Outdoor Living Rooms Add Value and Enjoyment!
By Lori Davies
Who doesn’t enjoy having a spring or summer BBQ with all their best friends or family gathered around? Consider bringing your living space to the outdoors; add value to your home and enjoy a sunny season of endless entertainment or relaxation.
The outdoor living trend remains popular as homeowners seek to add lasting value and functional living space under the sky and stars. Whether it’s a do-it-yourself patio or a professionally installed outdoor kitchen, the beauty, usefulness, value and ease of maintenance in outdoor living space is limitless.
By creating a space in the open air and adding elements like fireplaces, pergolas, water features, and fire pits, you get a very different feel. People want and need that connection to the outdoors, and this can be accomplished within a reasonable budget; bringing you double the return on your investment.
Currently, the most popular trend is to expand kitchen space with outdoor grilling areas, stone fireplaces for cooking wood-fired pizza. Largely because the kitchen is typically the customary gathering place in the home, it’s a natural extension for outdoor entertaining as well. The cost of an outdoor kitchen can be as low as $950 or as high as $10,000 according to Homeadvisor.com. The opinion of a good architect is recommended for a more expensive project, insuring you can recover that investment at resale.
Next on the list of most sought after outdoor features is the stone fireplace or fire pit. The fire is an art feature of its own, and provides a focal point for entertaining. Add half-circle seating or outdoor furniture around a fire pit or table creates a cozy nook, which can transform a patio into that lounge feel, fit for gatherings well into the evening and late in the summer or fall season. The outdoor fireplace, depending on the size and materials, can be achieved at a cost between $275-$1,400; but, on average $600.
For Fun: 6 summer essentials for a party ready, outdoor space!
1. Six-Seat Sectional and Stool. Anchor your outdoor space with comfortable, versatile furniture – if you have enough room, a sectional will offer maximum seating and flexibility. This six-seater features a movable footstool for guests who want to prop their feet up, and a neutral fabric that can easily be dressed up with colorful accessories. ($840)
2. Cantilever Umbrella. Your fairer-skinned friends will appreciate this backyard addition. A substantial nine feet in diameter, this cantilever umbrella in soothing spa green tilts and turns 360 degrees to provide shade anywhere you need it. ($369.99)
3. Outdoor Wood Cooler. Ditch your standard plastic cooler and upgrade to this sophisticated wood version. It’ll look great on your deck or patio, and it’ll keep your beverages and snacks cool so you don’t have to keep running inside to fetch refreshments for your guests. ($149.99)
4. Elephant Garden Stool. Don’t forget a spot for party-goers to set their drinks. Add a small side table or – better yet – this adorable elephant garden stool, which can also serve as extra seating in a pinch. ($90.89)
5. Pizza Fire Pit. This is genius: This multifunctional fire pit comes with two pizza stones and a removable grill for whipping up homemade pizza, steak or veggies. Once you’re finished cooking, you can remove the accessories and keep the fire blazing for warmth and ambiance. ($78.99)
6. Medallion Outdoor Pillows. Jazz up solid-color furniture and add comfort with vibrant outdoor pillows. These stunners make a statement with a bold medallion design, and their ample size will encourage hours of outdoor lounging. (Warning: your guests may never leave.) ($49.50 each)