As we’re on the cusp of being able to spend more of our time outdoors enjoying the beautiful area we live in, it’s also a good time to consider how to improve your outdoor living space to capture how you’d like to live your best life.

Outdoor Living Room

Creating an outdoor extension of your home is more popular than ever. Many of our clients open up a wall of the house and install accordion doors to enhance their indoor/outdoor experience. An overhead structure combined with a comfortable seating area is ideal for creating a year-round usable space. Heat sources like a fireplace or overhead heaters make the space comfortable regardless of weather. Side panels can further weatherize an outdoor living space for more aggressive weather situations.

Play Area

Whether we’re talking a basketball or bocce court, treehouse, pool or a basic playset, the backyard is the family’s first play area of choice. While land is at a premium, if you’ve got usable space on your lot, take advantage of how to maximize your enjoyment of it by ensuring your family can practice their favorite sport and stay active at home. Unique backyard features can really be a huge selling point if you decide to list your home in the future.

Outdoor Kitchen

Cooking outside in the fresh air can be done year-round with the right set up. Our clients are requesting built-in grills, workspace counters, and bar seating for a functional outdoor kitchen area. Add in a prep sink, a small refrigerator to store salads and beverages, an ice machine and some multi-layered lighting and you’ve got a functional outdoor cooking space.

Outbuilding

Call it a she-shed, ADU, or anything in between, but a well-considered outbuilding can be a boon to your home’s value and function. It’s a great option for a dedicated workout space, a quiet meditation retreat; the perfect spot to work on your favorite crafts, or even a private home office just steps outside your home. The best part is having additional space that can be utilized in whatever way works best for your family and can double as additional sleeping quarters for guests should it be needed.

Firepit

If you love elements of camping and the great outdoors, but prefer to sleep in a real bed, you may find a backyard firepit is a good solution for you. Depending on your preference, you can select a gas or a wood burning fireplace to relax by in the evenings and to socialize with friends. Be sure to use gravel or stone as your base surface for safety. Of course, comfortable seating is a must. We recommend tying this space in with your existing backyard aesthetic, so it feels like a seamless extension to your outdoor entertainment space. For the ultimate experience, consider putting blankets outside for increased comfort along with string lights for a magical effect.