March 30, 2020
Brandon Jones
Spring is here and with summer just around the corner the transition from cozy living rooms and fireplaces will quickly move to back decks, patios, firepits, and cookouts. Enjoying the outdoors is one of the many things people look forward to all over Louisville and though not all exterior living spaces are the same, it’s easy to turn your outdoor living space into a part of the home that you will look forward to using all summer long!
1. Create a gathering area- One of the first recommendations when enhancing an outdoor living space is to create an area that is the focal point for your “space”. By creating a focal point, you are able to build the remainder of the space around that area and when it's time to move the party outdoors it's clear where to go. This area can feature many things, including an exterior dining table, chairs surrounding a firepit, an outdoor sofa, a table with an umbrella, and so much more! To really cozy the space, just add an exterior rug and center the furniture on it. This area can be as simple or grand as you would like!
2. Add a cooking element- Even if you aren’t a master chef, no outdoor living space is complete without something to cook on. A gas grill, charcoal grill, smoker, or Big Green Egg are all great options to have outside. During winter months, the kitchen becomes the “heart of the home” and gathering area for entertaining. The same is true for a grill during the summer months. You don’t have to break the bank but adding an exterior cooking element will enhance not only your dinner menu but your outdoor space as well.
3. Keep things fresh and well-maintained- There is no point in adding any exterior elements if your plan is just to set it and forget it. The idea of exterior living space is to spend time outdoors and people will shy away from it if your furniture is not clean or the space is unwelcoming. Add fresh flowers, mulch, and clean off your exterior furniture before inviting your friends to take a seat. Prepare the exterior space with the same attention that you would give the inside of your home before entertaining and your guests will appreciate it!
4. Add lighting- When the sun goes down is when a true exterior living space can come to life. Adding lighting or fire elements is a great way to set a mood and keep the party going. Don't rely on flood lights from the corners of your house or the pendant lights by the back door; true exterior lighting makes a huge difference in the ambiance and can come in the form of bulb string lights, tiki torches, a fire pit, or citronella candles.
These tips are pretty common and are certainly easy to create on your own. Now that it looks like we are all going to be spending more time at our homes in 2020 this is a great opportunity to make the most of what you have outside. Personally, we’re power washing our patio and I’m adding a golf chipping area to our backyard this weekend! But for you, clean off that patio, shine up that grill, and get ready to make your summer outdoor entertaining the best summer yet. Do you want more from your exterior space? Is it time to move somewhere that offers more privacy and room? You know I’d love to help with that, so give me a call.