5 MUST-HAVE FEATURES FOR THE PERFECT SLC OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE
Picture yourself unwinding in your backyard on a warm Salt Lake City evening. As the sun sets over the mountains, you settle in for an intimate gathering with friends and family under the stars. With a little help and thoughtful planning, this dreamy scene of an outdoor oasis can become your reality.
A well-designed outdoor living space extends your home’s footprint and elevates your property's market value. If you've been contemplating how to make the most of your existing outside space, here are five must-have features to help you transform your yard into the perfect Salt Lake City outdoor living area.
1. Comfort is Key: Inviting Seating Options
At the heart of every exceptional outdoor space lies one essential element - comfortable and inviting seating. This is the spot where you'll spend lazy weekend afternoons, host vibrant summer barbecues, or sip peaceful morning coffees. By incorporating a variety of seating options, each serving a unique purpose, your outdoor area will quickly become your favorite "room" in the house. Cozy lounge chairs for relaxation, a stylish dining set for open-air meals, or built-in stone benches circled around a fire pit. Each piece contributes to the overall appeal. Investing in high-quality, weather-resistant furniture that offers durability and comfort creates an inviting atmosphere for every occasion.
2. Protection from the Elements: Shade & Shelter
During Utah's blistering summer days, shade is an invaluable commodity that goes a long way in maximizing the usability of your outdoor living space. Adding elements of shelter can extend the hours you enjoy outside, protecting you from the intense midday sun. Consider a beautiful pergola draped in climbing plants for a natural shade solution. Retractable awnings and oversized patio umbrellas are also excellent choices for instant shade. For those seeking a more permanent shelter solution, a covered patio or dining area can protect from both the blazing sun and unexpected showers, ensuring the party will go on rain or shine. From pergolas and gazebos to trellises and patio umbrellas, an experienced general contractor can help you explore the wide variety of options and choose the ones that fit best with your space and plans.
3. The Heart of the Party: Outdoor Kitchens & BBQs
Cooking and dining outdoors are quintessential parts of summer. Integrating a BBQ or outdoor kitchen into your design elevates your entertainment capabilities while keeping the heat from cooking out of your home. Your outdoor kitchen could be a simple setup with a grill, prep area, and storage, or you could opt for an elaborate, fully-equipped kitchen complete with a pizza oven, sink, refrigerator, and bar. A well-designed outdoor kitchen becomes the heart of every gathering, making every meal feel like a celebration.
4. A Warm Welcome: Fire Features
Even during Utah's scorching summers, evenings can get a tad chilly. Fire pits and outdoor fireplaces offer cozy warmth while creating a striking focal point for your outdoor living space. Imagine your loved ones gathered around the fire, sharing stories and laughter while roasting s'mores – a picture-perfect summer night. Opt for a traditional wood-burning hearth for that authentic crackle or a gas fireplace for effortless operation and upkeep.
5. Bringing it all Together: Landscaping
Your outdoor living space should feel like a natural extension of your home and its surroundings. Thoughtful landscaping combines aesthetics and function to create a seamless transition from indoor to outdoor. Use a mix of hardscaping elements like patios, walkways, and retaining walls with softscaping elements like trees, shrubs, and flowers to create a balanced and attractive outdoor setting. Add finishing touches like accent lighting and water features for an extra dose of charm.
By incorporating these must-have features, you can transform your backyard into an oasis where you and your loved ones will form lasting memories. Crafting your dream outdoor living area is more than just a design project; it's about creating a haven that encapsulates comfort, functionality, and personal style.
Despite the wide variety of weather conditions we experience in Salt Lake City, your space doesn’t need to be seasonal. Incorporating features like a fireplace, gas heaters, or a hot tub cultivates an environment for year-round enjoyment. Work with a seasoned general contractor to ensure your electrical, drainage, and other critical infrastructure elements are conducive to your overall plan for the space.
