Homes have come a long way even in the past ten years. It used to be the norm to have a deck or a porch for outdoor entertaining, but today’s modern homes have designs that incorporate “outdoor living,” making patio and deck spaces additional living rooms adjacent to the house. Although each space is unique to the home it is part of and the owners’ own preferences, there are 10 key areas to focus on when designing and planning a space that is reflective of 2018’s trends and shifts in aesthetic:

1. FURNITURE:

Today’s technology allows us to have furniture outside that looks like interior décor. Fabrics are weather and waterproof, easy to wipe off and clean, and offer plush, padded seating and beautifully designed tables and accent pieces, making your patio look like an extended living room. Look for styles that match your home’s décor and era to really bring that inside look outside and continue the warmth and feel of the interior.

2. TECHNOLOGY:

Yes, it is possible to have large smart TV’s, stereo systems, programmable shades and awnings, lights, and speakers wired into your outdoor living space. One desirable feature is a slide up or across panel that protects your TV or stereo system. Some have paintings on them, other are rustic wood and metal, and others are sleek and industrial. Whatever you choose, you can protect your high tech equipment from the elements and hide it away when not in use. Additionally, wiring your outdoor space for mounted speakers, lighting, awnings, and shade options are also wonderful ways to make the space more like an interior one and provide convenience and control as you entertain.

3. ACCENTS:

Decorate your space with beautiful accents that you would put inside your home. Candle holders (there are several LED light options in various sizes to minimize hassle and fire danger), string lights, table runners, floral displays, and unique art pieces are all ways to add depth and warmth to your outdoor room’s design.

4. SPACE:

Some choose to put additions onto homes, others use what the home comes with and simply add covering, shading options, or small extensions to patios and decks to create outdoor living spaces. Many of these include built-in storage such as bench seating that opens to allow for storage of chair cushions, table coverings, and dishes. Organizing your space to suit your own lifestyle and entertaining preferences is an essential way to guarantee efficiency and a clean look to your space.

5. COOLING:

Modern ceiling fans, retractable awnings, and pull down or retractable hanging shades are great ways to cool a space that has a ceiling suitable for mounting details. Keeping your outdoor space cool helps to improve entertaining options and you’ll want to spend more time in your outdoor room if it’s cooler than the outside temperatures in the middle of summer.

6. FIRE OPTIONS:

Some spaces include built in fire pits, chimineas, or movable pieces designed for fire. Others have built in and occasionally see-through sided fireplaces. Fire is a great way to add to your space and bring the indoors out to make a living or family room type of dwelling.

7. GRILLS:

Today’s grills run the gamut. We are way beyond the days of just using charcoal grills that are portable. Now we have small to extra large options, including massive gas grills that can be built into your outdoor space and include cabinets below for storage, areas for storing cooking items and dishes, and serving tables that are attached to where food is cooked. These come in several finishes and 2018’s most popular is still stainless steel. It’s easy to clean, looks sleek and modern, and offers a beautiful metallic accent to the outdoor room. Look for stellar reviews when buying grills as consumer reports on this type of item have merit in terms of durability, ease of use and cleaning, and cooking ability.

Source: Sonoma Magazine

8. FLOORING:

The floor of your outdoor space doesn’t need to be expensive. Painting a standard patio that is made of cement is a great way to add color to your space and also improve cleaning ability. And, when it fades, paint it again for a fraction of the cost of replacing stone or decking. Add outdoor rugs to add design and color elements and also ease of care. These will protect your patio flooring from wear and tear and extend the life of the paint or texture.

9. COLOR:

2018 is all about color and that includes in outdoor living. There are endless options for outdoor fabrics that add punch and beauty to your chairs and sofas and colorful rugs tie the room together. If you prefer a neutral palette, this is also very “in,” and metallics, glass, and subtle color additions perk up a more basic room.

10. BAR:

If you enjoy cocktails and entertaining around a bar, a built in or portable option will greatly improve your space. Look for options that include storage such as a mini fridge, wine cooler, and shelves for drinkware, accessories, and liquor. An ice maker is also a great addition if the space and budget allow. The less time you have to travel back and forth inside for drinks, ice, etc. the more time you have to spend with friends and family, enjoying your outdoor space.

Dawn Duncan is the founder and owner of Yellowbright, Inc., a Fort Collins-based marketing, social media, and events agency. 970.980.6399/yellowbrightinc.com/dawn@yellowbrightinc.com