A growing trend in homes throughout the nation involves bringing a little bit of that interior charm to the Great Outdoors. Rather than just sticking a picnic table in the yard for family gatherings and hauling out a few extra folding chairs when neighbors pop by to visit, homeowners are beginning to place as much of an effort in the layout and décor of their exterior living spaces as they do with the interior rooms of their home. Large luxurious overstuffed patio furniture reflects the consumers’ desire to infuse a little elegance and creature comfort into their outdoor oasis. These are a few more trends I just happen to love:
- The Outdoor Kitchen: As a man who loves to grill, this has to be the end-all-be-all for me! Instead of the obligatory black grill stuck on the corner of the patio shrouded in a cover faded by the sun, it’s entirely possible to create a sleek, chic look for your outdoor living space. By incorporating a stainless steel grill paired with outdoor sink, mini-fridge and even a dishwasher all set in a granite countertop surround, complete with lots of storage for your kitchen tools and bar essentials – you suddenly have an outdoor kitchen that could well make your backyard the envy of the neighborhood.
- Take Cover: Some homeowners may choose to make their outdoor living space either partially enclosed or covered, making it even easier to infuse elements of the interior of the home. A pergola makes it possible to string lights for a festive atmosphere, and hang an exterior ceiling fan for the comfort of your guests on those hot summer days. A continuous cover adds protection for your furniture against elements like the sun and rain, and may make it possible to incorporate a flat-screen TV that is specially designed to resist harm from dust, bugs and the elements. You can also add dramatic lighting fixtures, an outdoor rug, and lots of throw pillows to really create that exterior living room feel. Imagine watching the Atlanta Braves on the flat-screen from the comfort of your big, overstuffed outdoor sofa while burgers are grilling and the kids are playing nearby. You’ve just increased your home’s living spaces, as well as its curb appeal and value for future homebuyers. By screening this space in, you can still enjoy the Great Outdoors but let the bugs know they are no longer invited to the party.
- The Outdoor Hearth: Perhaps one of the hottest trends out there (no pun intended), the outdoor hearth offers the ideal focal point for any outdoor living space. It can be as simple as a firepit surrounded by multi-colored Adirondack chairs – perfect for roasting marshmallows and swapping ghost stories, or as dramatic as a towering stacked stone fireplace with mantle – the showcase piece for the entire backyard. Outdoor hearths not only create atmosphere and add an air of romance to your oasis, they can be practical additions by enhancing the light and warmth of the space – increasing its enjoyment to all four seasons.
- The Outdoor Aquarium: Aquariums date all the way back to Ancient Rome. People have long been mesmerized by the gracefully gliding meanderings of fish. There’s something to be said for the undeniably relaxing nature of incorporating water elements into your backyard. If you seek an outdoor sanctuary rather than an exterior entertaining space, the addition of a waterfall or koi pond surrounded by benches could be all you need to achieve your own personal balance.
The best part is, my team at Highlight Homes and I can help you turn your home inside out for summer! Whether you choose to enclose an existing patio, build a deck addition, or create an entirely new living space further back on your property, Highlight Homes has the talent and know-how to not only design it, but to also build it from the ground up. Consider your existing backyard as a blank canvas, then imagine the possibilities! Which elements do you feel could best serve your family, increasing the overall enjoyment of your home? We can help you decide that, too. Getting started is as easy as picking up a phone or sending us an e-mail. My team and I can be reached by calling 678.873.9234, by filling out our convenient online contact form, or by e-mailing us at info@highlighthomesga.com. I look forward to hearing from you soon, and learning how best Highlight Homes can serve you and your family.
