OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES

Outdoor living rooms have become one of the most requested features in new home construction and renovations in the Midwest.

While this boom was initially prompted by the pandemic, mild weather continues to inspire homeowners to create comfortable four-season living areas in their backyards. These spaces are luxurious and welcoming with amenities like fire pits, all-weather televisions, outdoor kitchens, spas and swimming pools.

Whether you’re looking to host family gatherings or simply provide a place to unwind after a long day, you can transform your outdoor living space into a welcoming extension of your home with the right design elements and furniture.

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NATURAL POOLS are a great alternative to traditional chlorine pools using perennial plants and water flora instead of chemicals to filter the water.

Planning

There are several questions you should answer to create an outdoor living plan before you start designing:

USE: How will you use your outdoor space? Do you like to entertain or would you prefer a quiet space to relax? Is lounge seating important? A dining area? Outdoor cooking? Your answers will help determine how the space interacts with your home, neighbors and other areas of your yard.

LOCATION: How does the outdoor room connect with your interior living spaces and existing yard? Do you want to create a space directly off your main living room or kitchen, or are you looking for something more removed and engaged with your yard and landscaping?

EXISTING CONDITIONS: Take note of what you already have in your yard. For instance, is there a large tree or pool you would like to feature? Consider the views both into and out of your outdoor room. What might your neighbors see and hear? What scenery would you like to enjoy?

ENCLOSURE: How much structure do you want to create for your space? Would you prefer an open-air, covered or a fully screened patio?

FEATURES: What other aspects do you want to incorporate into the space? Heaters, water fountains, gardens and yard games are all fun elements to include.

A small freestanding pool house contains a private shower and dressing room as well as a covered outdoor kitchen. The pool deck wraps around the pool and integrates with the main house, connecting the two spaces and creating an outdoor lounge area.”

DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION

Once you define the parameters of your space, you can begin the design and construction process. Depending on the size and scope of your outdoor living area, you might consider hiring a landscape designer and contractor to help bring your vision to life.

To find the right team, start your search online for local companies that specialize in outdoor rooms and landscaping. It’s a good idea to interview least two companies. Review their portfolio and referrals for similar-sized projects and ask whether they provide both design and construction, or if you will need to hire a separate contractor. You’ll also want to inquire about landscaping installation, plant warranties and maintenance plans.

It’s important not to rush this process. Make sure you’re happy with the design decisions and allow enough time for a quality build out. Timing for this phase will depend on the size of your project and weather conditions, but a reasonable schedule is four to six months from start to finish.

TRENDS & FEATURES FOR OUTDOOR LIVING ROOMS

If the footprint of your outdoor room is already defined on a deck or patio, adding furniture and accessories is a great DIY spring project. Here are a few ideas to refresh the look and feel:

FIREPITS, FIREPLACES AND HEATERS: Most outdoor rooms include a heat source. Our relatively mild winters in Kansas lend to hanging out around a firepit with smores and enjoying the night sky. Overhead heaters are a great addition, offering instant radiant heat for a cozy outdoor space.

ENTERTAINMENT: Why not enjoy an outdoor game on a lovely spring day? Weather-resistant speakers and televisions make excellent additions for entertaining friends and family. Consider including Jenga, chess, corn hole or other games that are fun for all ages.

KITCHENS: Our region is home to barbeque for good reason – we can use grills and smokers almost year-round. Many homeowners also include pizza ovens, refrigeration and sinks to create a true outdoor kitchen experience.

SCREENED PORCHES: Most new homes feature a screened porch as part of the outdoor living room, offering protection from bugs and rain. A ceiling fan is essential for comfort on hot summer days and nights.

PATIO GARDENS: You don’t need acres of land to have an herb and vegetable garden. Using methods such as square-foot gardening, you can create a bounty of produce using large-scale plots and planters. A container garden adds lovely color and texture to the décor.

LIGHTING: Ambient lighting is a key feature for your space. You don’t need to light up the whole yard, just the areas around seating and dining. Keep it simple –small battery-operated outdoor table lamps and string lights are a great way to add a soft glow.

FURNITURE AND SEATING: Design your seating area much like you would an indoor living or dining room. Large outdoor sectionals paired with side chairs create a cozy lounge feel. For the dining space, a simple large table with chairs and a bench work well for everyday family use while offering the flexibility to host larger parties. Side tables and small decorative accessories make the whole space feel more relaxed and inviting.

Now that spring has sprung, there’s no time like the present to start planning your outdoor living space. With the right tools and techniques, you can easily transform your backyard into an oasis. From adding a deck or patio to creating a garden or outdoor living room, there are plenty of ways to make your backyard more enjoyable and inviting, with the potential bonus of increasing the value of your home. What’s not to love? n