The hottest buzz word in landscape design right now is Outdoor Living. It refers to the idea that your yard should be an extension of your home. In other words, your patio should be as comfortable as your living room, and cooking outside should be as easy as cooking inside. We love working with our clients on Outdoor Living projects, and we’ve come up with our Top 5 favorite Outdoor Living must-haves.
1. Outdoor kitchens and dining areas
It’s not enough to have a grill on the patio. To really enjoy your time outside, think about a full outdoor kitchen set up with grill, sink, refrigerator, warming draw and smoker! And don’t forget to plan for bar seating so your friends and family can hang out while you cook.
2. Outdoor gathering areas
Fire features are a wonderful addition to any outdoor living plan because they draw people together and create a natural gathering spot.
3. Four seasons of fun
Don’t just focus on summer fun when you’re planning your outdoor living space. Try to include features that will keep you outdoors even into fall and winter. An outdoor fireplace is a great example of a feature that will encourage use even when the temperature starts to drop.
4. Lighting features
Making sure your backyard is well lit for evenings will help keep you and your guests outside longer. EA Quinn can work with you on a design that makes the lighting functional as well as visually pleasing. Think about how much joy holiday lights bring. Proper lighting of your landscape can create that ambience all year round.
5. Sitting walls
People often think of patio furniture when they are planning an outdoor space, but don’t forget about integrating sitting walls. They add visual interest and are functional, providing your guests with multiple seating options.