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Outdoor Living Trends

The leading trend in DFW is Outdoor Living Patios. Who would have projected that the landscape architect designers would be drawing up so many planned designs for the homeowner outdoors living experience? Complete conceptual kitchens, full great rooms, dining areas and living rooms with all the amenities and features--perfect for retreat relaxation and household entertaining. Advances take us beyond a barbeque grill and a folding chair. Homeowners today are enjoying their Outdoors Living Patios in opulence and style. Outdoor Living can be created within any budget, using a phase by phase project approach. With a few basic consultation tips, planned ideas and a trusted contractor, your Outdoor Living Area could be well on its way.

Conventional designer tricks and décor innovations are increasing in popularity. One example: Trellises can mimic a wall, and an existing covered pavilion - when designer-painted and dressed in cedar -- can create a marvelous ceiling. Hanging wrought iron décor from headers and adding tables and chairs provide beauty and functionality. Hanging outdoor weather-resistant draperies and fabrics add elegance and beauty, especially when décor accents, candles, torch lamps, framed wine racks and exotic patio art are added. Color coordination and cozy furniture bring a home atmosphere to your outdoor living room.

In today’s economy, return on investment is important, as is the quality of life. Many homes in this area are finding out that the resale value of the outdoor living area is gaining a much more positive return than that of the swimming pools/spas. Average homeowners of 5-10 years are usually spending 10%-15% of the home’s value on outdoor landscapes and Outdoor Living Rooms. Even so, more and more builders are moving toward the outdoor living lifestyle in their architectural design format. In today’s builder market, spec-home models are demanding more. The outdoor living room is a significant inclusion to meet the quality of the new home market.

Outdoor living patios trend

Fireplaces - Outdoor living patios aren’t quite complete without creating a simple fire feature. From a nice warm cozy fire pit to a full-scale towering fireplace, the element of fire will make any backyard attraction fun and entertaining. Outdoor fireplaces are “hot” right now, but the Italian Brick Oven option is something to consider when budgeting an outdoor living space. Any style, from simple to exotic stone designs, can be captured and constructed to meet your tastes, interest and lifestyle.

Pergolas - Extending enclosures or shade structures over your outdoor living patio area ties everything together and is a great way to bring the inside outdoors. This might include a simple trellis post to post slate work, or a horizontal ridged structure attached to your home. Overhead constructions of various kinds are where lifestyle and quality living merge in the great outdoors. The cedar structure creates amazing rooms, from a full covered cabana structure, to a free-standing open pergola view. Homeowners are finding that these affordable outdoor living patios are a way of life. They energize the home and are becoming one of the home’s most favored rooms.

Patio Furniture - Patio furniture and bar stools are among the huge trend. You get what you pay for-this is very true when it comes to the world of outdoor furniture. Instead of buying disposable pieces, more homeowners are investing in quality outdoor patio furniture. Maintenance, free, weather resistant, rust proof metals are among the better pieces being crafted today. Generally, when it comes to outdoor patio furniture, your investment will pay off in the long run.

Water Features - The beauty of a custom outdoor water feature is that it can be used nearly year-around and can be a simple or as elaborate as the customer wants, depending upon their budget. Water features can be made from a variety of economical materials to match or accent a customer’s existing outdoor décor and/or landscape design. Whether it’s a roaring, natural boulder waterfall or a simple freestanding cast design, water can add a theme. Homeowners are looking for the best outdoor stainless steel appliances (with the best lasting results) for the money. The trend is immense. More and more homeowners are requesting professional lighting and outdoor stereos installations; always creating, to capture that perfect ambiance for outdoor entertaining for family, friends and favorite memories.

Outdoor Kitchens - A variety of units and kitchen features are manufactured and engineered to withstand our climate conditions. Advanced hanging racks, cabinetry shelves and storage space options not only give homeowners that exact cooking space, but give that signature design of easy access and optional cooking tools. Advantages of using masonry give that perfect fit for all your outdoor appliances, custom and tailor-made just for the homeowner. Stone, brick & tile kitchens have the highest ratings for outdoor use: easy to use, easy to clean, weather-proof and very functional as well as ascetically pleasing. If you use the right contractor, creating an outdoor living space can be relatively easy, and an inexpensive way to increase your home’s relaxing footprint.

The growing trend is continuing strongly in the lakeside area in Spring 2011. What was driven by the old screened-in porches, waterfront hammock palapa, cultural courtyards, and the lonely gazebo, has now erupted into one of the largest trends of the American homeowner. The great outdoor feel, and its serene escape has led many to find out that backyard living is more than just a shaded lawn chair or swing. It’s a practical way of life, a stress-free life of relaxation and entertainment, filled with the freedoms of outdoor living commodities yet expanding the interior home sanctuary into a backyard lifestyle. Hundreds and even thousands of homeowners citywide are now designing and creating that lush, cozy, relaxing atmosphere. Many are finding out that it doesn’t take much for an outdoor area to become their favorite hangout. Especially if you add a little exterior furniture, outdoor surround sound, flat screen televisions, fashionable accessories and rugs, outdoor kitchen features, and outdoor lighting effects - all of which rival indoor furnishings for beauty and functionality.

Outdoor Living patios, if designed with the right basic elements, can save time and money, and still give you more then you ever expected. Life is short…so live it to its fullest…you’ll never regret that you did!

Charles Mathis is the owner of Day Spring Outdoor Living Creations
Serving Lakeside cities & East Dallas communities, including Rockwall, Heath, Royse City, Rowlett, Sunnyvale, Wylie and Sachse, Texas