10 Ways To Improve Your Outdoor Living Space
It’s the perfect time of year to figure out 10 ways to improve your outdoor living space. Go take a quick look at your yard, then read this post. Then look at your yard again with fresh eyes. What’s NOT working for you? What kinds of spaces would make you want to spend more time in the fresh air?
Think about if there was anything on this list that made you say “YES! I want THAT!”Even if you don’t have the answers, we can help ask the right questions to get you there. Go ahead and get started by checking out 10 ways to improve your outdoor living space.
#1 Add a Patio (Or Enhance the One You Already Have)
We’ll kick off the 10 ways to improve your outdoor living space with something simple — patios. Patios are a great way to make your outdoor space more inviting. But perhaps you already have one you don’t use?
Take a look with those fresh eyes in a minute. Is your patio too small? Too hot? Not convenient to an entrance? Far away from where you need to grill? We can help you figure out the best size and spot for your patio. And how to make it function in a way that will invite you to spend a lot of time using it.
If you need shade, we can go over options like a patio covered by a porch roof or a new pergola. Other factors include patio lighting and finding the right hardscape materials and patterns.
Gravel patios, stone patios, concrete patios and brick patios are popular options. We’ll make sure that your choices look right with the architecture of your home as well as with your yard. For example, the pavers here play off the stone on the chimney. We can also help you chose the soft finishes for your patio like beautiful and comfortable furniture.
#2 Put On a Deck
A deck is a great option, especially if your main level is elevated. And if there’s a walk-out lower level below, the deck floor can help to form a porch roof for that outdoor living space. This deck has easy access from the house, including from a new sunroom addition.
#3 Consider a Screened-In Porch Addition
Let’s face it, the mosquito is the state bird of Georgia. If your yard is particularly buggy, consider a screened-in porch. This project took an existing deck to a screened-in porch. In addition to the lounge area with the roaring fireplace, there’s also a dining area.
Access to your yard is also important. In the case of the screened-in porch we showed in the previous photo, we added stairs for direct access to the backyard.
#4 Create a Porch
Along the front of the house, the side or out back, you’ll never regret adding the southern charm of a porch.
Porches provide such a great indoor-outdoor feel, where the roof protects you from at least some of the elements. Ceiling fans, outdoor heaters and fireplaces can also mitigate seasonal temperature changes.
Porches are also great when placed poolside, offering a good shady option. We’ll help you chose performance fabrics that can stand up to damp bathing suits and towels too. And outdoor rugs that can be hosed down for cleaning.
#5 Install a Fire Pit
Fire pits are wonderful spots for catching up with loved ones at the end of the day or drawing a group when entertaining. And a built-in fire pit is especially great for a few reasons.
One, it will be durable and last a long time.
Two, stone, like on the fire pit seen here, looks lovely in a landscape.
Three, you can have a gas line run out to it, as not all neighbors appreciate the smoke from the wood-burning variety.
#6 Have a Pavilion Built
A screened or open pavilion can provide an outdoor living room, open air TV-watching spot and protection for an “outdoor” kitchen. This screened poolside pavilion provides a breezy hangout space.
This recently completed pavilion has given this Atlanta family lots of room to enjoy the outdoors year round. The TV is perfect for college game days, and the kids especially love using the pizza oven.
The outdoor kitchen also includes a gas grill, a Big Green Egg ceramic grill, an outdoor fridge and more.
Pavilions are also great spots for outdoor fireplaces. We incorporated wood storage into the design of the pavilion.
Get a closer look at this pavilion
#7 Gain Extra Space With an Accessory Structure
Whether you have an existing shed, garage or are starting from scratch, we can help you with creating an outbuilding. Perhaps you’d like an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) for in-laws or extra income. Or maybe you need a studio for art, a home office, or a workshop. Or perhaps you just need a spot to get spend some quiet alone time.
In this case, we transformed our clients’ existing garage into a charming guest cottage-studio space, complete with a compact full bathroom.
Learn more about this garage-turned-garden guest house
#8 Go For That Pool
Modest-size and even tiny pools are so much more common now. Even in a small urban lot like the one you see here, there can be plenty of room for a pool. Or perhaps it’s a spa you prefer. Whenever you’re ready to take the plunge, start planning for a pool.
#9 Bring the Kitchen Outdoors
Outdoor kitchens can be as simple as an attractive grilling station and almost as complex as an indoor kitchen. And of course, there’s everything in between — the choice is yours! This poolside porch has an outdoor kitchen that includes a bar, sink, fridge and storage among other features. It’s the heart of this poolside outdoor living area.
And this outdoor kitchen includes two grills (gas and ceramic), a fridge, a trash pullout, storage drawers, granite countertops and a pizza oven.
10: Install an At-Home Putting Green
Finally, the last of the 10 ways to improve your outdoor living space is all about family fun. When we refreshed a Buckhead pool and spa, and added a pavilion, the clients also had us add a home putting green. The putting green allows for hours of quality family bonding time. And it really helps them hone their golf skills!
We hope these 10 ways to improve your outdoor living space design have gotten your wheels turning. Our minds are open to all your ideas, and we’d love to help you find great ways to spend more time in your backyard. When you’re ready, please give us a call to schedule a free consultation.
