Planning Your Backyard Makeover
Summer is the prime time for entertaining family and friends in the great outdoors. It is also the perfect time for adding new features and functions to your outdoor space. In this article we will discuss the steps to consider when planning a backyard makeover.
Take Stock of Your Existing Outdoor Space
Very few of us have the advantage of starting with a completely blank slate when it comes to backyard makeovers. There is usually an existing patio, porch, deck, pool, or spa that needs to be incorporated into our plans. In some cases, we may consider these existing structures an advantage that we want to highlight; in others we may want to separate or downplay these features. Either way, the first step in your planning process should be to take stock of all existing features in your outdoor space and determine which ones you want to highlight. Also, be sure to note any potentially unused spaces that can be reimagined. This could include things like unused space below an existing deck or a grove of trees with a lush canopy that would be perfect for creating a secluded chat area. Reimagining unused spaces can save you both time and money.
How Many Guests Do You Want to Entertain?
Once you have taken stock of your existing spaces, it’s time to consider how you will use your new outdoor space. Do you want to create a cozy space for two or are you planning on entertaining family and friends? If you’re planning on entertaining, you should also consider how many people will be at your gatherings. This allows you to ensure that you have enough seating for your guests. You should also think about what features you want to include in your outdoor space. These can include things like providing shade for your guests, adding a grill or kitchen Island, replacing or adding outdoor furniture, or even adding a fire feature. Fire features include outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, and fire tables.
How and When Will Use Your Outdoor Space
You’ll want to consider when you want to use your outdoor space. If you will just use your space during the summer months and your primary concern is proving shade for your guests, a market or cantilever umbrella when combined with an outdoor dining or patio chat set is an inexpensive way to provide shade and create an outdoor room. If you’re looking for a more substantial shade structure, pergolas are another great option for providing shade. If you are concerned with using the space when it’s raining, you may also want to consider a roofed pavilion to keep your guests dry. If you want to extend the time you can entertain outdoors in the fall and winter months, consider adding one of the fire features mentioned above to your outdoor plans. These provide heat to keep your guests warm and cozy on those crisp autumn evenings – not to mention they look beautiful!
Outdoor Fireplaces and FirePits Are a Great Way To Extend Your Time Outdoors
Set Your Priorities
Once you have taken stock of your existing outdoor space, determined how many people will be using the space, and when you want to use the space, it’s time to set your priorities. This is where you make a list of the features and functions that are must have vs nice to have. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box when comparing options. For example, let’s say you have identified “seating for six” and the “ability to cook” in your outdoor room as your must haves. The obvious choice would be to purchase a good quality, stand-alone grill and a nice outdoor patio dining set with seating for six. However, another option to consider would be to buy a grill Island with seating for six. In effect, the BBQ island kills two birds with one stone by meeting both requirements.
Also don’t be afraid to spread the makeover out over multiple seasons. At Housewarmings, our outdoor kitchen islands, pergolas, pavilions, outdoor fireplaces, and outdoor fire pits are manufactured in our Lexington, KY factory. This means that you could add a pergola with stone bases this year and come back the following year and add an outdoor grill island with stone that matches the stone on your pergola bases. This allows you to achieve a consistent look while spreading your cost out over multiple years.
Our Consultants Are Ready to Help
At Housewarmings we have the best trained and most experienced staff in the Central Kentucky area. Whether you’re just looking to add that perfect bistro set or if you want to go all out and add a pergola with an outdoor kitchen island, we can help. Drop in or call today!