Embracing the Outdoor Living Trend
by Lynne Madrid
With the advent of luxuries such as flat screen televisions, high-end, stainless steel professional kitchen systems and 180-degree martini bars making their way to patios and pool decks, it comes as no surprise that people are now living outdoors as they would indoors.We have seen the great room grow and extend right into the back yard, resulting in resort-like aesthetics with the convenience and proximity of one's back door.
It's tough to pinpoint when the trend of real outdoor living began. Perhaps, it started in the 1930s, when the modern, yet classic ranch house took the country by storm. Casually elegant, informal and horizontally expansive, these new homes encouraged the love of all things natural as well as an affinity for creature comforts. With the indoor-outdoor philosophy at the height of style, the yard or deck became an extension of the home.
Today, from infinity pools to sculptural water features to brick pizza ovens, spending time outdoors has never been more luxurious, and homebuilders are capitalizing on the trend. Outdoor bliss in today's designs focuses on a few key elements:
Fire
What homeowner wouldn't want to shed some light on a great backyard space? You can warm up a design stylishly with an outdoor fire feature. For a contemporary look that is still serene, some manufacturers have been using natural materials such as blue/grey or black granite. Leaving a rough-hewn exterior makes it perfect for use in the yard or on a deck.
These fire features can even be integrated into a pool through the use of cement dividers, providing illumination for a nighttime swim. Fire pits and vessels can even be installed at barstool height when integrated into an outdoor kitchen island. The center emits heat while the stone surround leaves a place for to set drinks.
Water
It's the outdoor essential. Adding a water feature to the outdoor space is elemental in creating a serene space. To complement the desert vibe, there are an array of fountains in weathered stones such granite and basalt. Leaving the natural shape of the stone in tact also adds interest. For example, striking water features that tower at eight feet can be cut from a tall boulder carved into a basin at the top. For a smaller-scale option, dual-piece fountains that combine interest with quality of execution bring an architectural presence to the landscape.
Another way to give the backyard extra pizzazz and functionality is to add an outdoor shower. Stainless steel models are low maintenance and don't stain, corrode or rust as easily as do ordinary steel models. Many outdoor showers offer two spray functions, which can be operated via side-mount controls, as well as adjustable angle rain tiles and a foot wash outlet. Progressive new designs are the opposite of the commercial type and add considerable style to outdoor surroundings.
Lighting
Good lighting is another essential element to creating the perfect outdoor environment. Landscape lighting says "upscale." You can integrate higher-end, more stylish outdoor fixtures that reflect the architectural style of the home to add interest and curb appeal to the elevation.
Food Preparation
Aside from the grill, the kitchen sink is the second hardest working appliance in the outdoor kitchen. It's used for food preparation and cleanup and is also a great place to chill beverages. Look for dual-purpose sinks that make the most of the space, look good and function at the top of their game.
Sink models with an integrated backboard that contains a knife block and place to store utensils makes cooking easier and lessens the amount of cabinet storage needed. Stainless steel, double bowlmodels are a great choice because one side can be used as a place to chill wine or beer and prepare food,while the other can be used to set aside dirty dishes used in the prep space.
Be sure to stay on top of outdoor living trends as you create or modify models that will allow home buyers to envision years of great backyard experiences.
Lynne Madrid is a freelance writer based in Los Angeles, California.
