Share / Save
Helping You Become a More Successful Gardener

Making Room in the Great Outdoors

Email Email Page Print Print Page
Megan Bame

Extras

Add Photo to Journal Add Photo to Journal
Complete Outdoor Room
Photo Credit: Megan Bame
A kitchen, dining room and family room – complete with TV above the fireplace – combine to make this one great outdoor living space.

The most impressive kitchens have it all: A sink, fridge, granite countertops, tile backsplash…and, of course, the gas or charcoal grill. No outdoor kitchen would be complete without that! And did I mention a fireplace, television and stereo system? Perhaps “outdoor great room” would be a more accurate way to describe such an outdoor living space. The fact is, families across the country are movin’ out – just beyond the backdoor – to experience outdoor living with all the comforts of the great indoors.

Add Photo to Journal Add Photo to Journal
Small Space Room
Photo Credit: Megan Bame
Large or small, an outdoor room is meant to be functional – and enjoyed. (Remember, you’re not just creating a “room,” you’re creating an experience.)

The essence of outdoor living is to create an extension of your home. Folks who enjoy relaxing outside have come to recognize that an investment in some basic amenities can enhance an outdoor space, making it not only more useable but more used. With gas and travel prices on the rise, families are staying closer to home. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t experience that great getaway feel – you just have to choose the right elements.

First consider how your new outdoor room will be used. Do you want a retreat from the daily grind or a family entertainment area? How about space for food preparation? Is a wet bar or wine chiller a must-have for your entertaining lifestyle? Maybe what’s called for is a combination of all these ideas to create a special area that your whole family can enjoy.

Warnings
  • Outdoor rooms can be as simple or elaborate as you’d like. If your plan involves major construction, be sure to apply for the proper permits before you begin building on your property.
Facts
  • There’s a range of outdoor living products to suit every budget and space. Many garden centers now stock lines of outdoor furniture, kitchen equipment and more, making it easy to shop for these comforts while you’re picking out your plants.
Tips
  • Outdoor living spaces aren’t just for weekend enjoyment. Enjoy dining on the patio during the week instead of at the kitchen table. (The long days of summer make your “inside-out” room ideal for relaxing or fun-filled evenings no matter what day of the week.) Even when the days are shorter, outdoor lighting can keep you outside as long as the weather permits.
Resources
  • We’d love to see how you’ve decorated your outdoor room! Share your designs with our Learn2Grow community and post pictures of your outdoor living experience in our forums.
    Read More...
 
Page 1 of 2

Next Steps


Articles
  • Teak Talk (Time to Buy Outdoor Furniture?)
    A functional, comfortable patio requires functional, comfortable furniture. Teak wood is a popular material used to make quality outdoor furnishings. But beware of imitations. Learn what to look for in quality teak furniture, then enjoy your outdoor living experience as you should – to its fullest.
  • Keep Enjoying Your Summer Garden!
    It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by summer’s heat and humidity. Rather than worrying about all the things you haven’t done in your garden, take a minute to reflect on all your successes – and get out there and enjoy the beauty you created!
  • There's a New Grill in Town
    How do you like your steak? If it’s juicy and full of flavor, an infrared grill may be the product for you! Learn why these types of grills are becoming a popular choice among homeowners who savor the flavor of outdoor cooking.
RATE THIS PAGE
On average this item has been rated a 2 out of 5.