Photo Credit: Frisella Nursery
With many families spending more time at home now more than ever, it’s no surprise that many of our clients want to invest in their outdoor living space. And who could blame them? A thoughtfully designed outdoor living space is a great way to add value to your home, both from a functionality and financial perspective. As an extension of your indoor living spaces, outdoor entertainment areas offer a wonderful place to host gatherings or simply hang out as a family.
Our friends at Frisella Nursery have noticed some particular trends pop up more than others. Justin Verbryck, Landscape Design Manager, notes, “We have seen a trend towards clients wanting to invest in outdoor living space. People are wanting to spend more time at home with their families and we are seeing that investment being put into creating a warm and inviting environment for friends and family.”
Adding or revamping your existing outdoor living areas can require a pretty big investment and it goes without saying that homeowners want to get the most bang for their buck. The key to creating an outdoor space that’s the envy of the neighborhood is to be intentional when putting together the design — a sentiment Verbryck echos. He says, “When designing an outdoor space there are many factors to consider. Not only is the layout important, but you also want to plan for how the space will connect to other areas of your home. How many people will you be entertaining? How will you be using the space?All these factors play a major role in making sure you not only create a functional but a beautiful and long lasting space to enjoy.”
Thinking about adding outdoor living and entertaining spaces to your home? Scroll below to get the details on outdoor features that are trending!
Outdoor Kitchens
Perhaps one of the most popular trends we’ve seen in outdoor design recently are outdoor kitchens. The addition of an outdoor kitchen to your patio or deck is the perfect way to blend indoor and outdoor dining. Features like a built-in grill, beverage fridge, and ample counter space ensures you have everything you need right at your fingertips.
Verbryck also notes how easy it is to customize an outdoor kitchen. “With outdoor kitchens, we have the ability to create a totally custom layout based on the needs,” he says. “We will take into consideration what materials will work best with features of your home or other materials in the space for the proposed kitchen. Our outdoor kitchens can be crafted to fit whatever outdoor kitchen you may have. Our design professionals will assist you in planning the perfect outdoor kitchen space for you and your family to enjoy the perfect backyard BBQ.”
Outdoor Lounges
An outdoor lounge area goes hand-in-hand with an outdoor kitchen. Lounges are easy to customize, as well. Whether you want to keep it simple with an extended patio area with a table and set of chairs or go all in with some built-in seating, the possibilities are endless. Some outdoor lounge features to consider? Comfortable seating, lighting, and an umbrella for added shade during the hot summer months.
Covered Structures
When designing your outdoor living and entertaining spaces, adding a covered structure can extend its functionality. Verbryck remarks, “Creating a covered structure allows you to be outdoors through various weather conditions and helps create a ceiling for the space. One challenge for an outdoor space is to make it feel as though you are in a room. Building a structure helps create a baseline for your eye to then move through the space, instead of traveling past a point.”
As far as the structure itself, there are a couple of different options. You could add a pergola, which can be a little more cost effective but you wouldn’t get the same protection from the elements. The other option is to create a traditional enclosed roof over a lounge or kitchen space. For many, this decision will come down to your overall budget as well as the climate where you live. If it’s relatively dry during the summer months, a pergola may work just fine. But, that’s the beauty of custom outdoor living and entertaining spaces — they can be designed to suit a variety of budgets and lifestyles.
Built-In Fireplaces
Cap off a day spent lounging outside with friends and family gathered around a built-in fireplace or fire pit. A custom fire feature offers another way to enjoy exterior living areas and also adds visual interest to your outdoor hardscape. Not to mention that you can use it well into the cooler months!
Hibbs Homes can help you make the most out of your outdoor living space. We partner with with local professionals like Frisella Nursery to create outdoor areas that exceed expectations and ensure homeowners will enjoy it for years to come. Get in touch to learn more about our custom home building and renovation services in Utah and Missouri. We can’t wait to hear from you!