Making Room in the Great Outdoors

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Megan Bame

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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.

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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.
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