While you revel in the outdoors this summer, it’s the perfect time to think about your dream outside spaces. Extending your home’s living area into your backyard can give you more room to entertain friends and enjoy alfresco meals with the family. Whether your grilling setup needs an upgrade, your hangout area would benefit from a dose of luxurious comfort or you’re longing for a next-level fire pit, we’ve got plenty of ideas and advice.
Believe it or not, if you want to have updates installed by next spring or summer, now is the time to start talking to contractors about your plans.
“Design is a process, and it certainly takes time to plan and revise. I would ideally start a year before you plan on building. Early spring as soon as the ground is warm enough through later fall are good times to build,” explains Debi Ash, director of design & project development at Creative Contracting.
“Get the design process and material selection done about 6-9 months before installation,” advises Jeanne Crutchfield, graphic design manager at Creech’s Garden & Stone Center. “Most companies book projects 5-12 weeks out so it is best to keep that in mind.” Plus, be sure to factor in current economics and long waits for certain types of materials.
When thinking about your plans, it’s also important to consider how the space will be used and need to grow over time.
“It’s key to think about the overall size needed,” says Jeanne. “Homeowners can tend to make the grill stations or bar top areas a little too small or install in areas that do not support adding onto it or using it to its full potential.”
Steve Lichtenberg, owner and registered landscape architect of Lichtenberg Landscaping shares, “We always design spaces for how people want to use them. To create outdoor rooms with purpose and function there should be ample room for circulation between spaces to be user-friendly and comfortable.”
In addition to the size and how you will use the space, you will need to consider the furniture plan and the type of cooking and entertaining you want to do outside (grill, smoker, griddle, pizza oven, bar area). There are also weather considerations such as how many months you plan to use it, where the sun rises/sets, how wind or other elements may affect your enjoyment, and what time of day you will use it the most.
Some special features you may not have even considered include electrical outlets, lighting design, outdoor speakers, retractable screens or large TVs, icemakers and heating.
“A great lighting plan is key, it creates the ambiance at night and entices you to go outside,” describes Steve.
“The ice maker is a huge bonus when planning an outdoor kitchen, so you have easily accessible cold drinks for your outside guests,” explains Debi.
By including radiant heated flooring or built-in ceiling heaters homeowners can also lengthen the amount of time they can use outdoor spaces. Pergolas, roof structures, and awnings are also crucial for enjoying your space in high sun or rainy weather.
Everyone agrees that firepits and fireplaces are a current favorite feature for homeowners.
“Fireplaces with gathering areas are so nice to relax in front of in the evenings,” says Debi.
Steve shares, “All generations love sitting around the fire pit. They are a great area to bond plus you can accommodate 16-20 people comfortably around a well-designed fire pit.”
Popular materials for outdoor spaces include stone (real and veneered) for fireplaces, posts and walls; granite, porcelain, and Dekton for countertops; porcelain pavers, concrete, stamped concrete and composite decking for flooring. Great outdoor designs take cues from the interior but use durable, sustainable materials that are also easy to clean.
At the end of the day, whatever choices you make to create your ideal outdoor cooking and entertaining spaces, filling it with family and friends will fully bring it to life.
Debi shares, “It provides so much more square footage of functional living space to your home. Outdoor living spaces can be the best place to gather with friends and family.”
“After a long day, it is the best place to unwind. Getting fresh air and relaxing in the great outdoors is good for the soul,” imparts Steve.
Creative-SBC.com | CreechsGarden.com | LichtenbergLandscaping.com