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Outdoor living spaces have evolved much over the years in terms of functionality and design. In fact, these can now be used for several different purposes – from serving as an extension of the house to an area for entertaining guests.
Entertainment spaces, in particular, have transformed outdoor living into a more versatile area. Whether you’re looking to celebrate birthday parties or simply want to have a couple of friends over for a barbecue, it would be best to have your backyard fitted out for optimum guest entertainment.
Some homeowners opt to incorporate patio furniture for more outdoor lounging while others create an entire kitchen and dining space out of it. If you’re unsure how to create an outdoor area where you can entertain guests, you can check out these four tips to help you get started:
1. Add a Deck
Many expert builders and contractors recommend adding a deck for homeowners looking to spice their outdoor space up. It can serve as an extension of the house that not only boosts your property’s value and curb appeal, but also creates more space for entertaining guests. If you and your family have visitors over for parties, you can incorporate sound equipment that can be quickly set up.
When you’re not entertaining other people, you can also use your deck as a lounge area for yourselves to bask in the sun’s warmth or enjoy the view of the neighborhood. Simply add comfortable chairs and bean bags and you’re good to go.
To top that off, a deck can also serve as an extension of your kitchen. In fact, more and more people are extending their kitchen, particularly the grills, into this outdoor space. This way, they can enjoy the fresh air while cooking and prevent the inside of the house from reeking of smoke from the barbecue at the same time.
2. Connect Indoors and Outdoors Seamlessly
When entertaining guests, one major dilemma many homeowners face is the limited space in the living room. This can be easily remedied by creating a seamless connection between the indoors and outdoors.
To achieve this, you can choose an open home remodeling design which makes use of bi-folding, stacker, or sliding doors that can remove the barrier between your indoor living space and the outdoors. Adding server windows that connect your kitchen to the deck is also a great idea when you’re entertaining guests.
3. Have an Outdoor Kitchen and Dining Space
Outdoor living spaces can now be used for more than just entryways to the house – they can also serve as your outdoor kitchen and dining space.
Many outdoor living space designs mimic the actual indoor kitchen setup, complete with small refrigerators, countertops, and sinks. Some even combine the modern appeal of stainless-steel appliances with classy brick and stone counters that help the metallic aesthetic blend into the outdoor space.
To complete that outdoor living vibe, you should also consider eating outside – literally. This means there should be a full dining table and chairs where you and your guests can enjoy delicious meals prepared from your outdoor kitchen. This also makes serving visitors a whole lot easier.
4. Incorporate Water Features
Adding a swimming pool or jacuzzi is another awesome outdoor renovation project you can take on for the purpose of creating an entertainment space. Of course, you should first decide what type of water-based living space to add depending on your specific circumstances.
If you have a deck, you can have it fitted with a massive sunken Jacuzzi where you and your friends can lounge together. If you have a big lot and some space to spare, a swimming pool is your best choice. The possibilities are endless, so make sure to consult the best swimming pool contractors in your area.
One Last Thing
Soirees and get-togethers are best spent in the comforts of your home. Outdoor entertainment areas offer opportunities for you to organize these events at home and overcome space constraints you might face indoors. Use this article as a guide in creating the perfect outdoor living space for your home.
AUTHOR BIO
Rachel Hennessey manages the Pools and Landscaping Division of Hennessey LLC. She also works on Tender and Pre-Qualification and brings in new business to the company’s Construction, Interiors and Civils Division.
