Outdoor living spaces have become more than just a deck or a sunroom, they are more like an extension of the interior living space. If you don’t have an outdoor living space, the time spent at home in 2020 likely inspired you to look into it. No matter the size of your backyard, the experts at Center Island Contracting can turn your outdoor living space into a cozy retreat that feels like a staycation.
There are now many outdoor living remodel options that allow for use of your outside space for most of the year, from space heaters to built-in fire features for the winter and cooling elements to incorporate for the hot summer months.
Below are 10 tips for creating an outdoor room for year-round use.
- Select Design Features
Choosing design features for your outdoor space is just as fun as designing your indoor space. Our design experts can help you choose materials for cabinets and countertops, and paint colors to make your outdoor living space as updated and comfortable as possible.
- Flooring
There are many durable flooring options that work both indoors and outdoors. Make sure you choose a weather resistant flooring material that is suitable for extreme temperatures, so that it won’t warp, crack or swell. There are numerous tile options to choose from, in addition to brick, composite wood, or even artificial grass.
- Fire Feature
Fire features give a cozy ambiance, but they also warm up your outdoor space during the colder months of winter. From fire pits to outdoor fireplaces, a fire feature is an excellent addition to your outdoor space if you’re looking to use it year-round.
- Water Feature
Just as fire gives a cozy ambiance, water features provide tranquility. The calming sound of trickling water can make your outdoor space feel as relaxing as a vacation. To make it stand out even more, add accent lighting to your water feature to make it light up at night.
- Lighting
Lighting is an important aspect of designing your outdoor space because a lot of time will be spent outdoors in the evening. Lighting upgrades like dimmers or LED lights will make your outdoor living space a warm and inviting place to spend time with family and friends.
- Bar Area
A bar area is great for entertaining and will kick your outdoor living space up a few notches. Make sure your bar is covered so that it’s safe from weather elements like rain or snow. Add a sink for a wet bar and have fun with the design!
- Dining
Outdoor dining allows for a change of scenery when you want to enjoy a meal outdoors instead of at the dining room table or kitchen countertop. Outdoor dining spaces are great for hosting guests and throwing dinner parties. Paired with an outdoor bar area, you’re well on your way to enjoying a relaxing staycation at home.
- Outdoor Plants/Landscaping
Outdoor plants provide an ambiance that can’t be replicated. They have a calming effect and provide texture in your design. Our design experts can create the perfect outdoor plant design plan, or the ultimate landscaping to complement your outdoor living space.
- Kitchen Appliances
Kitchen appliances such as sinks, refrigerators, built-in grills, or pizza ovens are all desirable additions to your outdoor living space. Not only can you enjoy a meal in your outdoor dining space, but you can also have fun cooking it outside if weather permits.
- Create Shelter
If you want to use your outdoor living space year-round or for most of the year, shelter is needed. Whether it’s a pergola, a porch enclosure, or a cabana, you’ll need some sort of shelter to protect you from weather elements like the blazing hot sun, rain, snow or heavy wind.
Center Island Contracting is your local Long Island contractor of choice for home remodels on the north shore of Nassau county in towns like Oyster Bay, Manhasset, Plainview, Jericho, etc. Our qualified professional new home construction management team is here to help you renovate the home of your dreams. With the knowledge about local and New York State laws, our staff can answer all your questions and streamline the entire process. Email us or call (516) 481-4707.
