Outdoor Living Spaces: A Paradise Right Outside Your Door

O U T D O O R L I V ING SPA CE S
Outdoor Living Spaces:
A Paradise Right Outside Your Door
Being outdoors, yet mimicking the
feel and comfort of the indoors
BY DIANA BRANNON
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ENDLESS
POSSIBILITIES
Today, outdoor living areas continue to be
the hottest trend in the landscape industry
— patios and walkways, poolscapes, outdoor living rooms, outdoor kitchens,
aquascapes, outdoor theaters, garden
rooms, garden ponds and streams, sitting
areas, porches, pergolas, gazebos, sunrooms, screened rooms, seasonal rooms,
decks, fireplaces, fire pits, and nightscapes
— the sky is the limit in outdoor living
areas, exceptional possibilities and features
seem endless.
Leading the way are intricate patios
and walkways; inviting, multipurpose outdoor spaces. The look today is multiple
patios or a clustering of patios, especially
tiered: one for sitting and conversation,
one for grilling/cooking, another for eating
or dining, and perhaps another poolside or
fireside. Design options, material choices,
and landscape features and amenities are
only limited by the imagination.
The centerpieces for many outdoor living spaces are custom in-ground pools and
poolscapes, incorporating wonderful landscaping, hardscaping, waterfalls, coves,
grottos, fountains, and spas. In recent years,
the list of dazzling features has expanded to
knife-edge pools, infinity edges, pebbled
finishes, beach entries, saltwater pools,
shaded pools, tanning ledges, stunning
tiling, glass tile, fire features, LED lighting,
incredible technology features, eco-friendly
features, innovative water jets, safety features, and smartphone technology.
Like pools and poolscapes, custom
outdoor kitchens have become a centerpiece component of the modern backyard
landscape. A lot of outdoor kitchens are
designed to be full-service, meaning there
is absolutely no need to run indoors. The
family chef or host chef/entertainer is
strategically positioned in full view and
can readily enjoy the company of all. Elaborate outdoor kitchens feature stunning
stonework; beautiful granite counters; allweather cabinetry; and built-in grills, side
burners, ovens, warming drawers, refrigerator, sinks, ice machine, food and beverage servers, and trash bins. And all of
which are integrated with the essential social gathering areas: kitchen island, cocktail station, and eating and dining areas.
Outdoor living rooms have achieved
enormous popularity. Creating an outdoor
living room is all about mimicking an in112
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door living room outdoors on a patio,
porch, or deck. A magnificent outdoor
room can be defined by a variety of walls
established by plants, bold or oversize
planters of countless shapes, landscaping
shrubs, trees, a side of the house, trellises,
railings, sitting walls, a fireplace, a fire
table or two, and ceilings provided by an
awning, canopy, or structures such as an
extension of the roofline, a pergola, or
gazebo. All-weather rugs, wonderful outdoor furniture groupings, plants, artwork,
a fire pit, and an array of lighting options
(solar powered accent lights, table lamps,
ceiling/wall-mounted fixtures, string lights,
torches, and lanterns) provide the finishing
touches and final definition.
Secluded or private outdoor spaces
designed specifically for retreating from
the world have recently become in vogue.
These spaces are frequently positioned in
or by a garden or a focal point of landscape design such as a pond, stream, waterfall, or sculpture, and are accented by
comfortable amenities and seating for
lounging and sitting.
Some of the most appealing centerpieces of outdoor living are fireplaces, fire
pits, and sitting walls. All three integrate
exceptionally well into the total design of
patios, outdoor living rooms, poolscapes,
outdoor kitchens, aquascapes, and nightscapes. And all six are designed to create a
social gathering and to stimulate inspiring
and relaxing conversation among family
members and friends. Like patios, the design options, material choices, and features
appear endless. Aside from the social and
mystical benefits of outdoor fireplaces and
fire pits, these two outdoor attractions
allow the outdoor season to begin a month
or so earlier, and extends the outdoor season well into October or possibly longer.
And for the adventuresome, some outdoor
living in late fall and the dead of winter
just might not be out of the question.
SELECTING A THEME
It’s important to develop a broad vision, a
theme for creating a quality outdoor living
space before diving into the details of planning and designing outdoor living areas. Selecting a theme is enormously valuable
because it guides and ties together the entire
process: overall design; selection of building
materials; choice of hardscaping materials;
choice of structures and features; selection
of specific varieties of landscaping trees,
shrubs, plants, and flowers; and style and
color selections of outdoor furniture, accents, and accessories.
