The great outdoors-In need of more living space? Consider an outdoor retreat
The great outdoors-In need of more living space? Consider an outdoor retreat
It's one of life's small pleasures to experience the beauty of nature from your own backyard or patio. How fortunate we are to live in a city where we can enjoy outdoor dining and entertaining eight to nine months out of the year. Did you know that there are 90 million households in the United States with a yard and garden? And according to a 2007 study, eight in 10 consumers prefer outdoor entertaining, weather permitting, to the confines of a home. However, having a yard and garden doesn't guarantee that you’re space is ready to host an outdoor fete. With some planning, you can fashion your own intimate retreat just beyond your back door.
First, determine how you wish to use your outdoor space and just how elaborate the finished area will be. Do you want to enhance an existing patio, deck or lawn area, or, do you want a complete makeover? Do you envision quiet get-togethers for a few couples where a small, intimate patio or deck will suffice? Or, do you prefer large parties that will not only require a number of dining tables, but outdoor cooking and cleanup areas, as well as conversational seating areas? If you a frequent entertainer, you may consider a hybrid space that allows for big and small gatherings.
Imagine how you would like your new “retreat” to look. Be mindful of scale and placement, and consider comfort, traffic patterns, weather, sun and shade patterns. Once you have defined your requirements, decide on a design and budget. Keep in mind that a workable budget is a compromise between the things you imagine for your finished project and what you should actually budget to achieve your goals. Set those goals, research, create a plan, make drawings, cut out magazine articles and pictures and then proceed in stages. If you are planning an extensive project, a designer can assist with fresh ideas to create a space that meets your needs. Working with a contractor, landscape contractor and architect on complex jobs involving building and structural changes is always advisable.
Make sure that the overall project is architecturally compatible with the exterior of your home and surrounding landscape, taking cues from the existing house. Structural elements should blend well with the design of the house. Don't introduce new materials that are radically different from what already exists. For example, a brick house with a concrete patio may seem bland, whereas a brick house with brick-bordered concrete patio is fabulous. Likewise, a more formal sitting area complements a more traditional home, and a courtyard enhances a Santa Barbara- or southwest-style home. Also, keep in mind which conveniences would be appropriate for your space. A well-designed outdoor lighting system allows you to use your retreat during the evening. You may also wish to add electrical outlets for portable lighting, sound system and other accoutrement.
A shelter for your outdoor retreat can be anything from a small solid roof arbor to a large gazebo. Over the past few years portable covered gazebos have gained in popularity. Available at a fraction of the cost of construction, these “instant” shelters will also define the space of an outdoor room. Whether placed on a concrete slab, natural slab, pea gravel or lawn — adding an overhead structure (instant gazebo or permanent pergola) will parlay an otherwise drab area into a party place that offers comfort and protection. (One word of caution: Be sure to anchor your portable shelter or in high winds, your new retreat may take flight.)
Sometimes the key to making a patio retreat more appealing is to consider the space as an extra room, an extension of your home. Like your home's interior, you are more likely to use a room if it includes the things you love. Create a harmonious connection by selecting fabrics, colors and furniture styles like those inside your home. Always consider what you will see from the windows of your home. Your outdoor retreat should have continuity and be both intriguing and inviting.
Providing shade will make your outdoor space a nice place to relax. If you lack shade trees, plant some or introduce a market umbrella. These stand-alone beauties can be readily moved to conveniently shade a small area. Large weighted umbrella stands allow mobility.
You can also create your own a colorful and versatile umbrella shade area. Use a 24-inch roll rim Italian container. Insert a PVC pipe (slightly larger than the diameter of the “stem” of the market umbrella and equally as tall as the container). Center the PVC in the 24-inch container, fill container with pea gravel and sand. Place the wooden umbrella stem in the PVC pipe and test for stability. Add soil over the top of the gravel and plant with your favorite cascading color plants. This provides a beautiful, textural statement while providing a stable home for your umbrella.
Create ambience with an outdoor fireplace, portable outdoor hearth, clay or iron chiminea or fire pit. Plant roses, lilacs or peonies for a fragrant, inviting garden. Turn to nature to repel outdoor pests: Plant citronella and lemon-scented grasses to repel the mosquitoes, basil-filled containers in your seating areas to drive off flies, and tansy in nearby flower beds keeps away both flies and ants. Or purchase citronella candles to keep the bugs at bay, enlighten your outdoor tables, and add a little ambience. Candles also brighten the evening hours and complement social gatherings.
Something about water soothes the soul. In addition to enjoying the sight of water, we relish the sound of it. Whether it's from a large waterfall or a small fountain, the sound of splashing immediately puts hearts and minds at ease. Larger, more powerful water features drown out less pleasant sounds, such as traffic noise, and make us feel as though we've escaped to a very special place.