Summer is all about kicking back and relaxing. It is a time to enjoy the warm weather with friends and create unforgettable memories. To maximize the summer experience, it is essential to have your outdoor gathering spot up-to-date and functional. With this in mind, keep reading as we help you create a cozy outdoor area perfect for summer gatherings.
Choose the Right Spot
Picking the correct location is the first step in creating an outdoor haven. Some factors to consider include:
Exterior hangouts connected to the home are generally the most practical option along all of these lines. Some features that improve transitional interior/exterior lounges include using the same flooring tiles inside and outside, adding acoustical wood panels to provide sound insulation, and installing a pass-through window to conveniently access the home’s kitchen.
Consider the Theme
An exterior hangout must be carefully coordinated. The ambience shapes the experience. Wood, stone, and other natural materials are usually a can’t-miss around a home’s exterior. However, it is critical to consider the style of the home itself. Perhaps black steel and other types of modern accents are a better fit for your purposes. It is also important to weigh whether the area will be used more during the day or for hosting evening gatherings. This will go a long way toward determining which features and furniture to prioritize.
Choose the Right Spot
Picking the correct location is the first step in creating an outdoor haven. Some factors to consider include:
- View - what area provides the most stunning panorama of the landscape?
- Shade - natural shade is wonderful, but remember that falling leaves, sap, and bird droppings can become a problem with some shade trees.
- Accessibility - running back and forth from your house to the outdoor lounge can quickly become more trouble than it is worth if the location is inconvenient.
- Noise - will a busy street or loud neighbors spoil outdoor relaxation?
Exterior hangouts connected to the home are generally the most practical option along all of these lines. Some features that improve transitional interior/exterior lounges include using the same flooring tiles inside and outside, adding acoustical wood panels to provide sound insulation, and installing a pass-through window to conveniently access the home’s kitchen.
Consider the Theme
An exterior hangout must be carefully coordinated. The ambience shapes the experience. Wood, stone, and other natural materials are usually a can’t-miss around a home’s exterior. However, it is critical to consider the style of the home itself. Perhaps black steel and other types of modern accents are a better fit for your purposes. It is also important to weigh whether the area will be used more during the day or for hosting evening gatherings. This will go a long way toward determining which features and furniture to prioritize.
Ensure Adequate Drainage
Unchecked water can quickly ruin an outdoor environment. It can destroy landscaping and create ongoing maintenance challenges.
There are various ways to ensure water runoff does not wreak havoc. First, make sure the backyard is graded away from your lounge. This will keep water flowing away from the area. It is also beneficial to add outdoor drainage grates around the lounge for further benefit.
Choosing the appropriate flooring for the lounge is also essential. It must be able to withstand foot traffic while effectively mitigating moisture challenges. Many homeowners compare porcelain pavers vs concrete pavers for outdoor patios, but composite pavers are also a strong option. They have elite durability and are much lighter than porcelain or concrete. Permeable gravel patio flooring is another idea. It is known for its outstanding drainage.
Explore Lighting Options
Appropriate lighting is essential for creating a relaxing outdoor ambience. True, natural sunlight is one of the major benefits of enjoying the outdoors. However, strategic lighting will help you enjoy your outside space long after the neighbors have gone inside for the evening. LED lighting strips around deck and exterior handrail areas can create a stunning visual. Solar-powered lighting pegs around walkways store sunlight during the day and illuminate at dusk. Lighting spheres and torches add some style to the lounge while helping increase viability.
Install a Fire Pit
There is something about a flame that brings a party together. It provides the perfect backdrop for standing and mingling or gathering around for a chat. There are numerous ways to incorporate fire into an outdoor environment. Full scale outdoor fireplaces enhance an outdoor living room experience perfect for entertainment. They can also provide space heating for when the evening gets chilly. Smaller outdoor fire pits are great for their convenience. They can be added virtually anywhere and offer 360-degree access. They are ideal for pulling up a chair and visiting as a group.
Unchecked water can quickly ruin an outdoor environment. It can destroy landscaping and create ongoing maintenance challenges.