Theme choices are many. Some take
on a regional theme: French Provincial,
Mediterranean, Tuscan, Old World,
Caribbean, Oriental, or Southwestern. Others engage a less regional or non-regional
feel or look: Contemporary, Modern, Traditional, Vintage, Rustic, Retro, Country,
Colonial, Garden, Cottage, or Nautical.
SUSTAINABILITY
Before designing begins, a key question
should be answered — how much sustainability should be factored into the comprehensive design and specification and
selection of materials? Eco-friendly outdoor living spaces require less energy,
water, and chemical treatment, and result
in a safer environment for homeowners.
Storm water runoff is a major ecolog-
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ical issue. If landscaping and hardscaping
are not designed well, water is not put to
good ecological use as it runs off properties. And when excess water flows, it picks
up soil, fertilizers, pesticides, and chemicals as it travels through yards and fields
and over paved surfaces. Well-designed
and sustainable landscaping and hardscaping effectively reduce runoff and uses
storm water or grey water for irrigation.
As an example, permeable interlocking
concrete pavers reduce runoff — water is
channeled into the subsoil.
Smart technology also plays a role in
water conservation. One example is smart
irrigation systems — timely weather updates are automatically received, and the
system calculates and executes watering
schedules for different designated zones
within the landscaping.
Building material choices are an obvious sustainability consideration. The benefits of beautiful natural stone are apparent
versus manufactured materials. Materials
manufactured with high percentages of
recycled content and that are urea
formaldehyde-free are excellent choices
when considering decking, railings, and
other outdoor living products or structures.
There are a number of other sustainable considerations. Landscapers and
builders are extremely knowledgeable about
incorporating sustainability into the designing and building of outdoor living areas.
DESIGNING
Creating a quality, distinctive outdoor living space requires an investment in time to
plan and design. Meeting with a designer
and landscaper or builder to plan and design outdoor living areas is perhaps the
most exciting step in the entire process of
making your outdoor dream a reality.
Preliminary preparation is the first step.
It begins with obtaining a copy of the property’s plot plan or survey. If you do not have
one of these, you may acquire a copy from
your local municipality. As part of preparation, it is important to select a guiding theme
and to thoroughly understand the general
wants and needs of all family members.
Each member will have his/her own set of
particular needs and wants when it comes
to using and enjoying outdoor living areas.
The second step is a consultation meeting with a designer who will capture your
vision and theme, needs, tastes, and desired
features. During consultation, the designer
evaluates your site: reviews the plot plan or
survey to understand boundaries and con116
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straints; takes measurements; identifies utility easements; examines existing structures,
trees, and landscaping; studies views; assesses water table conditions and topography for excavating and grading; examines
sun and wind exposures; assesses noise levels; and examines all areas and structures to
be integrated with outdoor spaces.
Next, the design consultant suggests
concepts, placements, options, and features. Following consultation, the designer
will draft scale drawings — in many cases
with CAD/CAM technology — for reviews
(usually a progressive series) and making
final decisions.
HARDSCAPING & LANDSCAPING
It comes as no surprise, the hottest trend in
the landscape industry is outdoor living
spaces. Many landscapers/hardscapers and
builders are experts in creating turnkey
outdoor living solutions; from assessment,
design, and construction, to maintenance
and upgrades.
Their goal or expertise is seamless integration of all outdoor living elements:
patios, walkways, outdoor kitchens and
living rooms, outdoor structures (decks,
pergolas, porches, etc.), pools, poolscapes,
fireplaces, fire pits, water features, irrigation systems, lighting, retaining walls,
every element of traditional landscaping,
and so much more.
SHADE & PROTECTION
Constant direct sunlight takes away from
the pleasures of outdoor enjoyment. More
and more techniques and structures are
being incorporated into outdoor living to
diminish sun and heat exposure.
Shade trees are a standard and effective method for blocking sun and add natural beauty, provide privacy, and dampen
noise levels.
Pergolas, especially the custom-designed variety, are the rage for filtering sun.
