Stylish Outdoor Living

You may be getting the itch to start on an outdoor project now that the weather is heading towards summer. A trip to your local home improvement center will confirm that yes indeed, families everywhere are planning on living outdoors this summer. You’ll see everything from the latest building materials to incredible furniture and BBQ’s that rival your indoor range. The Holiday weekend is coming up, three whole days to get going with that outdoor “room” you always dreamed of. Decks and patios give a home and yard an attractive, functional outdoor space. Home owners’ increased interest in enjoying nature and gardening is reflected in patios and decks. These outdoor spaces reflect a greater array of designs, materials, sizes, and price points than constructed in years past.

They’re getting bigger and bigger and sometimes extend off the back and wrap around one side. Many also are designed as a transition between the indoors and a landscaped yard. Decks and patios also are getting up-scaled, the equivalent of outdoor rooms with sophisticated furnishings and all the bells and whistles.

Here’s how to get these outdoor spaces the attention they deserve:

Boost Curb Appeal
Outdoor spaces have become a bigger part of the curb appeal that attracts buyers and can even increase a selling price. More than one-third of buyers want a patio or terrace (a space level with the ground) while 21 percent desire a deck (constructed above the ground), according to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®’

Choose Features Wisely
To get the greatest enjoyment and best return on dollars invested, home owners should study examples in design publications, drive through favorite neighborhoods to see possibilities, and ask themselves pertinent questions, such as how the desk will be used, when, and what activities will take place there.

Here are other factors to consider:
Style. Most designers recommend a style compatible with the home’s architecture. “The greatest opportunity for a successful look is for the space to be seamlessly integrated with the house rather than resemble an afterthought,” says Bob Hursthouse, a landscape architect. The style also should blend into the landscape.

Materials. More buyers seek materials that require little or no maintenance and can withstand inclement weather. In addition to perennial favorites such as brick, bluestone, and Western red cedar, materials that are gaining popularity today are recycled plastic composites; dense renewable tropical hardwoods such as vinyls that have the look and feeling of wood; and Trex, made from reclaimed wood and plastic.

Color can make a difference. Lighter materials reflect more sunlight and can be hotter. Stains can change the color and protect wood from moisture, mold, and algae growth.

Size. While shape and size should be proportional to the home, the deck or patio also needs to be large enough to accommodate all uses and users comfortably. Outdoor furniture is one-third larger than comparable indoor pieces. To accommodate multiple uses and add visual interest, more decks are built on several levels.

Placement. Where the deck or patio is situated should depend on views available.

Safety. Any deck or patio needs to meet local safety codes with the correct height of railings and spacing between and correct number of steps.

The extras. Among today’s favorites for decks and patios are fireplaces and pits, gourmet kitchens, sound systems, water features, high-end furnishings, storage, gazebos, colorful awnings, space heaters, and decorative and energy-efficient lighting.

Don’t Forget the Landscaping. An outdoor room is best accessorized with plants either permanent plantings or in seasonal containers.