Annual Homes & Design Issue
Outdoor spaces may be designed for functionality, but personal style and custom
details make your favorite outdoor spaces truly feel like home. With plants, pools, patios, and more to personalize, there are endless options when it comes to bringing the comfort of your home to the great outdoors. Here, six area experts share sage advice on how to make any outdoor space feel like a seamless, welcoming extension of the home.
Adding color to your hardscape will enhance the overall feel of your outdoor space and help give it ambience. You do not leave your floors unfinished inside your home. Adding a colored coating to your concrete surface will give it a decorative finish and protect it from freeze-thaw damage. There are 2-for-1 products that add color and protect the surface. Damaged concrete is just an eyesore. Repairing the damage and applying a coating will make your outdoor space have a warm and inviting feeling. For new concrete, we can use a stamp pattern, inlays, or dye-packs to add color or texture. The possibilities are endless with new concrete construction. You just have to plan. We offer technical consultations when estimating concrete projects and assist with color selections.
When designing a poolscape and outdoor living area, you should always give thought to how the homeowner and guests will access and use the space. Try to create a flow through the area so no one feels confined on the path. Have at least three areas where people can congregate outside of the flow of traffic. This could be wider areas in the pool deck that accommodate lounge chairs for sunning or a table and chairs. One area could be designated the no splash zone that is opposite the main area where children play. If the space for the pool area is confined or limited, you can push the pool out away from the house and focus the deck on three sides, having grass or landscaping on the far side. This allows you to have more usable space on the three sides creating those congregation areas.
Creating an outdoor space that feels like home is all about personalizing your space without taking away from the beauty of the great outdoors. To maximize your patio space, I recommend going column-free and opting for structural steelwork to span the area. This not only allows for gorgeous unobstructed views, but it also ensures plenty of space for entertaining guests. Another great way to personalize your space without taking away from the surrounding views is to incorporate ornamental fencing. A high-quality fence acts like a picture frame for your space, adding a layer of privacy and personalization without taking away from your backyard’s visual interest. The right fence style will complement your home as a whole as well as elevate and unify your outdoor space.
Picture this: with a concrete coating on your outdoor space, it’s like bringing the comfort of your home right outside. You get to choose colors and textures that match what you’ve got indoors, making everything feel cohesive and stylish. Plus, it’s not just about looks – this coating adds a cozy vibe that bare concrete just can’t match. And talk about practicality! It protects your outdoor area from all kinds of damage, whether it’s stains or wear and tear, so it stays looking good for ages. Safety? Covered. Some coatings even make surfaces less slippery, which means fewer worries about slips and falls. Best of all? Maintenance is a breeze. Just a little cleaning now and then, and you’re good to go. So, kick back, relax, and enjoy your outdoor oasis – all thanks to that simple concrete coating.
With the beautiful four seasons our area has to offer, it’s important to have an outdoor space that is both enjoyable year-round and feels like an extension of the home. If your home is one filled with family time and hosting loved ones, playing up your pool with fun features like bubblers and deck jets are great additions. These energetic elements make for enjoyable fun and a spectacle for all ages. If your home is more of a refined, quiet respite, then look to add elements like a sun shelf with built-in umbrellas or fire bowls to add atmosphere. With so many versatile options, you’re sure to be able to dress up your outdoor space to match your home’s style and needs.
It’s important for the pool or outdoor living area to feel like an extension of the homeowner. A home reflects a person’s sense of style and personality, and the outdoor area should feel no different. If clean lines and clutter-free spaces fill your home, then select light-colored decking and a zero-edge pool that help emphasize that style. If your style is more artsy, play up your pool with fun colored tile or plenty of dramatic plants to fill the space. Outside of the pool itself, accessorizing the space to match your taste is a must. Comfortable furniture that leans into your style will help it feel like a seamless transition from indoor to outdoor living.
