Outside Living Rooms
Ease of movement and flow are essential when connecting indoor and outdoor spaces. Outside rooms designed for relaxation and recreation will add new living areas to your property whiole increasing your home’s value by as much as 15%. Not a bad return on a project meant to help you make the most of your property — which you already own! Designing and installing fresh, exciting and timeless landscape architectural designs that remain functional are key to the spaces I create for clients.
This week we’re going to explore outside living possibilities. First up? Outdoor “living rooms,” which became popular after the Sept. 11th terrorist attacks. These spaces gained even more popularity in 2007 as an uncertain economy became a regular presence in our lives. I design a smaller version of these spaces that I call “cocoon” spaces which comfort and inspire.
Outdoor living rooms are the second most popular home remodeling project after remodeling of a kitchen. These spaces can include fireplaces or firepits, a cooking station and comfortable seating. They can also reflect your own distinct personality while providing a welcome getaway for family and friends. Kitchens add value to any home, and an outside kitchen will most definitely increase your home’s value.
It’s important to work with a professional on this type of living space. Landscape architects are educated in how to design these types of outdoor living areas, properly locate and install them, and take all of the architectural elements into considerations (grading, etc.) so there will be no problems down the road. 