Design in America's Happiest City
Boulder, CO: Homes and Gardens Like These Must Add to the Happy Factor
A new Gallup poll revealed that a city at the foot of the Rocky Mountains has rated tops for overall well-being among medium and small cities. Boulder's gorgeous setting, high percentage of sunny days and greenbelt of public lands most certainly has a lot to due with its high rating of well-being by its citizens. There are lots of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, and as a result the people tend to be in good health. In addition, the jobless rate is well below the national average...which goes a long way in helping people enjoy where they live, and live well.
Let's visit this happy place via design photography on Houzz featuring Boulder and the surrounding area.
Let's visit this happy place via design photography on Houzz featuring Boulder and the surrounding area.
| Now who wouldn't feel happy sitting in such a setting, enjoying the sounds of birds, lounging on a warm day under shady trees, with the native yellow wildflower, Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), blooming nearby? Private Comment
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| I can nearly hear the leaves rustling in the wind as they cast shadows on the grass. Not only is this a wonderful setting to enjoy quiet time, but a great venue to entertain family and friends. The study cites an active social life as one of the factors to feeling happy. Private Comment
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Letting in a fresh breeze through an open window always creates a wonderful feeling in a home. Seeing a view like this from the open window can also introduce a sense of calm.
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Expansive windows showcase the view, while the abundance of natural wood creates a warm environment. What a wonderful place to sit and watch the sun rise or set, alone or while catching up with others.
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| A spectacular example of architecture that embraces the character of this region is by Mark Gerwing, as are all the following images in this Ideabook. Private Comment
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| Siting the home within the slope of the lot and placing large boulders and indigenous plantings around the perimeter makes the home appear as if it has grown up out of the land. Private Comment
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The rustic exterior material choices also blend in perfectly to the surrounding terrain.
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| The large kitchen in this home, called the Sunshine Canyon Home, features deep warm finishes including African mahogany cabinets, verde butterfly granite countertops and nocce dark travertine floor tile. It's a great space to cook up large meals for groups, and sharing meals with others contributes to the happiness quotient! Private Comment
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| The Valley Lane home, also designed by architect Mark Gerwing, is a long open space with a large fireplace dividing the kitchen and dining areas from the living room. What a great place to come home to and light a fire after a long hike or time spent skiing. Private Comment
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| Walls of windows offer more views of the natural beauty surrounding Boulder. Enjoying settings such as this has a lot to due with feeling content, and this location encourages its residents to get out for a hike or to walk the dog. The study cites physical fitness as a key component to happiness, and Boulder offers many opportunities to stay active. Private Comment
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The bathroom of this home offers up more views, providing a wonderful place to simply relax. And after all this exercise and entertaining, a Boulder resident will be most certainly be ready for a long soak!
What do you love about where you live? Tell us below in the comments!
More:
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Define Design: California Casual-Chic
Define Design: Contemporary Texas Style
More: See portfolios of Colorado designers
Private Comment
What do you love about where you live? Tell us below in the comments!
More:
Define Design: Modern Northwest Style
Define Design: California Casual-Chic
Define Design: Contemporary Texas Style
More: See portfolios of Colorado designers
Comments
Denise Vilim says:
What a wonderful (and happy) ideabook! Thanks for sharing these gorgeous Boulder homes and the well-being study. Lots of great tips here for making us all feel better!
12 months ago ·
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thel says:
Really beautiful and fabulous photos, I would love to see these elements incorporated into smaller homes
12 months ago ·
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sjkingston says:
Janell, have really enjoyed your weekly idea books. Top quality themes and comments. Glad you're prioritizing but will miss them and look forward to more House of Fifty
12 months ago ·
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