Outdoor Living:
These are your must haves to make your outdoor space usable year round.
Ummm…. What is outdoor living? In residential home building you hear this concept a lot; create an outdoor living space; we design and build outdoor living areas; have a complete outdoor living area with hardscaping and landscaping. So, what are they creating and designing? Honestly, it’s different for everyone and varies on the property.
Here are a couple questions to think over when considering an outdoor living space:
- What do you like to do outside? Do you like to relax, exercise, cook, eat, party, swim, play games or sports.
- Who do you like to spend time with outside? Do you like to be by yourself, with your spouse or significant other, have small family gatherings or large parties with friends and family.
If there is more than one person to consider when planning an outdoor space, ask the other person or people these questions too. For example, I want a quiet space to relax in the sun while I read or listen to podcasts. Meanwhile, Chris enjoys a space in the shade that he can watch TV, listen to music or spend time talking with family and friends while enjoying a cigar and his favorite bourbon. We both want an area that we can use all year long in South Carolina.
Here are some ways to accommodate both of our preferences:
Sun and Shade: Deck or patio is partially covered for shade but also has space in the sun. In addition, we added sunshades from Gotcha Covered to block the sun in the summer but does not block our view of the woods.
Cold Weather: In the soffit of the covered deck, we added two Infratech electric heaters for cold days and nights. We also use the sunshades to block the wind and cold to allow for a nice cozy space. However, we do not lose the view and the feel of being outside even when the shades are down because they are light-filtering. Remember though, you can see out during the day, and no one can see in, however, the opposite is true at night.
Seating: Two tables with cushioned bench seating for 12 people under the covered deck. This is beneficial when Chris has a cigar so I can move over to the other table away from the cigar smoke. Also, we added loungers and bistro tables in the uncovered part of the deck to allow for lounging in the sun and more seating for guests during parties. We can also put up our umbrellas if we need more shade or protection from rain.
Entertainment: We installed a TV and music system. Currently we have the Legrand Sound System and app, however, this has been discontinued. Therefore, we will eventually upgrade to Sonos.
These are just some of the ways we designed a space that will accommodate both of our preferences and allow us to use the space all year.
Here are some other ideas to take into account as you plan your outdoor living space:
Flooring: Wood or composite deck, brick or stone patio, concrete, outdoor carpet or rugs. We have a tiled deck in which we used Protecto Deck. This waterproofing membrane is used in hurricane zones and commercial buildings to protect decks from water damage. It is good for balconies, sun decks, patios and exterior decks. It is also antimicrobial. Tile or stone can be applied directly to it.
Location: Attached to the house or near the kitchen, away from the house to allow for a firepit with a gas line or campfire, get to it by a walking path surrounded by trees, flowers or plants.
Lighting/Fans: Accent lighting and enough lights to enjoy the space during the evening. Fans not only provide a breeze but can help keep mosquitos away during summer and fall months.
Outlets: Easy access plugs for phone charging.
Storage: Modular cabinets or built ins with granite tops and an outdoor sink.
Water: Swimming pool, hot tub, koi pond, man-made stream or fountain.
The goal is to design a space outside that fits your lifestyle.
If you don’t like entertaining large groups, don’t build a space that is designed for a large party. Plan on creating a space that is more intimate.
If you want a spot where you can do your yoga outside in the morning, make sure you have a covered area with enough room for your yoga mat. Furthermore, create a space that makes you feel peaceful such as adding plants, electrical outlets for a diffuser and speakers for soft relaxing music.
Written by: Tibet Bireley
The High-End Builder 