Relax and Recharge with These Great Outdoor Living Ideas
With people spending more time at home these days, outdoor living spaces have taken on renewed importance. Decks, porches and patios offer the perfect place for social gatherings or a little quiet solitude after a hectic day.
Even as we venture back out into the world more frequently, many still crave a little fresh air upon returning home. There are many options for improving your outdoor spaces, from a new deck to an outdoor kitchen to new landscaping.
If you’re looking to update your front or back yard, Mid-City Lumber has the building supplies, tools and expertise to get you started. In the meantime, here are some of this year’s most popular outdoor living ideas for a little inspiration.
Bringing the Inside Out
More homeowners today are gravitating toward outdoor rooms that complement the home’s interior. To achieve this “indoor-outdoor feel,” look for designs that combine a natural aesthetic with practical functionality.
Outdoor living rooms are great for visiting with neighbors or even getting some work done when the weather is nice. Dining and family room amenities can include everything from pizza ovens to big screen television systems. Add some local flavor by featuring native plants in your landscaping.
If you plan on entertaining, working or studying outside, don’t forget about technology. WiFi connections, USB ports and electrical outlets are essential for streaming movies or joining a virtual meeting in front of a pleasing outdoor backdrop.
Open-Air Kitchens & Homegrown Ingredients
The once-humble backyard grill is getting some company. According to a survey from the National Kitchen and Bath Association, outdoor kitchens ranked as the most popular outdoor project for 2021.
A satellite kitchen complements a traditional indoor kitchen, with specialty appliances such as a gourmet grill or brick pizza oven. Other homeowners are choosing to build an entirely independent outdoor kitchen, complete with its own refrigerator, sink, stove, storage and prep areas. Add homegrown ingredients to your favorite recipes by planting an edible garden for growing vegetables, herbs and even fruit trees.
Welcoming Social Spaces
The back yard has long been a favorite spot for catching up with family and friends. But after a year of drive-through birthday parties and baby showers, the front yard is getting renewed attention as a place for social gatherings.
Create a welcoming atmosphere with a built-in seating nook, soothing water features and enchanting outdoor lighting. Hang a comfortable swing bench from the ceiling of a covered deck or porch. Round out your front or back yard design with fun amenities including playgrounds and clever sculptural elements. Add more shade and privacy with a lush plant wall or wood fence.
Year-Round Outdoor Living
Many people still associate outdoor spaces with long summer days in the back yard. But today’s designs offer many ways to spend some quality time outside no matter what the calendar says.
Stay comfortable on hot days with a charming pergola, ceiling fans and/or retractable shades. Cool off even more with a customized misting system. Fireplaces, heat lamps and fire pits let you keep enjoying your outdoor spaces even when the mercury falls. An overhang protects you and your guests from wet weather.
Outdoor lighting lets you linger outside a little longer after the sun goes down. Choose brighter task lighting for working or cooking or to safely illuminate a walkway. Create the perfect ambience for social gatherings with soft accent lighting, or show off your favorite plants with glowing uplights.
At Mid-City Lumber, we’ve got a wide assortment of quality materials to create that fabulous outdoor space you’ve been dreaming about. Our knowledgeable building experts will gladly answer any questions you have to help you choose the best options for your project.
We invite you to drop by a location near you or contact us online at anytime!
