I have many memories from growing up of sitting outside on the concrete patio, the aluminum roof over our heads. Then, as an adult, I had the experience of having my very own deck to sit on. As the years have gone by and my family has grown (eight kids and nine grandkids!), I have become increasingly convinced of the need for exterior spaces that allow for gatherings of friends and family to enjoy one another. Such spaces need to cater to enjoyment and relaxation while also providing the functionality of eating together or just hanging out.
Having been in the interior design business since 1985, I have often sought to accomplish what I like to call “bringing the outdoors inside.” When you’re inside, having views to the outside opens up the space and allows for more natural light. In recent years there is an increasing desire to be outside, and often this desire includes taking the interior amenities with them, such as comfortable furniture, great music, large TVs, or even kitchens and bars. Due to this increasing desire, more and more amenities normally meant for indoors have been adapted and designed to withstand the harsh outside environment. The outdoors is often more relaxing, and especially in this time of social distancing, they are an important part of the home.
There are a number of things to consider when planning for an outdoor living area. However, two points in particular must be addressed first.
- Budget: This is the most important because there are so many product selections and they vary so much in cost. It’s important to realize that the cost of designing an outdoor space can be as expensive as an indoor space of the same square footage, especially today when many people expect more from their outdoor spaces.
- Connecting to the inside: How is the outdoor space going to connect to the main home? You might not have considered this beforehand, but doors are actually an important first step in making sure that your indoor and outdoor spaces transition fluently for a seamless design. Is it simply a French door? Or is it a sliding, folding glass wall that opens up to the entire outside, such as those by NanaWall or other manufacturers? This specific question opens up the possibility of many questions, all relating to the importance of the transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Other questions, too, must be addressed.
- Functionality: While the design is obviously important, outdoor spaces need to have a functional purpose just as indoor spaces do. Who do you envision will use the area most of the time? How often will the area be used for entertaining? etc. These are just a few of the very important questions we must ask, all for the goal of making the space functional for real-life use.
- Features: Many clients opt for outdoor kitchens. If this is your goal, then we should consider the size of the working area, the layout of cabinetry, the selection of appliances, etc. There may be features such as fryers, woks, refrigeration, ice makers, sinks, wood-burning pizza ovens, fireplaces with Italian grills, etc. The list goes on as the possibilities are multitudinous.
- Seating: How many people need to be seated at once, both for everyday use and for special occasions? Furniture manufacturers have come a long way in their designing of outside furnishings, making them more durable and reliable. From aluminum framed vinyl resin-wrapped wicker which never rots, to fabrics that now have an indoor feel and quality but will hold up in the harsh outdoor elements.
- Lighting: We need to aim for functionality while also considering the different moods that can be created with proper lighting control. Proper lighting in outdoor living areas can even enhance the indoor experience. When you’re sitting in your living room and looking out the window at night, instead of seeing an expanse of darkness, you see a well-lit, beautiful outdoor living space. Thus, proper lighting enhances your experience even if you are not sitting in that outdoor space.
- Lighting control: This is not just about the lighting fixtures we add, but also about controlling the sun. This may depend on where the outdoor space is situated. What sort of shading is required? Should there be features such as umbrellas or shading screens hung from pergolas or retractable awnings?
- Technology, Sound, and Video: We regularly work with World Wide Stereo, the Philadelphia area’s experts on all things relating to sound and video, on outdoor projects with integrated technology. They recently wrote an awesome blog about outdoor spaces with integrated technology and describe the impact of technology-integrated outdoor spaces: “A well-executed outdoor entertainment system can really enhance your family’s outdoor experience and it doesn’t have to break the bank or be an eyesore. There are plenty of choices. You can start with one speaker and add on overtime or design a fully integrated system that might include music wherever you want it. Perhaps an all-season weatherproof outdoor TV by the fire pit or spa and well-positioned landscape lighting to define your space. Control it all at the press of a button on your smartphone or by simply asking your device to turn on “Party Mode”. The options are comfortably endless.”
- Landscaping elements: It’s also important to consider landscaping elements, which include hardscapes (pavers, bricks, flagstone, concrete, etc.) and softscapes (shrubs, trees, flowers, ground cover, etc.)
- Architectural elements: These structures, such as pergolas, add a lot of interest to the space and offer the ability to mount lighting and shading products.
- Other features: Added features, such as fire or water features, can be anything from a fire pit to a full wood- or gas-burning fireplace to a pond or fountain
GETTING STARTED
- Start Researching! To get started with your design dream, you may first want to begin creating a folder of the things that you like from Pinterest, Houzz, or other media, if you have not already done so. This is one of the best ways to communicate what you like to the designer. It’s very important that through the design process, your likes and preferences are worked into the overall design.
- Meet with a professional: Meeting with a professional can help you to gain more ideas and get a sense of how your desires fit your budget and will get the design process (which can take several weeks depending on the design firm’s backlog and the complexity of your project)
- Engage actively with the process: When you have chosen the design firm, stay engaged and ask questions. Remember there are no bad or trivial questions. Also, just as important as expressing what you like is to express what you don’t like about a design. On the same token, be open to ideas that may be much different than what you had in mind. Above all, seek to enjoy the process and implementation of the design.