Creating an Outdoor Oasis

As you begin planning the details of your new home, one of the most exciting opportunities lies in the ability to blend the indoor and outdoor spaces seamlessly. Outdoor living spaces are an extension of the house and create bigger and better entertaining spaces. With more homeowners entertaining at home, these outdoor rooms provide a generous space to relax and comfortably gather with family and friends.

The trend towards bringing the indoors outside has now transitioned to bringing indoor comforts and materials to the outdoors. These new outdoor retreats can run the gamut from luxurious and expensive to simple and low-budget. The charm is not necessarily in the money spent but in the planning and labor involved in creating a unique and creative space well-suited to your family. Thanks to advances in all-weather materials, furnishings, and accessories, you can highlight an outdoor living space in the same manner as your indoor space.

Enjoying your outdoor space can be accomplished with something as simple as an area to lounge in, a space to read a book or quietly daydream in, and perhaps even a spot to enjoy a meal. There are numerous ways to create the ideal outdoor areas:

Outdoor Kitchens –

Backyard cooking areas can be elaborate, with entire kitchens featuring islands, refrigerators, wine coolers, grilling and barbecuing equipment, sinks and counter space, or a simple space with a grill and a dining table. Dining al fresco is a beautiful way to spend an evening with family and friends, and it could not be easier to do so outdoors.

Pools and Water Features –

Creating a relaxing environment using water is incredibly common, especially in the southern states where summers are sweltering. Besides the joy of a welcoming pool, some families have created calming areas with streams, rivers, and ponds.

Fireplaces and Fire Pits –

Bring warmth to the outdoors and create a comfortable experience with a fireplace or fire pit. Place the outdoor furniture around a fireplace to develop a relaxing sitting area. As more people use their outdoor spaces, having an inviting and climate-controlled space offers the ability to enjoy them later in the year.

Outdoor Living Rooms and Dining Rooms –

Bring the comforts of the indoors outside by using weather-resistant furniture to create a relaxing environment. Many homeowners want to make their outdoor living spaces an extension of their personalities by designing “rooms” to synchronize with their interior design choices.

A Lanai –

This covered outdoor area is an open-sided veranda that protects a roof and allows you to enjoy the outdoors without walls blocking the views and breeze. If winter weather and climate regions dictate a more enclosed area, try screening in your space or adding a sunroom for a more insulated area. Find our collection of house plans with a Lanai feature here.

Porte Cochere –

A porte cochere is a unique, roofed structure that usually extends from the home over the driveway to provide shelter for those getting in or out of vehicles. It adds substantial character to a home while also providing valuable weather protection. If you love this feature, find all of our house plans with a porte cochere here.

As homeowner become more interested in their outdoor living rooms, industry technology has increased and now offers low-maintenance options for decking, lighting, furniture, and even fabric choices. Composite decking is a real bonus for your outdoor space as it is comparatively beautiful, and there is little maintenance. Good lighting becomes necessary as the days shorten and people spend more time outdoors in the comfort of their own homes. Path lighting, lights strung along the exterior, and even torch lighting with citronella candles offer a bug-free, safe, and well-lit area free of annoyances and hazardous conditions. Transform your outdoor space with our new collection of recreational plans, extending this space for your workspace, relaxation, entertainment, productivity, and even more! 

Recreational Additions

Transform your outdoor space with our new collection of recreational plans, extending it for your workspace, relaxation, entertainment, productivity, and even more! These plans come in various sizes, styles, and purposes. Elevate your property and create an outdoor space you’ll love with a Pool House, a Workshop, a Gazebo, or a Shed.

Take the fun outdoors, enjoy your family and friends, and refresh yourself in your new outdoor space. Savor good meals in the company of those you love, read an encouraging or well-loved novel underneath the stars, or gather around the fire and appreciate the sounds of nature in the comfort of your home.

If you love the idea and feel of completing your home with these various outdoor features and your perfect house plan doesn’t provide it, learn more about modifying a house plan to include your must-have features. You can learn more and request a modification from our team here.