Creating an Outdoor Living Space

Planning An Outdoor Living Space:

Photo: www.poolspaoutdoor.com

When entertaining the favorite hangout in my home always seemed to be the kitchen. There seems to be a magnetic pull to the kitchen, especially when my wife is in there entertaining the crowd with her culinary skills and great sense of humor.  A sense of humor, I might add, sometimes at my expense!!

Summertime however is a different story, the polarity switches and the hangout becomes my screened in porch, adjacent patio and pool deck. With a screened porch accessible to your house you automatically expand your living outdoors with all of the features, furnishings and amenities as you enjoy indoors. Having this sheltered room allows you to use real furniture, ceiling fans, rugs, lamps, television and audio systems.

Regardless of your climate outdoor living spaces are quickly becoming popular for cooking, entertaining and relaxation. More and more of my clients are looking to the outdoors to expand their homes and bring the same comforts they have inside to outdoor spaces, by creating multipurpose outdoor living spaces that function as extensions of their home.

Factors To Consider When Creating An Outdoor Living Space :

The key to creating a unique outside grotto is to approach the exterior spaces of your home in the same way you created your interiors. Consider factors such as your decorating style, how you’ll use the space, lighting, cooking, etc.

By creative in transitioning your indoor to outdoor living by employing; heat lamps, fire pits, custom decks, water features, outdoor fireplaces, shade or privacy solutions, outdoor kitchens, native and indigenous plantings as well as xeriscaping.

What is xeriscaping?

Xeriscaping simply means grouping plants with similar watering requirements together, choosing drought resistant plants, and trying reduce or eliminate the need for supplemental water from irrigation.

Choose The Size And Layout Of Your Space:

This decision is sometimes dictated by available property space but can also largely depend on what activities you want to accomplish.

Once your space is defined decide how you will organize this space. For example; create areas for activities such as cooking, conversation and relaxation.

Factor in how people will move in and though your space and considerations such as views, sun orientation, prevailing winds and any privacy screen issues.

TIP: organize seating to overlook plantings, flowerbeds, water features and other attractive scenery.

Determine Privacy Issues:

Unlike your home you do not have walls for privacy so you need to create your own privacy screen. Installing a brick walls, fences or tall plants between you and the neighbors can create an intimate yet private space.

Existing concrete or brick walls can be covered with arbors and spreading vines to create vertical gardens. Vertical wood fences can be erected with slats or high end lattice to create privacy screens.

Food Preparation:

When creating an outdoor living space decide whether you will be preparing or cooking food in this space? Consider convenience and try to locate your cooking area in an easily accessible location from the house to reduce trips back and forth.

When creating an outdoor living space decide if you will want an outdoor kitchen or just a grill.  Consider access to power and water. Electricity as well as cooking fuel can be piped to your kitchen space. Outdoor kitchens can include a grill, sink and mini refrigerator, or even a cooking fireplace all integrated into a masonry wall and built around your patio.

Even a simple cooking grill can be incorporated into this space or better yet, connected to a natural gas connection so you do not need to refill a propane tank.

Covered Retreat:

When creating an outdoor living space decide whether you will want shelter from the sun or rain? A sheltered retreat in the form of an awning, umbrellas, gazebo, and a pergola are all ways to shelter your outdoor guests from harsh sunlight and light rain. In addition to a pergola many people now will frame a sheltered roof with open walls or walls on one or two sides. Open areas can be screened with shades or shutters as well.

Gathering Areas and Focal Points:

Disappearing fountains, statues, vases and rock fountains are becoming popular

backyard focal points. Installing a disappearing or hidden basin water fountain does not take up as much space as a waterfall or Koi pond but still gives you that bubbling water sound and great looking landscape focal point.

Fire places or fire pits are back in favor and many people are including them into their outdoor space. Whether you purchase a fire pit stand or build a permanent pit into your space it is a great place to gather around or just sit near it for warmth.

Fire places or fire pits are an ideal enhancement to your outdoor living spaces. The calm, warm feeling of an outdoor fire pit will create the perfect setting for your family gatherings and entertainment.

Permanent fire pits can be hard piped with natural gas and have jewel like glass crystals as an insert as an alternative to lava rocks or ceramic logs.

These vibrant colored glass crystals or “glass rocks” can transform your fire pit into a classy focal point.

Creating an outdoor living space can transform your home outdoors into an exciting entertainment Mecca for your family and friends or a private grotto for you to relax and enjoy a book.

Concord Carpenter

Who is Concord Carpenter?    ~ Robert Robillard is editor of A Concord Carpenter and principal of a carpentry and renovation business located in Concord, Massachusetts. Rob is a recognized leader in tool and how-to information for building professionals, he also hosts the Concord Carpenter Cable TV Show, offering the do-it-yourself audience in Boston's Meto West region expert advice on home repairs and maintenance. On his website, Rob covers all aspects of home improvement and remodeling, specializing in problem solving for home maintenance. Rob enjoys evaluating and reviewing tools and products and restoring vintage tools. The Concord Carpenter's motto: "Well done is better than well said!":

More Posts - Website