Outdoor living spaces help you get more use out of your yard, whether you enjoy grilling or just being able to sit outside and unwind. If you’re planning an outdoor living space, you might be surprised to discover just how many options you have in terms of design and function. Consider going with one of the latest trends in outdoor living spaces to make the most of this part of your home. Here are some of the top outdoor living space trends to incorporate into your design.
The typical outdoor living space used to just be a deck or patio with a freestanding grill, table and chairs. However, these spaces are becoming much more elaborate. More and more homeowners are also showing interest in being able to use these outdoor spaces all year round rather than only when the weather is nice.
There are several ways to make your outdoor living space a place you can enjoy throughout the seasons. You can cover your outdoor living area for shade and shelter, and add screens on the sides to keep bugs out. You can even add HVAC equipment to keep this area heated or cooled if needed. With enough shelter, as well as heating and cooling options, you can use your outdoor living space all year.
Outdoor living spaces should provide a comfortable place to relax or hang out with family and friends. If you find traditional patio or deck furniture uncomfortable, keep in mind that you can design an outdoor living space that feels as cozy as an interior room. Your outdoor living space can have living room furniture in it rather than deck chairs or traditional patio furniture. You can also have a fireplace built into your outdoor living space to mimic the look and feel of an indoor living room. Creating this kind of outdoor area can encourage you to use this space as often as possible.
Outdoor living spaces can feel like a natural extension of your home rather than separate areas. To achieve this effect, you can create a seamless transition between the interior of your home and an outdoor living space. For example, you might use the same kinds of flooring and decor for both areas, which creates a natural flow between these spaces. Arranging furniture in a way that makes both spaces feel connected is another way to accomplish this transition. You can also place outdoor furniture in the interior part to maintain the same decor in both areas.
Outdoor living space trends are focusing more on subtle lighting for these areas. Using more subtle lights helps create the right ambiance for these outdoor areas while providing enough illumination. Rather than using harsh lighting, you might choose pendant fixtures with softer lighting for an outdoor dining area. You can also use down lighting in trees to shed soft light onto your outdoor living space, or line your patio or deck with recessed lights in the floor. Choose lower-watt bulbs for lighting fixtures in outdoor living spaces to avoid too much brightness.
As a lifelong resident of Litchfield County, Heather is quite familiar with the beautiful Northwest Corner of Connecticut. In partnership with her husband at Turri, Inc., in Torrington, she managed and grew a 30+ employee electrical contracting firm that served both the residential, commercial and industrial industries. Currently residing in Goshen she hopes to transfer and utilize many of the skills she learned in contracting to the real estate industry.
Knowing how a vital community relies on its volunteers, Heather spent many hours in several capacities at local organizations that she admires. She serves on the Woodridge Lake Finance Committee and House Committee, Victoria Court Condominium Association (secretary) and Educating Canines Assisting with Disabilities (volunteer and nursery mom). Heather has also been involved with Goshen Community Care & Hospice (president of board of directors), Warner Theatre (board of directors), LARC (volunteer), Festival of Trees (founder), the Northwest Chamber of Commerce, and Goshen Business Circle. Heather also served as Vice President of Woodridge Lake’s Board of Directors.
In Heather’s spare time, she enjoys spending time with family usually in an active way by playing tennis, golf, boating, hiking and skiing.
Heather is honored to be a part of the E.J. Murphy team and hopes you will contact her with any of your real estate needs.
