Outdoor living spaces have evolved beyond traditional patios and decks. Today, these areas function as natural extensions of homes, blending indoor comforts with the natural beauty of the outdoors.
The outdoor living space draws on the style of the inside of the home. “We want it to be seamless from inside to outside,” said Jame Toribio, a co-owner and designer at Outdoor Living Company, which serves homeowners in Montgomery County.
A well-thought-out design is crucial for outdoor living spaces as it determines functionality, aesthetics and the overall enjoyment of the space. It creates an inviting environment for relaxation and entertainment.
“You have to have a designer’s eye to really hit a home run on these spaces,” Toribio said.
Outdoor living spaces offer time to dine with friends or chill by the poolside. You can appreciate a warm day outside with the option of cooling off in the shade.
The increased time spent at home during the pandemic heightened people’s appreciation for their outdoor spaces and fueled demand for outdoor living enhancements.
The first step to consider before building an outdoor living space is drainage. “We want to be mindful where the water flow is and where rainwater is going to go,” Toribio said.
Poor drainage can lead to problems like water pooling, foundation damage, and even structural issues, he said.
Weather can be temperamental here so covered structures like louvered pergolas are recommended, Toribio said. The roof will open for more airflow or it can be closed off to create shade.
“They are watertight so you can enjoy your outdoor living space even when it’s raining. It maximizes the ability to use your outdoor living area all the time,” Toribio said.
To ensure comfortable year-round use of an outdoor living space, homeowners acquire heating elements like patio heaters, fire pits, fire tables and outdoor fireplaces.
In Montgomery County, the availability of natural gas allows for its use in creating overhead heating elements. “Infrared gas heating systems are popular in the county,” Toribio said.
The materials used for a deck are most often composite boards that can capture the beauty of real wood, Toribio said.
For patio spaces, natural flagstone is often recommended. “The intricate pattern of flagstone creates a natural pathway, seamlessly blending with the surrounding landscape,” Toribio said.
A more budget-friendly solution than natural stone are concrete pavers. “They are a popular and versatile material for creating outdoor living spaces, offering both aesthetic appeal and durability,” Toribio said.
Landscaping softens up the harsh edges of pavers and natural stone. “It’s a good way to make a transition off of your outdoor living space into your backyard. Vertical greenery like evergreens or canopy trees provides privacy without a fence,” Toribio said.
The amount of square footage that homeowners are devoting to outdoor living spaces is getting larger and larger as people attempt to take full advantage of the outdoors whenever they can, said James Moylan, owner of Design Builders in Bethesda.
The cost of high-end outdoor living spaces can vary widely, ranging from $30,000 to $200,000 or more, depending on factors like size, design complexity, materials and desired features. Small patio ideas help maximize the space with budget-friendly upgrades.
Kitchens have many possibilities. “A grill is a must-have, but I’ve encouraged clients to get outdoor refrigerators, a wood-burning stove for pizza and bread, and a power burner for crabs, lobster or corn on the cob,” Toribio said.
Lighting on the surrounding landscaping provides indirect ambient lighting on the outdoor living space. Accent lighting can be built on any overhead structures, Toribio said. “There is a type of lighting system for the ceiling that creates the illusion of a starry night,” he said.
Smart technology, operated through an app, can cool you down with misting systems. TVs can have retracting systems that can raise or lower, combining two spaces into one space, Moylan said.
Adding outdoor living space generally increases a home’s value. Well-designed and maintained outdoor spaces boost curb appeal and can significantly enhance a home’s market value.
Designs of outdoor living spaces are predicated on how long the homeowner plans to stay in the house, Moylan said. “For those who want a good return on their investment in the short term, we’re going to concentrate on being cost-effective,” Moylan said.
For people planning on being at the property for a long time, the design will be more personalized and comfortable and incorporate what they like to do in their social life, he added.
“Whatever you want in your living room,” Moylan said, “we try to put those creature comforts outside — air conditioning, heat, fans — anything to make the experience more enjoyable is what people are trying to do.”
