How to bring the indoors outside: Making the most of your outdoor living space

With summer in full swing, consider the importance of an outdoor living space. Outdoor living has evolved as an expansion of the indoor living space. Many homeowners desire exterior entertainment spaces with beautiful sitting rooms, outdoor bars and dining areas, elaborate kitchens, fire pits, pools and spas. The first step to making the most of your outdoor space is to look at the space available and decide how it’s going to be used. Just like the interior of our homes, outdoor spaces reflect our lifestyle, tastes and needs.

Your outdoor space could be an extension of your home that connects by a doorway to one or more rooms, or a backyard oasis designed for peace of mind. Or, maybe you want the ultimate party pool, big enough for all of your friends, children and other guests. Other features could include a hot tub or spa, a fountain or another water feature and an outdoor shower.
If you throw large dinner parties opt for a screened in patio (depending on where you live) that allows for plenty of seating and space to entertain, BUG FREE.

Entertainment areas such as outdoor kitchens, fire pits and even a television area are a great way to bring everyone together. If you will be cooking and serving outside, you might want to consider built-in grills with countertops and storage. Determine what type of outdoor kitchen will best suit your lifestyle and then you will be able to include features such as fryers, woks, refrigeration, wine storage, ice makers, sinks, utensil and dish storage, a wood-burning pizza oven is a luxurious addition to any outdoor kitchen. Consider a beautiful fireplace to sit and relax in front of after you have enjoyed a drink from your outdoor bar. There is no end to how you can enjoy your outdoor space.

Careful planning from the beginning can ensure that your outdoor living area is an extension of your home. Outdoor furniture and landscape requirements are important to consider when designing your home.

Much like with the interior of a house the selection of finishes (floors, walls, countertop, backsplashes and cabinetry) is affected by its use. Durability, aesthetics and price are a consideration.

For many, outdoor living is a place to relax or entertain. The perfect outdoor living space, with all the bells and whistles, can make the once important dream of a Cottage away from the city, an obsolete entity. Your outdoor living space can become your slice of the cottage lifestyle without the traffic to get you there.

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