As the warmth of summer begins to fade into cooler weather, there is no reason to move indoors. Instead, extend the use of your outdoor living space by creating an inviting and cozy environment that can be enjoyed year-round. On the following pages, find local businesses featuring furniture, outdoor kitchens and hot tubs to firepits, patio heaters, and more—endless ideas for turning your outdoor living space into a year-round oasis.
Patio Furniture and Fire Pits | Patio World, Bend
During fall and winter in the high desert, enclosing your outdoor living space to provide protection from the elements is key, along with featuring some type of heat source. Patio World of Bend, a family-owned business serving the community for 36 years, offers a wide selection of outdoor patio furniture, furnishings and even fire pits to add warmth and comfort to all-season patios.
“Powder-coated aluminum is best, followed by wrought iron, wood and recycled plastic when it comes to material options for outdoor furniture that can hold up to wintry weather,” states Eric Holmer, owner of Patio World. “Keeping your furniture covered is important during inclement weather as it will extend the life of your outdoor furnishings, and choosing outdoor fabrics that include UV protection is also key. There are fantastic outdoor rated fabrics to choose from in a variety of colors and textures that require minimum maintenance and offer cozy comfort in cooler weather.”
Divider walls or retractable screens can offer protection from chilly breezes and will extend your outdoor living options throughout the year. Another idea is to open patio umbrellas to retain heat from the day, while also offering protection from the elements. Cooler temperatures are a great time to enjoy outdoor living spaces in Central Oregon. Comfortable lounge chairs, loveseats or sofas surrounding a fire pit provide a cozy, comfortable setting to enjoy the High Desert Climate as days grow shorter and temperatures fall.
PatioWorldBend.com
Outdoor Kitchens and Patio Heaters | Johnson Brothers Appliances, Bend
In business since 1950, Johnson Brothers Appliances is a three-generation family-owned business that strives to meet the needs of Central Oregon residents with a wide variety of appliances and products perfect for setting up, or adding to, an outdoor year-round kitchen.
Johnson Brothers suggests incorporating a covered space for an outdoor kitchen, complete with seating and a heat source to keep your outdoor living space warm and dry. “A heat source is one of the top season extenders,” remarks Marsha Johnson, Johnson Brothers Appliances Advertising Director.
When it comes to heating your outdoor space, you will need to determine whether you are using gas or electric heaters. Heaters mounted on the ceiling of the patio that direct heat downward can provide a comfortable environment, even in the winter. Portable patio heaters are also a great innovation to extend the season in your outdoor living space. Some portable heaters efficiently heat over 215 square feet and will burn for eight hours on a single propane tank.
Placement of the grill or outdoor cooking range is an important consideration for optimal and safe cooking outdoors in any weather. With a knowledgeable staff to help you meet your outdoor living space goals, Johnson Brothers carries trusted brand outdoor kitchen appliances and products, including full lines from Lynx, Blaze and Coyote. Portable pizza ovens are another popular item for creating fabulous meals right in your own backyard.
The possibilities are endless for outdoor kitchen designs. Johnson Brothers offers a wide selection of appliances and products to suit your needs, space and budget, including outdoor refrigeration and kegerators. “We also partner with vendors who build custom kitchen islands to house and protect the outdoor kitchen products and appliances you choose,” says Johnson.
JBBend.com
Hot Tubs, Swim Spas and Saunas | Aqua Clear Hot Tubs, Sisters
Offering relaxation and therapeutic benefits, hot tubs and saunas create a warm and inviting outdoor retreat, no matter the weather. Hot tubs can be the perfect spot to unwind in cold weather and saunas provide a cozy space to escape the chill, improving circulation and promoting relaxation.
For over ten years, Aqua Clear Hot Tubs has been helping Central Oregon residents choose, install and maintain hot tubs or saunas that best suit their space and needs. “Ensuring proper insulation and energy efficiency to maintain heat is essential when adding a sauna or hot tub to your home,” notes Justin Buck, Marketing Director for Aqua Clear Hot Tubs. “Choose a location with easy access and prioritize safety with non-slip surfaces and good drainage. Also, regular maintenance is essential during winter months.”
When it comes to creating an all-season backyard oasis, adding an enclosed space for hot tubs with a retractable roof is a great way to enjoy hot tubs year-round, offering the chance to view night skies, while offering protection from the elements.
AquaClearHotTubs.com
Motorized Retractable Screens, Rolling Shutters and SkyShades | Custom Shade Solutions, LLC, Redmond
When it comes to extending the use of outdoor living spaces into cooler weather, one step that can make a huge impact is to enclose the space. Custom Shade Solutions, LLC offers many options for homeowners across Central Oregon to do just that. Owner Chris Healam notes, “I see patios equipped with amazing heaters, both gas and electric, that are more than capable of heating the intended spaces, but the patios are not equipped to retain that heat.”
For colder months, Healam explains that homeowners will want to create a barrier between their outdoor living space and the “outside.” Enclosing your space with retractable screens and European rolling shutters will insulate your patio from the cold temperatures, block bone-chilling winds and more efficiently maintain comfortable temperatures, adds Healam.
Retractable solar screens, SkyShades, and European rolling shutters offered by Custom Shade Solutions, LLC are the perfect solution for the transition from summer to fall and into winter. “For the cooler months, consider a retractable patio screen and SkyShade,” Healam suggests. “The screen is a worthy barrier and you retain your view.” For those snowy, wintry months, and for those who prefer a more rigid barrier, insulated European rolling shutters can be a great option. These offer greater insulation value and protection from the elements, creating a comfortable outdoor living space year-round.
Custom-Shade-Solutions.com
Area Rugs and Décor | Area Rug Connection, Bend
With an eye toward utilizing outdoor living spaces into cooler weather, an often-overlooked step is adding furnishings for beauty, comfort and functionality of the space. Area Rug Connection has been serving Central Oregon for over 20 years, helping homeowners add finishing touches to patio spaces that will invite use year-round.
“One creative way that homeowners can extend use of their outdoor living space into cooler weather is to choose a neutral color story for the primary elements of the space,” says Hailee Lanker, Area Rug Connection Media Manager. “For instance, a neutral outdoor rug and furnishings can easily transition a patio into the fall and winter and feel cool-weather appropriate.”
Also, adding indoor/outdoor throws and pillows offer cozy comfort as temperatures drop. It’s important to choose items and materials designed for holding up to the elements such as quick-dry, easy-care fibers and waterproof or water-resistant pieces that are functional in all seasons.
Accent pieces and decor such as planters, side tables and lighting designed for outdoor use can offer incredible quality with absolutely no sacrifice to style, inviting use of outdoor spaces through every season.
AreaRugConnection.com