- An outdoor living space can add value to one’s home and increase satisfaction.
- Homeowners should consider amenities like patios, decks, fire pits/fireplaces, hot tubs/spas, and outdoor kitchens.
- A shaded area can provide respite from the sun’s heat and create a cozy atmosphere.
- Native plants are low maintenance and require less water than non-native species.
Creating an outdoor living space can be an excellent way for homeowners to expand their homes’ livable space and add value to their property. According to the National Association of Home Builders, outdoor living spaces are among the most requested features in new homes. Spending quality time outdoors provides many physical and mental health benefits and adds value to any home.
Studies have shown that an outdoor living space increases satisfaction with one’s home and perceived value. One survey by Houzz revealed that 63% of remodeling homeowners reported being either “very satisfied” or “extremely satisfied” with their newly designed outdoor living space. Furthermore, it was found that 66% of surveyed homeowners expect to recoup much or all of their investment when they sell their homes due to adding an outdoor living area.
There will be many decisions when creating an outdoor living space, depending on the homeowner’s needs and preferences. Here are a few tips to help you with the process:
Identify Amenities You Want
Homeowners can make their outdoor living space more enjoyable by incorporating various amenities. These features can help create a backyard oasis, provide privacy, and extend the home’s livable space. Not only do they add value to the house, but they also serve as great gathering places for friends and family.
Here are a few outdoor amenities that homeowners should consider for their outdoor living area:
Patios and Decks
A patio or deck is an excellent way to bring the indoors out and create an inviting outdoor living space. They can be used for entertaining guests, having meals outdoors, or simply lounging in the sun. Homeowners can get creative with their decks and patios by adding furniture, potted plants, rugs, outdoor lighting, and other elements to make it an inviting place to relax.
Fire Pits and Outdoor Fireplaces
Adding a fire pit or outdoor fireplace is another great way to enjoy the outdoors comfortably. It creates a cozy atmosphere while providing warmth during cooler months. Homeowners who want this feature could also roast marshmallows with friends or cook up smores over an open flame.
Hot Tubs and Spas
Installing a hot tub or spa is another popular choice for homeowners looking to make their backyard more luxurious. This amenity can help create a tranquil atmosphere and provide health benefits such as relief from stress and muscle tension. Homeowners should remember that installing a hot tub or spa requires more maintenance than other amenities.
Outdoor Kitchens
An outdoor kitchen is perfect for those who love entertaining outdoors but don’t want to run back and forth between inside and outside when cooking. This amenity allows them to prepare meals directly on their patio or deck while still enjoying the company of their guests outdoors. Outdoor kitchens typically include countertops with built-in grills, refrigerator units, sinks, storage areas, preparation surfaces, food warmers, etc., making them perfect for easily hosting large gatherings.
Create a Comfortable Shaded Area
Adding a shaded area to an outdoor living space can benefit homeowners and guests alike. Shaded areas are great for hosting gatherings, lounging outdoors, or spending time in one’s backyard. Not only does it provide some respite from the sun’s heat and glare, but it also offers protection from harmful UV rays.
Installing a high-quality pergola kit is one of the best ways to add a shaded area. Pergolas are structures that usually feature latticed roofs and open sides that allow sunlight to filter through while providing plenty of shade. They can also be built larger than traditional decks and patios, making them perfect for large gatherings or parties. Homeowners can choose from various materials, such as wood, aluminum, vinyl, etc., depending on their needs and preferences.
In addition to providing much-needed shade in the summer months, pergolas can also be used to add visual interest to an outdoor living space. They come in different shapes and sizes, so homeowners can easily customize them according to their taste. They can be dressed with lights or curtains or decorated with plants or other ornaments for nighttime entertaining.
Build Healthy Landscaping
Landscaping can add visual interest and natural beauty to an outdoor living space. It also helps maintain healthy soil, air quality, and wildlife habitat. Homeowners should consider incorporating native plants into their landscaped areas as they are low maintenance and require less water than non-native species. Native plants are also often better adapted to the local climate, which will help them thrive with minimal effort from the homeowner.
Adding a few trees or shrubs can give an outdoor living space a sense of privacy and help create a serene atmosphere. For those who want more vibrant colors in their backyard, a wide array of annuals, perennials, vines, groundcovers, etc., can be planted for stunning displays throughout the year.
Final Thoughts
Creating a livable outdoor space doesn’t have to be daunting. With the proper planning and design, homeowners can create an outdoor living area that will add value to their homes and provide years of enjoyment for themselves and their guests. By following these best practices for designing an outdoor living space, homeowners can rest assured that they have made the right decisions for their home and its value.
