Outdoor areas often get neglected when homeowners are considering upgrading or remodeling. That’s a shame because there are a lot of interesting trends in outdoor living these days. Your plans can be as grand as you want: from a simple patio to a full-scale outdoor room with a landscaped backyard. It all depends on what most appeals to you. Here are some outdoor living ideas that can liven up your outside spaces:
The Modern Patio
In many people’s minds, the word “patio” conjures images of rectangular concrete slabs. However, today’s patios are much more creative and aesthetically pleasing; sometimes they’re not even attached to the house, but floating free in the yard. They can be shaped into elegant curves that help them blend seamlessly into your landscaping and can be made from a variety of materials.
Exterior Remodeling by Next Stage Design
At-Home Recreation
Comfortable seating areas are important, but you also want to give everyone an incentive to get up and move around. A paved area can become a basketball court or a horseshoe court at relatively little expense. Bocce, croquet, and badminton are also fun ways to get moving and enjoy the outdoors—particularly if you have a lot of people visiting.
Build Up with a Deck
They don’t have to be boring; in fact, some designs are quite innovative. Because they can be built at any height, decks allow you to connect almost any room in the house to the outside. They also give you the opportunity to create different levels in your backyard. You can have one elevation near the house and a different one further away—reserving separate spaces for dining, entertaining, and relaxing.
Edison Lights in our Exterior and Landscape Makeover
It’s All About the Details: Lighting
If you’re considering an outdoor upgrade, don’t forget the lighting. It’s an essential part of enjoying your outdoor space and critical to your home’s safety. Motion activated lights add to security close to the house while spotlights allow you to draw attention to the flashier elements of your design, like fountains, trees, or ponds. You can also get special lighting fixtures designed to cast light downward in order to illuminate steps or walkways.
Create Drama with a Fireplace
They are an increasingly popular element of outdoor design. Not only do they make great focal points for outdoor rooms, but they also create light at night and warmth during colder months—allowing you to extend the usefulness of your outdoor space. If a fireplace doesn’t work for you, another option is a built-in firepit.
Rooms Don’t Always Have to be Inside
An increasingly popular option is putting a roof over a patio or deck and furnishing it with comfortable chairs and sofas. You can add curtains that allow you to increase privacy if needed and a fireplace or heater. All these features mean you’re more likely to use it in cooler or rainy weather. The spaces can be quite fancy, with large grills, fridges, and everything you need for an outdoor kitchen. The goal is to create an “outdoor room,” where the comforts of an indoor space allow you to enjoy the beauties of nature.
Next Stage Design: Modern Curb Appeal
Do you have ideas for refreshing your outdoor spaces? Contact us today to start your project!
