These days, taking time away from work to vacation may seem implausible, but who says you can’t create a destination resort in your own backyard? An outdoor living space provides a great place to escape, relax and de-stress. The following tips will show you how with a little planning, you can turn any outdoor space into your own peaceful getaway.
Start by defining your outdoor space. Do you have an existing patio, deck or terrace on which to create your open air space? If you are starting from square one, contact your favorite remodeling contractor and let them help you get the creative ideas flowing. They will help you sort out the options and materials and determine which will work best for you. One option may be a reworked patio of interlocking pavers, flagstones, or stamped and/or colored concrete. Or, you may choose a deck finished with weather-resistant engineered planks. Both alternatives require little maintenance, maintain their color and structural integrity, and are eco-friendly. Once you have the foundation set, you can begin to build your retreat.
One necessity for a resort style outdoor living space is a fully functional kitchen. A built-in, gas-powered barbecue grill, complete with warming drawers, heating elements and plenty of grilling surface, is essential. Because an outdoor kitchen is often designed within a covered patio or veranda, grilles are usually supplemented with a ventilation system to exhaust smoke and odors. Other conveniences include a sink and faucet, an under-counter refrigerator/ice maker, and a row of base cabinets topped by a weather-tough countertop.
A remodeled outdoor kitchen logically demands a remodeled outdoor eating area. Weather-resistant furnishings and upholstery are available in an increasingly wide range of styles to suit any taste and need, from formal dining tables to casual, plush seating options. Outdoor rooms might also include a bar island between the cooking and eating areas. Such islands double as serving areas for casual meals.
Another popular addition to an outdoor room is a fire feature. A fire pit or a modern gas-powered fireplace can be the perfect anchor for your seating arrangement. Gas fireplaces are designed to simulate authentic wood-burning units, but with better energy use, heat distribution, and ventilation. Alternately, fire pits can add ambiance and can be more suited for rustic spaces.
Adding some of your favorite indoor creature comforts will tie the space together and really make it feel like an extension of your home. A table for books, a pitcher of lemonade, some candles, and a cotton throw for chilly evenings will help complete the decor. You may also consider adding a niche for a flat-screen television and outdoor-rated speakers to optimize the entertainment value of your new outdoor space.
To make the space accessible to the indoors and to merge indoor and outdoor entertainment space, many remodeling designs feature all-glass folding or pocket doors that create wide-open passages as opposed to conventional swinging or sliding patio doors. When designed with the home's micro-climate in mind, these doors may also help to cool the house with natural breezes. Ceiling fans keep the air moving through the outdoor room, while outdoor-rated lights in the ceiling and on the walls allow its use after dark.
Careful planning can accommodate year-round enjoyment through creative options for shade, sun, and other weather conditions. To keep less-desirable weather out of both the house and the covered outdoor space, motorized roll-down screens can be installed. They will keep wind and rain, as well as pests and debris out. Such screens come in a variety of weights and are easily controlled by a remote device or wall switch.
Finally, add some landscape design features to the surrounding area. Landscapes are becoming works of art, incorporating fountains, waterfalls, and rock formations in addition to plants, shrubs and trees. Get creative with your landscape design and incorporate features that make your space unique.
A remodeling project encompassing a covered outdoor room, open deck or patio, and beautiful landscape features adds value to any existing home. By extending living space and creating year-round options to enjoy it, the modern back yard provides years of enjoyment and boosts property value for the homeowner. As the weather warms, look for opportunities to set the stage and push the boundaries of your home past the walls of your house and out into the landscape beyond. With a little help, you can turn your backyard into a destination resort.
Dwight Sailer is a partner in HighCraft Builders, Inc., 429 S. Howes, Fort Collins, Colorado. Mr. Sailer is a past Chairman of the National Association of Home Builders Remodelers of Northern Colorado and a recipient of the 2008 Remodeler of the Year Award. Dwight can be reached by phone: 970-472-8100, e-mail: Dwight@highcraft.net or website: www.highcraft.net