Vision Decades in the Making

The idea for the Deception Pass Bridge was first floated in the late 1800s. At the time, residents of Whidbey Island had limited access to the mainland, relying on boats and ferries to make the crossing. The concept of a bridge was considered revolutionary. At the time, too ambitious for the era. It wasn’t until the early 20th century that the dream started gaining traction.

Elizabeth Guss, shared an account of Captain George Morse telling his children his dream of one day having a bridge in her article, “History of Deception Pass” saying:

“This great achievement began with an idea from a New England seaman, Captain George Morse, who sailed through the narrow, turbulent waterway called Deception Pass and eventually settled in the tiny village of Oak Harbor on Whidbey Island. Pointing at the two promontories of Whidbey and Fidalgo in the 1880s, he told his children that “one day we will have a bridge across this pass with Pass Island as a center support.”” View the full article here.

After years of debate and several proposals, the wheels were finally set in motion in the 1930s. However, despite modern advancements, building such a massive structure across the deep and dangerous waters of Deception Pass posed a significant challenge.

Engineering a Marvel

When construction finally began in 1934, it took an extraordinary team to bring the vision to life. Under the direction of the Puget Construction Company of Seattle, approximately 200 workers were tasked with fabricating the two-span bridge. Despite the complex and dangerous working conditions, they managed to complete the project in under a year. This was a remarkable feat given the time period.

The engineering behind the bridge is just as impressive as its scenic views. The construction team used 460 tons of steel for the 511-foot Canoe Pass arch and 1130 tons for the 976-foot Deception Pass span, forming the skeleton of the now-famous double cantilever bridge. On July 31, 1935, these two massive sections were connected, linking Whidbey Island, Fidalgo Island, and Pass Island for the first time.

A Symbol of Strength

The Deception Pass Bridge is not only a marvel of engineering but also a symbol of community spirit and resilience. Built during the Great Depression, the bridge project provided jobs and hope to local workers during a time of widespread economic hardship. Today, the bridge stands tall as a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance.

A Must-See Destination

The Deception Pass Bridge has since become a major tourist destination. It is beloved by locals and visitors alike. Offering stunning vistas of Puget Sound, rugged cliffs, and emerald-green forests, it’s a photographer’s dream. Many travelers make the trip to walk across the bridge, explore the surrounding Deception Pass State Park, or even take a boat tour through the narrow, swirling waters below.

While the beauty of the bridge is often what draws people in, its rich history and impressive construction make it even more fascinating. So the next time you visit, take a moment to appreciate not only the magnificent views but also the years of effort and engineering brilliance that went into making the Deception Pass Bridge the awe-inspiring landmark it is today.

Discover the History for Yourself

If you haven’t visited this iconic Washington treasure yet, fall is a perfect time to take in the changing leaves and the peaceful serenity of the Pacific Northwest. Whether you’re planning a day trip or just want to learn more about local history, the Deception Pass Bridge is sure to leave you marveling at the combined beauty of nature and human achievement.

Ready to learn more about Whidbey Island, or perhaps ready to call Whidbey Island home? Connect with us.