If you’re thinking about improving your outdoor living space, you’re not alone. According to CNBC, Houzz reported searches on its site for outdoor living amenities soared last summer as people realized they wanted a more comfortable, welcoming, and usable space outside while sheltering at home. We’ve seen that same kind of spike in interest here in Cincinnati.
Now is the time to start planning for improving your outdoor living spaces for next spring. Though the pandemic sparked the interest, creating a more functional and beautiful space just outside your doors has lasting value for your lifestyle and your home.
When you start thinking outside your four walls, the possibilities really are endless. You can create the ultimate outdoor living and entertaining area.
Cover Up
To take advantage of the sunny days of spring and summer (they’ll be back, we promise!), consider adding shade to your space. Depending on your home style, living style, and where the house sits on your lot, you can add a porch or pergola to the back, front, or side of your home. The wider it can be, the better, so you can accommodate seating areas or other amenities. If you have the room, a free-standing pavilion can be placed near a pool or integrated into your property with landscaping and pathways worthy of a four-star resort.
Depending on the site, we recommend an actual roof structure, because it allows you to be outside even during rain or drizzle, and protects your furniture and other features from the elements. If you or someone you love wants to avoid insects outside, a screened porch keeps the biting pests away while still being out in the fresh air. And a roof allows you to add ceiling fans, which will keep you cool even on hot, still summer days. A mix of covered and open-air gathering spaces gives you the best of both worlds.
From Fire Features to TVs, Create a Wish List
With a roof in place, you can start adding features that can turn your space into your outdoor oasis. One of the most popular features clients request is a fireplace. Paired with a stone or other architectural finish on the wall, it creates a focal point, a source of heat on chilly days and nights, and a natural gathering spot.
To top that off, hanging an all-weather flat-screen TV makes it easy and comfortable to watch a game, movie, or binge-watch a series to your heart’s content. Outdoor speaker technology has come a long way in sound quality, getting the most out of your favorite playlist or making those movies sound like they’re in a theater.
To create what can be your fresh-air great room, home bars are moving outside too, along with fully functional outdoor kitchens — going well beyond a simple grill. Add appliances like a cooktop, pizza oven, refrigerator, freezer, or ice maker for additional flexibility. Build in enough storage, a sink, and even a dishwasher, and you’ll cut down on trips inside when dining and sipping outside, giving you more time to enjoy time with family and friends.
Relax & Rejuvenate
A pool or spa (or both) will make your home the place everyone wants to hang out. From a spirited game of Marco Polo to lap swimming to a serene moment on a float, a pool adds to your enjoyment of summer.
A spa tub can be added to the pool or be freestanding, open to the starry sky or enclosed and protected from the weather (or for more privacy). A good soak can soothe aching muscles or provide the perfect spot for relaxing and rejuvenating.
Timing is Everything
To create your ideal outdoor living area, it can take months of planning. Once plans are finalized, materials need to be ordered and delivered, permits pulled, and work scheduled. If you’d like to create your ultimate outdoor oasis in time for next spring and summer, now is the time to get started! Give us a call at 513-851-2700 or fill out the form on the right and we’ll get to work.