Pergolas are even more effective when incorporated with retractable screens which
provide enhanced screening of harmful UV
rays, and yet still permit ventilation. Custom-built gazebos are another wonderful
way to block sun and provide the added
benefit of shelter from an unexpected rain
shower during an evening dining occasion.
Both pergolas and gazebos are extremely
functional and beautiful either as a feature
of, or accent to, patios, outdoor kitchens,
decks, and lawns.
When it comes to providing the ultimate in shade and protection from rain
showers, colorful and well-constructed
awnings and canopies are a perfect touch
to patios, decks, and that outdoor living
room. Awnings and canopies impart that
special charm and traditional touch to the
outdoor experience. While most awnings
are retractable and very versatile, canopies
are essentially stationary and can be custom-made to cover very large areas of a
patio or deck setting.
Screened rooms, sunrooms, and seasonal rooms are popular choices for outdoor living, adding that indoor comfort.
Sun, rain, and bugs are rarely an issue!
OUTDOOR FURNISHINGS
Consumers want outdoor living spaces to
be as comfortable, inviting, and high design
as rooms indoor. Whether outdoor furnishings include umbrellas, furniture, rugs, or
planters, the trend today is bold, oversize,
lots of color, and designer patterns.
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Outdoor seating choices get better
and better every year. The selection of stylish furniture collections, construction, and
amazing colorful fabrics appear limitless:
dining suites in all sizes, shapes, styles, and
materials; elaborate furniture groupings;
rockers; gliders; chaise lounges; and tables
for 12 or chat sets for two. Sectionals are
a big trend.
On the rise are daybeds in many
striking designs, sizes, colors, and patterns. These smart and practical additions
to outdoor living combine the extreme
comfort and luxury of a private lounger
and the clever versatility of party seating.
Another hot trend (no pun intended)
are gas fire tables. Distinctive gas-powered fire tables not only add a perfect
touch to intimate gatherings but are a
practical lighting accent and feature for
adding some warmth on those chilly days
and evenings. Outdoor living areas come
alive with fire tables and fire pits. Design,
aesthetic materials, and special features
are countless.
Traditional wicker, rattan, bamboo,
eucalyptus, and teak remain admired; especially hand-woven all-weather resin wicker.
And when it comes to furniture construction, leading the way in the category of appearance, functionality, and maintenance is
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premium wood-look finish on rust-free aluminum frames. Even to the touch it is difficult in most cases to detect metal, the
wood-look feel and appearance are incredible. And heavy-duty, durable wood-like recycled plastics are starting to make inroads
in the outdoor furniture venue.
In addition to exceptional market umbrellas, large and colorful cantilevered umbrellas offering protection, elegance, and
beauty are on the top of the must-have list.
These very functional and versatile umbrellas are a big hit everywhere: poolside, patio,
lawn, and deck. Today, umbrella canopies
come in nearly an infinite variety of sizes,
shapes, designs, patterns, and colors.
Top-quality outdoor rugs add important definition and warmth to outdoor
spaces. Many outdoor rugs could be used
indoors because of the rugs’ beauty, texture,
and construction. A smart choice is soft
polypropylene because of its all-weather
durability and easy maintenance characteristics. And traditional jute rugs and classic
wool rugs are forever popular too. This
year, more than ever, the intricate range of
weaves, colors, patterns, prints, and stripes
is phenomenal.
Absolutely no outdoor living area is
complete without an array of outdoor pillows. These pillows enliven everything
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other water features are landscaped to perfection. We can create
a paradise at your place of business or home, installing an
ecosystem pond custom-designed to fit your family’s lifestyle. Our
LED line of outdoor fixtures is the final step in creating the perfect
atmosphere. Lighting creates safety as well as elegance to your
home. To view some of our beautiful landscapes, visit PezzottiBros.com or call us today to find out about our many services.
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CHESTERCOUNTY-LIFE.COM / May/June 2015
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within comfort and vision … furniture settings, a chaise lounge, a bench, a daybed,
a hammock, a sitting wall, a pool float,
and more. Shapes, sizes, colors, patterns,
all-weather fabrics, textures, and special
features like trim and monogramming provide a custom flair and feel. Like today’s
trend in rugs, the choice of colors, patterns, prints, and stripes is incredible.