There are various ways to ensure water runoff does not wreak havoc. First, make sure the backyard is graded away from your lounge. This will keep water flowing away from the area. It is also beneficial to add outdoor drainage grates around the lounge for further benefit.
Choosing the appropriate flooring for the lounge is also essential. It must be able to withstand foot traffic while effectively mitigating moisture challenges. Many homeowners compare porcelain pavers vs concrete pavers for outdoor patios, but composite pavers are also a strong option. They have elite durability and are much lighter than porcelain or concrete. Permeable gravel patio flooring is another idea. It is known for its outstanding drainage.
Explore Lighting Options
Appropriate lighting is essential for creating a relaxing outdoor ambience. True, natural sunlight is one of the major benefits of enjoying the outdoors. However, strategic lighting will help you enjoy your outside space long after the neighbors have gone inside for the evening. LED lighting strips around deck and exterior handrail areas can create a stunning visual. Solar-powered lighting pegs around walkways store sunlight during the day and illuminate at dusk. Lighting spheres and torches add some style to the lounge while helping increase viability.
Install a Fire Pit
There is something about a flame that brings a party together. It provides the perfect backdrop for standing and mingling or gathering around for a chat. There are numerous ways to incorporate fire into an outdoor environment. Full scale outdoor fireplaces enhance an outdoor living room experience perfect for entertainment. They can also provide space heating for when the evening gets chilly. Smaller outdoor fire pits are great for their convenience. They can be added virtually anywhere and offer 360-degree access. They are ideal for pulling up a chair and visiting as a group.
Provide Shade
It is impossible to enjoy the outdoors--especially in sunny San Diego--without the proper shading. Umbrellas and awnings are a straightforward way of providing some sun protection. Louvered pergolas are another outstanding choice. Their adjustable fabrication provides greater control of the exterior environment. They also provide a stunning aesthetic boost to the area. For particularly hot days, directional fans and misting systems are other ideas for beating the incessant sun.
Incorporate Water Features
Much like fire, there is something about water that makes outdoor relaxation complete. It is inherently soothing to kick back and watch water flow. A pool is obviously a popular option in San Diego. However, there are more subtle measures that can make an impact as well. Fountains are a great choice for tying a garden together. Smaller fountains can also be placed as bookends on a deck or patio. Rain chains for gutters are a creative way to harvest runoff while adding an element of visual intrigue.
Get Started Today on Your Outdoor Haven
The summer experience is not complete without the proper outdoor environment. From selecting the ideal location to incorporating the perfect features, consider the pro tips listed above and other resources at Berkley Construction to make an outdoor lounge complete for your San Diego home!
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Author Bio
Brian Jeffries is a freelance writer who loves sharing his knowledge and expertise on construction projects and materials. He lives in Winter Park, Florida where he enjoys spending time with his wife and working on projects in his spare time. Brian’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a construction industry resource site.
It is impossible to enjoy the outdoors--especially in sunny San Diego--without the proper shading. Umbrellas and awnings are a straightforward way of providing some sun protection. Louvered pergolas are another outstanding choice. Their adjustable fabrication provides greater control of the exterior environment. They also provide a stunning aesthetic boost to the area. For particularly hot days, directional fans and misting systems are other ideas for beating the incessant sun.
Incorporate Water Features
Much like fire, there is something about water that makes outdoor relaxation complete. It is inherently soothing to kick back and watch water flow. A pool is obviously a popular option in San Diego. However, there are more subtle measures that can make an impact as well. Fountains are a great choice for tying a garden together. Smaller fountains can also be placed as bookends on a deck or patio. Rain chains for gutters are a creative way to harvest runoff while adding an element of visual intrigue.
Get Started Today on Your Outdoor Haven
The summer experience is not complete without the proper outdoor environment. From selecting the ideal location to incorporating the perfect features, consider the pro tips listed above and other resources at Berkley Construction to make an outdoor lounge complete for your San Diego home!
******************************
Author Bio
Brian Jeffries is a freelance writer who loves sharing his knowledge and expertise on construction projects and materials. He lives in Winter Park, Florida where he enjoys spending time with his wife and working on projects in his spare time. Brian’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a construction industry resource site.
