The return of summer is always a cause for celebration in the High Desert. Families and friends gather to spend more time in outdoor living spaces. Whether enjoying the sunset or engaging in good conversation around a firepit, this extension of your living space can offer a place for dining, cooking, hot tubbing, entertaining or just lounging. To maximize your space, it’s important to plan ahead.
When it comes to planning and shopping for your outdoor living space, visiting a local showroom where you can touch, feel and view furnishings in person allows you an opportunity to make choices based on the comfort, size and color that will suit your living style and decor. Patio World has been serving Central Oregon with quality outdoor furnishings since 1988 and boasts one of the largest showrooms in the state, recently building a new 15,000 sq. ft. showroom on Columbia Street, on the southwest edge of the Old Mill District.
Owner and founder of Patio World, Scott Holmer, offers tips on creating outdoor living spaces. “Cushioned seating around a fire pit, a dining table with chairs, barbeque or outdoor kitchen and a hot tub are the four basic categories most people enjoy,” he says. “Some primary research can be done online, 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.”
Tips for Planning Your Outdoor Living Space:
Dining: Plan for at least 4’ on each side to allow room for chairs and walking around. For six or more people, a 42” x 72” table needs an area of about 12’ x 14’ outdoors.
Lounge Furniture Groups: This could consist of two cushioned chairs separated by a side table, all the way up to a sofa or loveseat, swivel rockers and a fire pit. For space requirements, measure the furnishings and add at least 3’ - 4’ extra on all sides.
Outdoor Cooking: Possibilities include something as small as a free-standing barbeque grill all the way up to a full outdoor kitchen that might include an outdoor oven, refrigerator and sink with countertop.
Hot Tub: Create your own private oasis with a hot tub that can be enjoyed year-round. Common sizes are about 6’ - 7’ square.
Designing a relaxing outdoor living space expands your home design, adds value to your home, and provides a comfortable, enjoyable way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty surrounding your home. If you are looking for a way to extend the living space in your home, look no further than out your back (or front) door!
35 Years in Bend:
The Evolution of Patio World
1976 - Scott Holmer started The Lift Ski Shop in Minnesota.
1984 - He expanded this business to include patio furniture.
1988 - Holmer and his wife moved to Bend and built The Lift (now Pine Mountain Sports) on Century Drive. There, they raised their family of two children in the upstairs apartment.
2002 – As the business grew, Patio World relocated to Reed Market Rd. and was renamed Race Place/Patio World. Race Place has grown to be the largest supplier of Alpine Ski Racing gear in North America and ships gear throughout the continent, as well as being a favorite workshop for discriminating local skiers.
2023 - As the business outgrew the space on Reed Market, Holmer launched the design and construction of a new 15,000 square foot Patio World Showroom that opened this spring. The expansive new showroom is located on Columbia Street on Bend’s westside.
PatioWorldBend.com
Patio World
665 SW Columbia Street
Bend, Oregon 97702
541.388.0022
PatioWorldBend.com
