outdoor
living
Over 300 sunny days per year
Arizona residents are extremely fortunate to have
the freedom to enjoy the outdoors most of the year. For this reason,
it makes sense to take advantage of the outdoor spaces available
to us by creating outdoor living rooms and outdoor kitchens.
Outdoor living is both trendy and practical right now. Being able to
utilize the outdoors most of the year adds to our quality of life.
Design trends are finally catching up with demand, giving us a multitude
of choices for outdoor living. Everything from living room furniture
made for the outdoors, moveable umbrellas, shade sails, decorative
lighting, to heating choices all allow us to take advantage of what
nature offers us in Arizona.
Nine Steps to Creating Your Outdoor Living
Area
If you're in the market for a new outdoor space,
the following nine steps will help you create the living room or
kitchen of your dreams.
1. research styles
Browse the internet, magazines, and home
improvement stores to gauge your design and style preferences.
2. Determine the function of the space
Will you use it year round or just
in certain seasons? Do you want creative use of the space?
Don't self limit. Consider all the possible uses.
3. Create a wish list
For example, do you want a built-in
seating area, a stock dining set, or a bar eating area? Do
you want a fire pit? Do you want a water feature? Do you
want just a grill or a fully functioning kitchen?
4. Orient the space
If possible, you may want to place the elements
of the outdoor kitchen to coincide with those of the indoor kitchen
so as to allow for a pass-through or other convenient or shared-use
functionalities. This will also make sense when it comes time to
tap into existing plumbing and electrical services.
5. Consider the view
What is your view from each outdoor space?
You most likely cannot alter the view, but you can maximize a good
one, or minimize a bad one.
6. account for seasonal changes
If you want to use the space during our hot
summers, a misting system will add many months of usability. Consider
a fire pit or movable heater for the winter months.
7. Consider landscaping
Plants, shrubs, and trees contribute to both
the aesthetics and function of the space. Landscaping can afford
a cooler environment, a calming sense to the spirit, and a dance
of color for the eye. It can soften the contrast between the hardscape
and the spaces beyond.
8. Don't overlook lighting!
Lighting is as important outside as it is
inside. You want to highlight focal areas to create a warm and
cozy space. From strings of lights hanging in trees to candle holders
staked into the ground – these can all add to the magical
feeling of the outdoor room.
9. Call a design professional
A licensed designer/contractor
can take your ideas, make suggestions,
and add design elements you may not have
considered. Try to use someone who designs
in 3D so that you can best visualize
being in the space before it's built.
Creative Outdoor Living Areas FAQ
How much does it cost
to create an outdoor living area?
Depending upon the scale of the project, you could spend anywhere from
$5,000 to $50,000 - $60,000. The variables that determine cost are limitless.
Does it make sense to
consider a water feature in my outdoor space?
Outdoor living goes hand in hand with water. Imagine the soft sounds
of waterfalls, fountains, and pools. Some of our clients have even
requested ponds with fish and water vegetation. Koi offer a spirituality
to a space.
Does an outdoor living
space add to the value of my home?
Like all remodeling projects, you can expect a significant return on
investment from this type of project. Many experts say that a 100%
return on investment is not uncommon because it adds an entire new
living space to the home.
What materials are suitable
for outdoor living?
Floors: tile, slate, stained concrete, travertine
Counter tops: concrete, granite, natural stone, solid surface
Appliances: stainless steel made for the outdoors is sensible because
it tends to be anti-corrosive.
For Scottsdale, Phoenix Arizona Metro Clients – we
would love to assist you with your creative outdoor living project.
Be sure to review our CREATIVE HOME DESIGN SERVICES.
Contact Art Guy today to set up an appointment.
Three ways to contact
us:
Call Dana, the Art Guy at: 480-235-4532
Email: dana@artguydesign.com
Snail Mail: 6350 N. 78th St Suite 259, Scottsdale Arizona 85250
