Tag Archive for: outdoor fireplace

Outdoor living space

Living Outdoors with Options

The forecast for outdoor living is bright.  Over the years space where you can connect with nature has evolved to include multiple options for a different experience in each sector. From a family playground to gatherings around the campfire, dedicated activity zones are on the rise.  As we bring many of our indoor comforts outdoors, the possibilities to enjoy a healthy lifestyle expands.

A Captivating View

Inviting View for outdoor living

The outdoor experience begins indoors with a view to encourage reaching out to nature.  This can often be directed and enhanced with the arrangement of garden elements, fencing, walls and trellises.

Blur the Boundaries

Retractable window wall for seamless transition outdoors

Oversized windows and glass doors ensure a year-round visual and emotional connection to nature.  This retractable wall disappears to admit fresh air and sunlight for a seamless transition.

Natural Materials Unify Indoor & Outdoor Spaces

outdoor living with options living room kitchen diningThe use of natural elements, like plants, wood beams and stone flooring, connect interior and outdoor spaces by subtly guiding the eye along.

Al Fresco Dining

outdoor living with options for dining

Living outdoors with options includes provisions for basic activities with a touch of style.  Alfresco dining is enjoyed around the world, so why not include space at home.  A location near the kitchen or outdoor kitchen is a plus.

Outdoor Living Rooms Extend the Day and the Season

outdoor living with options using natural materials for transition

Give everyone a reason to linger outdoors with a warm fire.  This cozy focal point is the ideal place to wrap up a day filled with adventure and will even extend your outdoor season by a few months each year.

Open Air Entertaining

living outdoors with options for entertaining

Multiple conversation areas are great for families and parties.  Encourage guests to mingle and move about with a variety of seating options throughout the space.

Swim Up Bar & Grill

living outdoors with options canopied kitchen

Create an at-home resort with features found at your favorite vacation destination.. A swim up bar and grill will keep guests cool on the sunniest day.  And hosting duties are a breeze under the canopied outdoor kitchen.

Private Retreat

living outdoors with private retreat area

A private outdoor area can be nestled into even the most compact space for an inviting sanctuary. This patio with swing is adjacent to the primary bedroom for quiet time as the day is winding down.

Fire Pit Lounge

outdoor fire pit overlooking lake view

Sunset chats and storytelling are magical when shared around the fire pit.  It’s where memories are made.

Visit our gallery for more outdoor inspiration.

 

Credits for this Lowell Custom Home

Interior Design Amy Storm & Company

Photo Stoffer Photography Interiors

Architect Michael Abraham Architecture

 

 

Outdoor Living Checklist for Your Home

When warm weather rolls around there is nothing like relaxing outdoors.  And when you have a special area at home dedicated to this pursuit, all is well with the world.  Take your outdoor living to the next level by following our checklist to fully enjoy your well deserved leisure time.

√  Start with the perfect backdrop for outdoor space, your home.  Wrap the same look around front to back with a cohesive mix of materials for a unified style message. Achieve this by repeating elements used in the foundation, siding and roof, as well as the architecture.  By this we mean don’t skimp on the back of your home, it all deserves the same attention to fine detail.

√  Let the outdoor experience begin by establishing views from the interior that will draw you outdoors.   Of course a lake helps, but even framing views of the lawn and landscape with distinctive windows is inviting.

 

√  Take your color cues from the natural surrounds and also from your home interior. Here a classic Blue and White combination is the perfect fit for a lakefront for home.

√  Go ahead and add a theme like this nautical motif.  Your outdoor space is the place to introduce a carefree  sense of whimsy.

√  Be sure to position your living area where you will experience the best views in every direction.  This could very well be to the side or even the front of your home in order to capture a “wow” moment. We have more tips on positioning your outdoor space here.

√  Include space for lounging alone or with friends and family.  Here the fire pit is upgraded to full fireplace status in an outdoor living room.  Extra backup from heat lamps will keep this area cozy into the evening and well throughout the chilly seasons.  This room even features retractable motorized screens for pest-free extension of your home.

√  When creating an outdoor room think of  protecting the area from the elements with partial walls or ceilings.  Here again choose compatible elements to create a visual flow from the interior while blending with the home exterior.  Keep it all low maintenance with durable outdoor fabrics and furnishing made to withstand the elements.

√  Set up a place for dining in close proximity to your outdoor kitchen and with easy access to the indoor kitchen.  A convenient flow between cooking and dining zones will allow the guests and chef to enjoy more quality time together.

√  Include rain-or-shine provisions for your indoor-outdoor area.    Gliding glass door panels and french doors create an easy transition between spaces so you can enjoy the outdoors even when the weather isn’t perfect.

 

We do also love a screened porch as an outdoor living option, read more about that here!

And a few more ideas for entertaining outdoors here!

To see more of the details for this lovely home click here.

Photography is by Shanna Wolf, S.Photography and Styling

 

We always love hearing from you and are happy to discuss your personal home projects! Building a new home or remodeling can be an exciting adventure and our team of experts is available to answer your questions and guide you every step of the way!

Lowell Custom Homes

262.245.9030