Summertime is just around the corner and with it comes outdoor fun. Some of us could have any old backyard space but if you’re a designer like me, having the perfect outdoor space is essential. We recently renovated out backyard to make a multi-level patio paradise perfect for entertaining or romantic evenings with just the hubby and me. From pavers to pergolas and, of course, a hot tub, we decided to go big or go home. The home we live in is our downsize home, so the outdoor space is super important to us since it’s essentially and extension of our smaller indoor space. I was shooting for an tranquil, oasis feeling when you walk through the sliding glass doors and onto the deck then down onto the patio and into the yard. There’s an eating space and a drinking wine space as well. There are multiple spaces for seasonal planting and of course we added a tree as our center piece. Since the space is compact, we added the spa to the lower level of the patio for some privacy. We also installed our fence horizontally instead of vertically for a different design rather than the old-fashioned boring stuff.

Indoor Outdoor

Now we all know that when you entertain outdoors you’ve got to, of course, be outdoors. But the way you get there matters. Accordion glass doors are the latest and greatest in creating indoor/outdoor space. They allow you to open up an entire wall so that the indoor living space flows directly to the outdoor space making the two into one. I love this look since it’s expansive and you don’t have to add square footage. You simple open the doors and voila, you have added onto your home. Guests can easily move from inside your home to the outside. The only caveat is bugs. If you live in a place where there are a lot of bugs, you might get a couple in your house. Otherwise, the entertainment space and additional light added are amazing. They also cost a bit more but well worth it.

Pavers, Concrete and Stone

Obviously, what you build the actual patio out of is the most important part of your outdoor space. The awesome thing is there are a lot of materials to choose from. For a more contemporary look there are pavers. They somehow create a cozy and comfortable outside option. They come in beautiful colors and textures but the most common are about twice the size of a normal brick and grey beige in color. Using them to create any shape is easy. Long term maintenance may be a tiny bit more but very little. Concrete is one of the most versatile materials to use. It can be colored, stained and finished in flat or high gloss. Concrete can also be stamped to look like pavers or to create a beautiful symmetrical design for a more modern look. Natural stone is my favorite. With finished or natural edges stone gives your patio a luxury feeling. It’s more expensive, mainly because of the labor but the high end feel it gives the space is well worth it. Especially if you plan to spend time in your yard.

What’s Popular in Patio Accoutrement

There’s nothing like the wonderful sound of a trickling water feature. Adding one in the right spot give that spot a spa feeling. Water is relaxing and soothing. From fountains to ponds with and without fish, a water feature really adds esthetic value to an outdoor space. Now add some fire and you have something that pops. Fire pits, outdoor fireplaces and the latest and greatest…fire pots. Those are modern pot shaped fire bowls if you can envision. Add a fountain to one of those bowls and you have the perfect Zen combination of fire and water. And you have the perfect conversation pieces to talk about. Fire bowls are popular for from things such as around a pool or hot tub or even around a pond or a large pond.

Covered or Not Covered

Covered or partially covered patios are extremely popular. Typically, the roof line is extended from the house to cover a deck or patio that is attached to the home. It creates a covered space so that you can enjoy the outdoors without being out in the rain and gives you some shade on a hot day. Pergolas are also popular. Mainly for adding shade they are also a beautiful design feature and add dimension where you have a lot of flat ground. Speaking of protection. Adding some privacy to your back yard doesn’t have to mean utilitarian materials or designs. Fencing materials such as aluminum gates can be ornate or modern in style but they do come in different styles as well as colors. You don’t have to compromise on style just because you need to fence your property. They also provide security. Half walls and privacy walls can also be super stylish. People often think of stone walls but there are wood walls that look very pleasing. Depending on the way they are installed. Separating your back yard with a half wall is a stylish way to break it up. Especially if it’s a large area. Creating an eating versus entertaining or sitting area is as important to the function or your yard as the design.

Check out some of the gorgeous outdoor spaces we’ve created with Nathan Homes or contact me for ideas about your spaces at www.omahaprioritygroup.com And don’t forget your sunscreen!