Although we live in our houses, much of our living is done outside, especially during the warmer months of the year. That’s one of the reasons why building an outdoor living space is such a good investment for your life and your wallet.
Given, outdoor living space is a nebulous term. It can mean many things. So what do we mean? Well, part of the strength of an OLS is it is what you want it to be! Let’s break down the types of spaces we can design and what they may include.
Why an Outdoor Living Space?
As humans, we get used to things quickly. Even the most beautiful home fades into the background once we live there for a while. We can think of it as a flaw, but from an evolutionary standpoint, it makes sense. We’re built to notice changes, not make a note of what’s the same.
That’s one reason why Outdoor Living Spaces offer a high return on investment. One thing that’s constantly changing is the outdoors! Every season, you’ll enjoy your deck, porch, or patio in a new way!
The other way these outdoor spaces have a high ROI is monetarily. You can build an ample outdoor living space for far less money than it would cost to create a brand-new room of similar size to your house. But you will get the same enjoyment and a similar bang for your literal buck if you sell your home.
Elements of an Outdoor Living Space
An outdoor living space, like the rest of a home, should reflect the needs, wants, and interests of the people living in the house. So, if you’re wondering what one would like, the answer is – whatever you’d like it to be!
You may choose a standard patio with a grill or a yard spanning space with water elements and walking paths. With that said, there are a few common elements we will often incorporate into the outdoor living spaces we build. We’ll discuss each one below.
Decks and Porches
Your outdoor living space begins where the inside of your home ends. And for many homeowners, that means a deck or a porch.
We love building decks and porches, especially unique ones! Yours can be single or multilevel, wraparound or straight, and incorporate screens to become a three-season room.
Then, your deck or porch can lead to the next element of your yard, the patio.
Patios
Patios can be a humble square or elaborate grotto full of other features. We use pavers or poured concrete to create the space and design you need for your perfect outdoor living space.
Then, we incorporate other elements that fit your interests. You may also want to use walking paths to connect your patio to different areas of your yard, such as weaving through a garden.
Water Features
Did you know that the sight and the sound of running water have been proven to reduce stress? For beach and river lovers, this likely comes as no surprise! But you can incorporate a little bit of the feel of a day at the lake or beach into your own backyard with water elements!
Water elements can be as simple as a birdbath or as complex as a large running fountain that empties into a pond. What would you like for your home?
Grills
Ok, admit. When we said outdoor living, you imagined a barbeque, didn’t you? No shame there! Barbeques are the cornerstone of summer gatherings.
And while any grill is better than no grill at all, having one built into your patio takes things up a notch aesthetically.
Outdoor Kitchen
Of course, if you’re a true gourmand, you may feel like a grill isn’t enough to flex your culinary muscles. So why not consider an entire outdoor kitchen?
Frame to Finish can build you an outdoor kitchen that puts your indoor one to shame, complete with all the appliances and items you’d expect, from ovens and burners to running water and electricity.
Add some custom hardscape seating to complete the picture!
Fire Pits
The problem with outdoor living spaces is many of us feel like we can only use them for part of the year. However, there’s a saying in Scandinavian countries (famous for their cold weather): “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.”
To apply that logic to your backyard, you can choose not only to dress warmly but also to add a little heat. A fire pit can turn your yard into a lovely gathering space.
Ready to Level Up Your Yard with an Outdoor Living Space?
An outdoor living space can feel like a whole new room of your house, and if designed right, it may be your favorite! Let the pros at Frame to Finish make your yard one you’ll want to come home to!
