10 Outdoor Living Space Ideas
Well, the pollen is coming in at full force here in Atlanta. It’s a sign that it’s time to start thinking about how to make the most of your outdoor living space. Here are 10 outdoor living space ideas illustrated by our Atlanta renovation projects.
#1: Outdoor Fire Pits
Fire pits are a great way to gather with friends. Choices include an easy-to-light gas-fueled fire pit or a wood burning one. The latter takes a little more work, but is optimal for ‘smores nights with friends.
We also love fire pits because they can extend patio season into the shoulder seasons. You’ll keep toasty on chilly nights while enjoying the view of the stars.
One thing to consider when choosing a fire pit is the neighbors. If they are close by, they may not enjoy your wood burning smoke. Check around before choosing this option.
#2: Outdoor Fireplaces
Outdoor fireplaces can be installed on a screened-in porch, open porch, pavilion or patio. These create a gorgeous focal point. We love stone options, and we can also present brick and stucco options if that’s a better match for your home.
#3: A Pool
There’s no better way to cool off during our hot Atlanta summers than by installing a new pool. And for winter, why not add a spa to really stretch your outdoor living time?
We also highly recommend installing a fountain like our Virginia-Highland clients did. They are great for not only adding tranquil splashing, but also for mitigating the noise of the city.
#4: An Open Porch
Another way to beat the summer heat in Atlanta is with a porch. They provide shade, and installing ceiling fans on the porch will provide a breeze.
Porches also provide shelter from inclement weather. And adding an outdoor fireplace as our clients did here will give you a toasty spot to hang out in the colder months.
#5: A Screened-In Porch
For all the previously mentioned reasons, a screened-in porch is a fantastic outdoor living option. Plus, it will keep the bugs and other creepy crawlies out.
In this project, we transformed a not-so-great deck into an inviting screened-in porch. We created an outdoor fireplace-TV lounge, a dining area and new access to our clients backyard. It gave them the chance to enjoy outdoor living for much more of the year.
#6: An ADU
An accessory dwelling unit, otherwise known as an ADU, is a great way to use your yard. These can serve as home offices, guest cottages, in-law living space, art studios, workout spaces, workshops, she sheds and man caves!
We transformed a dilapidated shed into this charming backyard cottage. It has a small kitchenette, sleeping space and a full bathroom. This beautified the yard and the garden around the cottage.
#7: An Open-Air Pavilion
Much like a porch, an open-air pavilion provides a breezy and shade respite. This pavilion we built in Morningside has an outdoor fireplace-TV lounge and an outdoor kitchen. Heaters in the ceiling keep it warm for football season.
Learn more: Pavilion With Outdoor Kitchen
These Buckhead clients completely renovated their pool, spa, gazebo and hardscape in this project. The pavilion has lounging and dining areas, as well as an outdoor kitchen.
The TV is also a big hit with the whole family. In fact, one of the homeowner’s favorite thing to do out here is escape daily stresses by tuning into The Great British Bakeoff out here.
#8: An Outdoor Kitchen
The Morningside pavilion has a fantastic outdoor kitchen. In addition to a gas grill, a Big Green Egg and a fridge, it has storage and a trash receptacle. But our client’s favorite feature is the pizza oven. It’s a huge hit with kids and adults alike.
#9: A Putting Green
Behind the Buckhead pavilion is one of our favorite ways people enjoy their outdoor living space. It is a putting green! This is truly fun for the whole family!
#10: A Deck
This beautiful deck has it all. The program includes a covered lounge and outdoor kitchen area, a sunny spot to sit and access to a lower patio and under-deck space. This spot includes a porch swing supported by the deck’s structure.
The covered portion of the deck has easy access to the family room and kitchen. The roof provides shade and protection from the elements. The structure itself has a polished rustic look, with exposed timbers and a vaulted ceiling.
Learn More
We hope this list of 10 outdoor living space ideas helped you think about how to plan your outdoor living space design!
But if you’re stumped, don’t fret. Our team will ask all the right questions to make sure we design outdoor elements and experiences that are perfect for your lifestyle.
If you’re ready to start the process of maximizing your metro Atlanta-area outdoor living spaces, contact us for a consultation.
If you enjoyed this story, here are a few more links we think you’ll enjoy:
How To Plan a Fabulous Outdoor Kitchen
Tour a Solarium and Landscape Renovation
10 Ways To Improve Your Outdoor Living Space
