From the front lawn to the back yard, extended living spaces are not only an extension of interior lifestyle, they are areas to get creative with a deck, pergola, fire pit or outdoor kitchen. These spaces not only allow families and friends a place to enjoy the outdoors, they increase the value and overall square footage of the home. Scott Holmer, owner and operator of Central Oregon’s Patio World has been in the business 37 years and offers his expertise on when, where and how to create the perfect extended living space for different types of homes. “Cushioned seating around a fire pit, dining table with chairs, barbecue or outdoor kitchen and a hot tub are the four basic categories most people enjoy. Some primary research may be done on the internet, but it really takes visiting showrooms in each category to get the experience of the actual products rather than just viewing them on a screen. This is especially true when choosing seating. We hear from many people after buying on the internet that they didn't realize how uncomfortable some cushions can be and they also didn't know how the seating dimension would fit so much differently than what they saw in the photo,” says Scott. Designing and implementing extended living spaces is both fun and rewarding. Trends for both front and back areas are heavily dependent on the environment where you live. In the high desert climate we enjoy the highest number of sunshine days in the state of Oregon. Therefore, hot tubs, cushioned lounge furniture, fire pits, dining tables and outdoor kitchens are very popular in Central Oregon. PatioWorldBend.com, 222 SE Reed Market Road, Suite 200, Bend. 541.388.0022
Plan Your Projects – Creating an extended living space takes time. There are plenty of books, websites and online instructional videos to give a general idea of what is available, but it really takes visits to local showrooms so you can touch and feel what you will be buying. In Central Oregon, exterior planning begins early. Because you want to enjoy our Spring and Summer months, outdoor living areas and gardens should be planned and ready for use during these months.
Shop in Person – Buying online seems convenient and less time consuming, but shopping local and getting the right fit for the outdoor furniture, kitchens and hot tubs and any corresponding technology will save time in the long run. Take trips to showrooms in the area, talk to salespeople and sit on the furniture to test out its comfort, size and color. Custom orders are possible so you will get the color and model that fits your living style and décor. The quality of products used in outdoor living spaces must be sufficient to withstand the constant sun, rain and wind. Inexpensive items may look similar to high quality items, but most have a limited lifetime when used outdoors.
Customize the Space – Like to entertain outdoors? Do you have children, or enjoy gardening? Outdoor kitchens, comfy lounge seats, fire pits and hot tubs are perfect for entertaining family and friends. Implementing a tree house, sand box or large grassy area for sports is a perfect way for the whole family to enjoy a back yard. If having a garden and spending time with family and friends are both equally important, create a space that’s for working, entertaining and a place to relax.