Many families cite their yard as the thing that they love most about their home. Others say that the yard is the reason they bought their home in the first place. But most of us in the United States live in communities affected by seasonal changes; there aren’t many places where the climate is such that we can make use of our outdoor space 365-days a year (wouldn’t that be nice!).
So what are some ways to maximize the utility of your outdoor space during the times of the year you can enjoy it fully? What should you focus on during a remodel to help bring the outside in and the inside out?
The key thing to keep in mind if you’re trying to maximize your enjoyment of your outdoor environment is that you have to consider flow.
You want to make it as easy as possible for your family to take advantage of your yard– maybe a pool or a patio or outdoor dining area?
It is human nature to resist or delay things that are perceived to be a lot of work. Don’t be ashamed if that applies to you. You may be the kind of person who considers going outside to the patio to read a book and drink an iced tea, but is daunted by the task of pulling the furniture cushions out of the garage, cleaning them off, and setting them up, and instead stays inside in the comfort of your A/C. That’s okay.
But make it easier on yourself. Install an attractive storage structure adjacent to the patio where you can store those cushions (and other outdoor necessities like lanterns, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, etc.). Or purchase decorative deck storage boxes where you can keep those cushions dry, clean, and nearby for easy use.
Relish entertaining at your pool or patio, but don’t relish the idea of shuttling food and drinks out to your guests from the kitchen? There are lots of solutions to that problem.
Consider installing an outdoor kitchen/bar. The most upscale of these offer just about the same amenities that your indoor kitchen has. Many outdoor kitchens have fridges, counterspace for food preparation, and grills with burners for cooking meals, icemakers for refreshing drinks and even dishwashers. No more sallying back and forth from the kitchen, cutting you off from spending time with guests.
One of our recent clients solved this problem with a renovation double-whammy. They located both the kitchen and a separate bar area to where the house faced the pool and had generous sliding doors installed in each room. These are warm, cozy spaces to hang out during the cool winter months, but in late spring and summer they absolutely come to life. Fling open the doors and let guests and family come and go as they please, helping themselves to beverages and snacks. (Or maybe don’t “fling the doors open,” let them slide them open when needed. You don’t need to be air conditioning the neighborhood or letting in bugs.)
Another thing to consider, especially if you have a pool, if you, your family, and guests spend enough time outdoors, splashing in the water, at some point, you’re going to have to “go.” This is an especially important “flow” you should consider during a renovation that takes your yard in mind.
As a homeowner, you really don’t want people traipsing through your formal living room, over your hardwood floors or expensive carpets with dripping bathing suits and wet feet on their way to use the powder room. Plan to relocate or locate a bathroom with quick and easy access to an outdoor door adjacent to your outdoor gathering area.
Of course, with any of these options– kitchen, bar, or powder room located off a pool area– you’re going to want to have water-resistant flooring installed in the path and in those rooms. Those can be tile or can be waterproof vinyl flooring. There are also other options.
Another choice is to have a full-fledged outdoor pool house style bathroom installed, complete with an outdoor shower to rinse the chlorine and other chemicals off your body. So luxurious. If you go to any resort in the tropics, outdoor showers to rinse off pool water or sea water or sand are the norm. Add a toilet and sink to that, and you have a bathroom oasis in your yard.
Bailey wants to help you to realize your family’s dreams of making the most of your outdoor spaces when you can. Let us know how we can make your home feel like a “vacation home” during the summer months. We would love to help you make that vision a reality.