No matter how cozy and comfortable we make the rooms inside our house, there’s really no substitute for the warm sun, fresh air, and cool wind that only the outdoors can offer. Which is why, if you’re looking to extend your home’s living space, why not think out of the box? Specifically, think outdoors? As such, we’ll be a look at some outdoor living ideas so you can choose the best one for your home:
Patio or Deck
Patios and decks are used for lounging, dining, and/or recreation. Some would even host backyard BBQ and grilling parties in their patios or decks. However, it’s important for you to understand the difference between the two. Patios are ground-level areas that are either attached or detached from the house and are made of materials such as concrete, pavers, bricks, or rock. A deck, on the other hand, is oftentimes made of wood and can also be attached or detached from the house and are often on different levels or are elevated, and require safety railings. However, decks are often susceptible to water damage since they’re made of wood, so it’s a good idea to use waterproof deck surfacing in order to have a long-lasting deck.
Outdoor Kitchen
An outdoor kitchen can be a beautiful addition to your home and would even let you expand your cooking options to grilling and using wood-fire ovens. No longer would you have to worry about smoke or the scent of whatever you’re cooking permeating through your home. Plus, having the oven and stoves outside your home can actually help lower your electricity bill as they can increase the ambient room temperature and have your AC unit work harder to keep the house cool. Not to mention it’s safer to have the kitchen outside if food is overcooked and starts smoking or if a kitchen fire breaks out. You can even go the extra mile and add a quaint dining area where guests can hang out and eat.
Meditation Space/Reading Corner
You can turn your yard into a place for you to simply unwind, relax, catch up with a book, and just detach from the stresses of life. An outdoor meditation or reading area can be as simple as putting a roof, seat/seat cushions, and some lighting on an elevated surface (to avoid rain and puddles), to something grander such as a shrine. It’s best to pair your corner with good landscaping, plants, and maybe even a relaxing water feature.
Gaming and Recreation Area
If you have kids or adults that are kids at heart, you can add a recreation area in your backyard such as a sandpit, playground, backyard bowling, and a pool table to name a few. Just make sure that your gaming area has enough shade for recreational items (such as the pool table) that need to be shielded from the rain.
Outdoor Bar and Nook
You can turn part of your lawn into a hangout hotspot by adding a bar with an outdoor fireplace or fire pit for people to get together and just chill out.
Conclusion
Outdoor features could extend your living space beyond the walls of your house and can even improve your home’s curb appeal and market value. So, the next time you’re thinking of adding some extra living space for your home, think “outside” of the box.