COST OF DESIGNING & BUILDING
Cost of designing and building custom outdoor living space is dependent on a number
of elements: size and scope of areas, type of
structures incorporated, topography conditions, placement, quality of materials and
craftsmanship, number and quality of standard and special features, equipment, and
furnishing choices. With that said, below
are some ballpark costs.
For a basic outdoor living space (patio,
walkways, deck, immediate area landscaping, and furnishings), costs are in the five to
eight percent range of a home’s market
value. Beyond basic outdoor living spaces
(basic plus featuring multiple patios and
structures, extensive landscaping, and
kitchen) runs 10 to 15 percent of a home’s
market value. For exquisite, distinctive, and
luxurious outdoor living, plan on investing
up to 20 percent and more.
FINANCING
If financing is desired, some standard options that can be pursued are a personal
loan, refinancing your mortgage (increase
mortgage and use difference for the project), exercise a home equity loan, or use a
home equity line of credit. If your home is
new construction, rolling the cost of outdoor space and pool construction into the
cost of the home (first mortgage) is a very
viable option too.
Many landscapers and builders have
close alliances with financial lenders and
material suppliers that are experts and specialize in outdoor living space financing.
BUILDING FAMILY QUALITY TIME
& PROPERTY VALUE
Outdoor living spaces are an investment
in family quality time, entertainment, fun,
relaxation, and health. And, well-designed
spaces add spectacular curb appeal to
property and increases property value.
Experts suggest that outdoor living spaces
increase salability and can easily add 10
to 20 percent to a home’s value. Retreating outside your door has many valuable
benefits! CCL
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CHECKLIST
Outdoor Living Spaces
To help guide the selection of outdoor living spaces, options,
and features, the following is a helpful getting started checklist:
Outdoor Spaces
Patios and Walkways
Custom Pools/Spas
Living Room
Kitchen
Bar/Cocktail Lounge
Decks
Secluded/Private Areas
Sitting Areas
Custom Fire Pits
Custom Fireplaces
Sitting Walls
Theater/Entertainment Center
Gardens
Water Gardens
Garden Fountains, Ponds,
Streams, and Waterfalls
Nightscapes
Playgrounds/Recreation Areas
Structures
Decks
Covered Porches
Screened Porches/Rooms
Sunrooms/Seasonal Rooms
Pool Houses
Pergolas
Arbors
Trellises
Gazebos
Awnings/Canopies
Cabanas
Home/Garden Greenhouses
Retaining Walls
Bridges
Stone Walls
Fencing and Gates
Play Structures
Hardscaping Materials
Stone: flagstone, sandstone, slate,
limestone, quartzite, granite, marble, and fieldstone
Brick
Pavers
Boulders, Rocks, and Stones
Concrete
Traditional and Exotic Woods
Composites
Play/Recreation Surfaces
Landscaping Elements
Screening/Shade Trees
Shrubs/Plantings
Groundcovers
Perennials
Annuals
Lawns
Mulches
Irrigation Systems
Lighting (traditional, solar,
and LED)
Ponds, Waterfalls, and Streams
Fountains
Sculptures/Statues
Oversize/Bold Planters
Outdoor Furnishings and Accents
Umbrellas: market, crank and tilt,
cantilever, and solar
Furniture Construction/Material:
traditional wicker, rattan,
bamboo, eucalyptus, and teak;
wrought iron; all-weather resin
wicker; traditional woods; cast
aluminum; heavy-duty wood-like
recycled plastics; and granite
Furniture Styles: contemporary,
retro, traditional, Adirondack,
classic, French Provincial, café,
Mediterranean, Caribbean,
colonial, and western
Seating: seating collections,
sectional sofas, loveseats, chairs,
gliders/swings, rockers,
chaises/double chaises, benches,
and ottomans
Oversize Pillows/Cushions
(box edge and knife-edge)
Dining Collections
Tables: coffee, side, accent, café,
umbrella, and bunching/stacking
Gas-Powered Fire Tables
Bistro Sets
Bar Sets
Food and Beverage Servers
Swivel Stools, Chairs, and Rockers
Lounge Chairs
Recliners
Daybeds
Papasan Chairs
Director’s Chairs
Oversize Hammocks
Rolling Carts
Storage Benches/Boxes
Outdoor Drapes, Curtains,
Shades, Sails, and Dividers
Outdoor Lighting: lamps,
sconces, string lights, vintage
string lights, and lanterns
Oversize Planters/Plant Stands
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