It’s called the “great outdoors” for a reason. Making memories with family and friends can happen anywhere, but a thoughtfully designed space provides the perfect place to entertain, celebrate, or relax while enjoying the great outdoors. If you’re considering enhancing your backyard with a covered outdoor structure, or living space, read on to discover features and styles you might like to incorporate.

Covering a patio

While umbrellas help with shade or rain protection, why not gather under an open-air pergola or solid-roof structure? Not only do these structures create some relief from the elements, they add comfort and elegance to outdoor living spaces.

 

 

 

 

 

Debunking a myth

Contrary to many beliefs, a pergola or covered patio doesn’t require a massive open area and can be customized to fit nearly any yard size or outdoor living space location. If your yard is small, you may opt for an elongated, narrow structure up against your home or fence line.

Transforming your style

Depending on the placement of your structure, you may choose to merge aesthetics between your home’s exterior and new covered outdoor patio, or you may use the new space itself to transform the look of your home into something more modern.

Bringing the heart outdoors

Often referred to as “the heart of the home,” kitchens are a natural and welcoming gathering space. But when your new outdoor living space establishes itself as your home’s hub for socializing, why should the host have to leave to prepare drinks, snacks, or desserts?

Outdoor kitchens have become a very popular addition to outdoor living and dining spaces. Surrounding a premium grill with counter space, cabinetry, sink, and refrigerator will keep party hosts from making countless trips from the party to the inside kitchen and back. Add some radiant heat above, and you can enjoy the space practically year-round.

Turning up the heat

The grill shouldn’t be the only flame or heat source in a covered outdoor living space. Innovative fireplaces, fire pits, and fire tables will keep you and your family enjoying an outdoor living space long into a cool spring, summer, or autumn evening.

Cooler temperatures don’t have to mean retreating inside and abandoning your outdoor living space at the first hint of frosty nights. Portable towers or mounted and hanging heaters can comfortably fill an outdoor living space with warmth for late-season enjoyment.

Bringing it all together

There are truly no limits to the home comfort elements you can incorporate into a covered outdoor living space. Plush, luxurious seating intended for outdoor use has become both much more aesthetically pleasing and comfortable. Don’t forget the fun-patterned matching outdoor rug!

An outdoor television designed to withstand weather elements will let you plan a family movie night or catch the big game outdoors. A Wi-Fi signal booster will keep everybody connected, whether streaming on a smart TV or working from home while enjoying some fresh air. And ceiling fans under a covered patio will keep the fresh air flowing throughout the space.

Perks to pergolas

Truth told, homeowners often ask, “Do outdoor living spaces increase home value?” Backyard renovations boost more than just your family’s comfort and enjoyment at your home. In its Remodeling Impact Report on outdoor features, the National Association of REALTORS® Research Department listed new patios, decks, outdoor kitchens, and fire features among the best improvements for adding value to a home.

“Backyard appeal” is becoming increasingly more important to home buyers than traditional curb appeal, according to BobVila.com, and outdoor living spaces were the most popular home exterior feature to 73% of respondents in an American Institute of Architects survey.

The bottom line

As a natural extension of your indoor living area, covered outdoor living spaces help maximize your home’s potential and help you take full advantage of the added gathering space. Advancements in weather-resistant materials and outdoor design features now let families create “indoor-worthy” living spaces just outside their doors.

Whether you’ve already decided on the features you know you want, or you need more ideas and further inspiration for what’s possible at your home, Aspen Outdoor Designs can help transform your yard into an outdoor living space you’ll enjoy for years to come. Reach out today and schedule a consultation to begin creating yours.