Category Archives: Outdoor Lifestyle

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11 May

7 Outdoor Entertaining Areas to Maximize Your Space

Author Sam Hickey Categories Design Inspiration, Outdoor Lifestyle

Springtime means beautiful weather and opportunities to spend time outside. More and more people are utilizing their outdoor space for entertaining family and friends.  No matter what the size of your outdoor living space, there are plenty of ways to maximize your space to create entertaining areas that you and your guests will never want to leave.The purpose of outdoor entertaining is to provide a memorable experience for your guests, in a beautiful setting. Share on X

Outdoor Entertainment Areas

No matter what size your backyard, there are plenty of ways to maximize your space so you can entertain and enjoy al fresco dinners, nights around a fire pit, or relaxing on a comfy lounge chair. Here are seven ways to use the space you have to create the backyard oasis and entertainment-friendly space you’ve always dreamed of.

1) Clean it Up

Before planning and creating your outdoor entertainment areas, you must clean up the existing area. This lets you assess what you have to work with and figure out your next steps. Scour the patio, trim trees and clean your landscaping, and give your yard a good, overall clean-up. This alone will improve the look of your yard and possibly give you inspiration of how you can better use the space you have.

2) Evaluate Your Patio

A patio can be a good foundation for your outdoor entertainment area. Adding a patio cover offers shade on hot sunny days and is the perfect place to set up a comfortable sitting or dining area.  There is plenty of patio furniture available–at all price points, and you can pick something out that fits with your size and style patio. And, don’t forget to look at your patio flooring. Consider concrete repair if your patio is cracked from years of neglect, or even replacing the concrete with paver stones, which instantly give your patio an updated and improved look.

3) Create an Outdoor Living Room

Bring those cozy chairs and couches out of the house and into your outdoor space. Your newly covered patio or a cabana is the perfect place to relax after a long day at work, or for everyone to lounge after an amazing al fresco dinner. Make sure to add cushions and pillows to your outdoor furniture for instant style and a more inviting look. If you are short on space, make sure to stay away from oversized furniture.

4) Get Cooking in an Outdoor Kitchen

An outdoor dining area or outdoor kitchen can create a charming spot for dining al fresco and entertaining loved ones. An outdoor kitchen helps cut back on endless trips inside with its ample storage solutions. WIth a custom outdoor kitchen, you can include a credenza or seating area available for people to sit on and converse while the cooking is happening.

5) Sit Around the Fire

A fire pit or outdoor fireplace doesn’t take up much space and adds charm, character, and a perfect space for entertaining to any space. Placing seats around the fire allows guests to have a place to relax and unwind, and enjoy your backyard all year round. There are free-standing and built-in options to choose from, depending on the size of your outdoor space.

6) Relax Under the Pergola

If you don’t have a patio, or if you want an additional entertaining area, consider a pergola or arbor. These simple structures keep you safe from the weather, offer shade from the heat and sun, and are a perfect way to add an outdoor room and maximize your outside space. Pergolas and arbors are also the perfect way to add greenery to your landscaping. Flowering vines love to grow up along the beams, adding a lovely splash of color to your entertainment area.

7) Secret Pathways and Gardens

Follow the path to your secret garden getaway. Everyone loves hidden treasures, and that is exactly what this secret little space will provide you and your guests. It doesn’t have to be a large area at all! Just two small chairs and a little coffee or side table will be enough to create a nice relaxation space for quiet conversation or afternoon book reading.  

Maximize Your Outdoor Space for Entertaining

No matter what size yard you have, there are ways to maximize your space so you, too, can enjoy entertaining friends and family throughout the year. By evaluating your space, then adding in a few key components like an outdoor living room, kitchen, or fire pit, you will be enjoying your outside space and planning your next outdoor dinner party!

To learn more about how you can maximize your yard for outdoor entertainment areas, Contact Us.

04 May

Design Ideas for a Gorgeous Al Fresco Dining Experience

Author Sam Hickey Categories Outdoor Lifestyle

One of the biggest trends this year is outdoor dining or dining al fresco. Italians have long practiced al fresco dining, and you can recreate the experience by hosting an enchanting evening with friends and loved ones. Whether dining with your family or throwing a summer get-together, dining outside in the open air is the best place to be.
Al fresco is an Italian term which means: In the cool air. Share on X

Al Fresco Dining Done Right

Creating the perfect al fresco dining experience is simple to do. Here are some design ideas that will ensure everyone at your dinner leaves happy and full and looking forward to your next al fresco dining occasion.

Just Add Shade

No one wants to dine outside with the sun blaring into their eyes. Make sure to provide shade for your guests! Pergolas and arbors are an ideal way to add shade to your outdoor dining experience. Custom pergolas and arbors add character to your al fresco experience, and they offer the perfect place to grow some eye-catching vines.

