DÉCOR

BACKYARD STAYCATION: MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE

Pandemic home remodeling is booming so we might as well make the most of what’s right in our own backyards, literally.

by SARA SMOLA photos courtesy of STRUXURE

While COVID-19 put a stop to many activities and gatherings throughout 2020, the silver lining of the shelter-in-place directive was that it forced people to turn their attention to what was in their own backyard...literally. From sprucing up the landscape to installing pools and water fixtures to planting gardens, it seems everyone has been doing design overhaul with no signs of stopping. To ring in 2021, we recommend creating a staycation destination right in your backyard, making the most of Southern California’s indoor-outdoor living thanks to StruXure. Founded in 2011, StruXure offers modern-day pergolas designed to improve your formerly underutilized space in a variety of models including the Pivot 6, Pivot 6 Slide, and Pan 6. While our eastern counterparts may be bundled up by the fireplace during a snowstorm, Pasadenans can take advantage of the mild 60-70ish weather we’ve been waiting for since August’s sweltering temps and continue to enjoy the great outdoors, albeit from the comfort of our homes. Get ready to fire up the BBQ, heat the pool, and pour a much-needed drink.

When designing an outdoor space, site, function, and budget are all important factors to consider. StruXure CEO Scott Selzer shares his tips on making a decision: “What can my property accommodate? What kind of space do I want/need? How much money am I willing to spend? How can I create a space that can be used yearround? Will the upgrades increase my property value? The answers to all of these questions will help inform choices well beyond furniture selection, like whether to add fixed structures, water features, or built-in appliances.”

An added bonus is that the additional space could prove to be a worthy investment for when it’s time to sell, maximizing square footage and value of that space. “As outdoor living continues to rise in popularity, statistics show that homes with comfortable outdoor spaces are increasingly attractive to buyers,” Selzer reveals.

Selzer recommends matching the pergola to your home’s architecture and color scheme—and then turning that protected space into any “room” your family desires. Selzer notes, “The benefit of a sturdy, fixed structure with pivoting louvers is that it can be utilized in every season, whether you want shade, airflow, sunlight, or rain protection.” 