Outdoor Living
Mom always said that it's what's inside that counts. These days, when it comes to designing fashionable living spaces, it's the outside that really matters. Outdoor living has become so much more than the traditional portable grill and plastic furniture. Outdoor space has become a true extension of the home and deserves proper attention when it comes to planning and decorating. According to a survey conducted by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), more and more homeowners are asking for outdoor "great rooms"that incorporate the functions of a living room, dining room and kitchen into spaces geared for outdoor entertaining and family gatherings. "Homeowners are reconnecting with their outdoor space, often in creative and imaginative ways," said Perry Howard, president of ASLA. "It's no surprise that people want to take elements that work so well inside their home and recreate them outside."
Outdoor Rooms
The line between indoor and outdoor spaces is definitely blurring. Oversized windows and disappearing sliding glass doors are one way to create a seamless flow between outdoors and in.
Another is your choice of furnishings and accessories. Much of the furniture designed for outdoor use is comfortable enough to be at home in the most posh of living rooms. Look for sofas, arm chairs and chaises that feature deep, soft cushions with decorative detailing. Dining sets and occasional tables may be topped with granite, marble, tile or faux stone in styles that coordinate with finishes found inside your home. Outdoor area rugs help define "rooms" and add an intimate feel. Don't forget to accessorize with candles, artwork, fountains, plants and flowers, pillows and more.
An outdoor fireplace or fire pit creates a natural focal point for an outdoor room. According to the ASLA survey, these items were the most requested by participating homeowners. In Florida, a fire is welcome on chilly nights, but don't think that your fireplace need be a sore thumb for the rest of the year. When warm weather hits, simply fill your fireplace with romantic candles or a dried floral arrangements. Many fire pits come with covers that can double as coffee tables when not in use.
Outdoor Kitchens
An outdoor kitchen is often high on the "must have" list of people looking to buy a new home. Not only are they are a natural for entertaining, having an outdoor kitchen keeps the mess and clean-up of cooking outdoors and eliminates all the running back-and-forth between the house and grill. Having an outdoor kitchen may also enhance your home's value if you decide to sell in a few years.
If your current home doesn't have an outdoor kitchen, don't despair. Home improvement store sell do-it-yourself kits with pre-fabricated kitchen islands that can be installed in as little as one day. You just need to plug in the water, electric and gas lines.
If you're not that handy around the house, you might consider having an outdoor kitchen professionally installed. Paul Thibodeau of Paul's Outdoor Kitchens has been building all manner of outdoor kitchens for six years, and he has seen designs that run the gamut from basic to luxurious.