Outdoor Kitchen

Having an outdoor kitchen makes dining alfresco easy, saving time and effort. When you eat outside, you don’t want to continuously run inside to get items and supplies, a custom outdoor kitchen has ample storage, allowing you to have everything at hand!

Add a Spark

Create the perfect mood after the sun goes down with an outdoor fireplace or a wood burning fire pit for your al fresco dining experience. Everyone loves sitting around an outdoor fire, in fact, senior editor of Southern Living stated fires are “natural gathering spots that pull people in and extend the amount of time you can be outside.”

Turn on the Lights

Outdoor patio lights can instantly transform your backyard and alfresco dining experience. There are many light choices available these days, including string lights, solar lights, as well as other outdoor lighting fixture options. Not only can you add lighting to your patio area, but landscape lighting is another way to add ambiance to your al fresco dinner party.

Comfortable Seating

It is important to have plenty of outdoor seating for your guests. Not only will they need a place to sit while enjoying the delicious meal, but also a more comfortable place to lounge afterward (like around the fire pit). Make sure to add cushions or pillows to make your dining experience more stylish.

Edible Landscaping

What is better than picking and cooking fresh herbs and veggies from your very own backyard? Raised beds or containers can be used to grow fresh edibles and add color and greenery to your backyard oasis. By doing this, you can recreate the farm to table experience in your own backyard!

An Unforgettable Al Fresco Experience

By recreating some of these design ideas, your next al fresco dining experience is sure to be unforgettable. With a fire pit, comfortable seating, an outdoor kitchen and some lighting for ambiance, you will be ready to dine outside all year round!

To learn how you can add these designs to your backyard and have amazing al fresco dining experiences at your own home, Contact Us.

27 Apr

Top Reasons to Invest in a Complete Backyard Makeover

Author Sam Hickey Categories Design Inspiration, Outdoor Lifestyle

In the past, people have thought about curb appeal and making the front of their homes look nice, but these days, more and more people are taking their backyards into consideration, too. Your outdoor area should be an extension of your inside space, and here are some terrific reasons to invest in a complete backyard makeover.  

Avoiding A Mess

Investing in a backyard makeover will actually save you money and effort when it finally comes time to sell your home. By adding amenities like an outdoor kitchen, pool house, or gazebo, you have less lawn to mow and upkeep, while adding in shade areas and convenience.
If your backyard is pieced together, it can feel disjointed and low quality. Share on X

By planning your backyard and utilizing the space effectively, you can set up different areas for entertaining or just relaxing. Replace outdated materials and furniture to create a fresh look.

Easier Entertaining

A backyard makeover is a perfect way to make your backyard the ideal place for entertaining. An outdoor kitchen with all the amenities takes all the hassle out of outdoor dining or throwing a party. Adding an outdoor kitchen and entertaining area to your yard is a great investment for your outdoor space and will cut down on frequent trips inside the house to gather supplies. Outdoor bars are another great option if you like to enjoy beverages while entertaining family and friends.

A Place to Unwind

A backyard makeover can turn your outdoor living space into your favorite place to unwind. A comfortable sitting area or outdoor living room turns your yard into a year-round destination. A cabana or covered patio works perfectly to keep you shielded from the elements. And what better way to relax than sitting by your outdoor fire pit after a long day? Spending time outside has also shown health benefits like lowered stress and elevated moods.

Increase Home Value

Investing in a backyard makeover will boost your home’s value significantly. Home buyers are looking for houses with hardscape elements like patios, outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and pool houses. And don’t forget how much landscaping elements boost home value when planning your backyard makeover! Landscaping features like bushes, flowers, and trees add instant curb appeal and can turn a drab yard into a colorful and comfortable place to be.

Invest in a Backyard Makeover

The bottom line is, investing in a backyard makeover just makes sense. Not only does it offer a place to unwind and entertain, but it also ensures a better return on your home when it finally comes time to put it on the market. Investing in a backyard makeover benefits everyone!

To learn more about how you can transform your backyard, Contact Us.

20 Apr

How to Host an Epic Summer Cookout

Author Sam Hickey Categories Outdoor Lifestyle

Texas summers start early, so there is no better time to start planning your epic summer cookout than now! Whether you are cooking for close family or entertaining a big crowd, planning ahead is the surefire way to make sure your outdoor entertaining goes flawlessly. Share on X

Plan Ahead

A little planning can go a long way when it comes to preparing your summer cookout. Getting together a game-plan ahead of time can save you time and frustration. Here are some simple things to consider to make sure you are completely prepared for your epic summer cookout!

Prepare Your Outdoor Space

The first step for your summer cookout is to clean up your outdoor space. Mow the lawn, clean or update patio furniture, rake leaves, and pick up debris and toys. And, even though you are not entertaining inside, it is also a good idea to pick up inside entryway, kitchen, and bathroom, just in case.

Stock the Outdoor Kitchen

Outdoor kitchens make outside entertaining easy, especially when you have it stocked and ready for cooking! Make sure all your needed utensils, sauces, spices and other things are all ready for your special summer cookout. It is also a good idea to have your grill and ovens cleaned and ready for cooking.

Provide Plenty of Entertainment

Keep your guests entertained! Yard games for kids and adults, a television in the outdoor living room, or a pool are just a few examples of ways to keep your friends and family having a fun time. Make sure to play some music that fits with your party. If you are firing up the grill to barbeque with potato salad and grilled vegetables on the side, you might want some upbeat country music playing. Or if you’re firing up the pizza oven, maybe play some classic Italian tunes to get people in the mood.

Ample Seating

When entertaining outside, don’t forget the seating! People need to be able to relax and enjoy their dinner, or while chatting over a glass of wine while the kids splash around the pool. Make sure to have plenty of seating, and get creative with your outdoor decor. A themed party makes outdoor entertaining even more exciting. If a Hawaiian luau is your theme, spruce up plain folding chairs and tables with fake grass hula skirts! Set up a bowling game using coconuts as bowling balls. There’s no limit to the creative ideas you can bring to life. At night take the party to your custom fire pit, where guests can gather around a glowing fire and talk, dance or laugh the night away.

Plan Your Menu

When thinking about your menu, consider everyone who will be attending. Does anyone have special dietary restrictions? Are there any allergies? Plan ahead by asking your guests and planning your menu around them–making sure that everyone will enjoy what is being served. Another idea is to have guests bring a side item or dessert while you, the host, provides the main course.

Open Bar

Like your food menu, make sure you have plenty of beverages for your guests, too. Sodas, beer, wine, lemonade, or iced tea, are all good to have available.If you plan to make cocktails and other mixed drinks, don’t forget your ice and mixers!

Summer Cookout Fun

Summer is for getting together with loved ones and friends and what better way to entertain than with an epic summer cookout? By following the above suggestions when planning your party and get together, you are certain to have a blast, enjoying good food and each other’s company.

To learn more about how to plan and set up your outdoor living space for the most epic summer cookout yet, Contact Us.

13 Apr

Custom Home Addition Ideas To Enhance Your Backyard

Author Sam Hickey Categories Outdoor Lifestyle

With the beautiful spring weather upon us, many of us are spending more time outside. Creating a stylish and relaxing space in the backyard provides an oasis for family and friends and can also increase the appeal of your home. By upgrading or adding an outdoor structure, you can instantly update your backyard, adding not only aesthetic value to your home, but also boosting home value. Share on X

Extend Your Living Space

Outdoor living spaces and rooms are rising in popularity. Your outdoor space and backyard should be an extension of your living area. Create the perfect getaway with these custom home addition ideas:

Pool House

What better way to elevate your backyard then to renovate your pool area? A pool house adds elegance, storage, and privacy. A custom built pool house can fit all your needs and include bathrooms, a changing area, or lounge area to take a break from the sun. A pool house is versatile and the perfect place to store pool equipment and opens up endless possibilities.

Patio Extension

Transforming your patio is another way to boost your backyard. A covered patio adds beauty and value to your home and offers the perfect place to unwind after a long day. A patio room addition also offers shade and space for entertaining and having family get togethers. With a custom patio, you have plenty of space for an outdoor dining set or patio furniture. With a patio extension, you are able to enjoy the open air, while having the comfort of a roof to protect you from the sun or rain.

Pergolas and Arbors

Pergolas and arbors are the perfect way to add shade and character to your backyard. A pergola is a terrific way to enhance your outdoor living space and upgrade the entire feel of your space. Climbing plants love to grow up the vertical beams, helping create privacy, shade, and beauty. Pergolas can be custom built to fit perfectly into your yard and come in a variety of high-quality materials like insect and rot-resistant woods, or rust proof iron.

Outdoor Kitchen

Impress your guests and boost your home value with a custom built outdoor kitchen. An outdoor kitchen can be priceless if you do a lot of outdoor entertaining or grilling. Outdoor kitchens can be custom designed to include a grill island, a pizza oven, stainless steel appliances, or anything else your heart desires. The options are never-ending and the memories made in them will last a lifetime.

Sunroom

Sunrooms are the perfect way to boost your backyard with a custom home addition. A sunroom is fully enclosed and makes a perfect additional living room or seating space. Sunrooms allow you to enjoy the outside while keeping the insects out of your lemonade or the wind from blowing your papers off the table. Custom built sunrooms add another space you can relax and enjoy, while also adding value to your home.

Custom Home Additions

When considering home remodeling and additions, don’t forget about your outdoor space. Updating and boosting your backyard brings enjoyment to your entire family and gives you a splendid place for entertaining or relaxing. Adding on a custom built addition offers a solution to transform your outdoor space into a fabulous oasis.

To learn more about how custom home additions can boost your backyard and home values, Contact Us.

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