O U T D O O R L I V I N G S PA C E S
BY DIANA BRANNON
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O U T D O O R L I V I N G S PA C E S
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Today, outdoor living areas continue to be the hottest trend in the landscape industry
— patios and walkways, poolscapes, outdoor living rooms, outdoor kitchens, aquascapes, outdoor theaters, garden rooms, garden ponds and streams, sitting areas, porches, pergolas, gazebos, sunrooms, screened rooms, seasonal rooms, decks, fireplaces, fire pits, and nightscapes
— the sky is the limit in outdoor living areas, exceptional possibilities and features seem endless.
Leading the way are intricate patios and walkways; inviting, multipurpose outdoor spaces. The look today is multiple patios or a clustering of patios, especially tiered: one for sitting and conversation, one for grilling/cooking, another for eating or dining, and perhaps another poolside or fireside. Design options, material choices, and landscape features and amenities are only limited by the imagination.
The centerpieces for many outdoor living spaces are custom in-ground pools and poolscapes, incorporating wonderful landscaping, hardscaping, waterfalls, coves, grottos, fountains, and spas. In recent years, the list of dazzling features has expanded to knife-edge pools, infinity edges, pebbled finishes, beach entries, saltwater pools, shaded pools, tanning ledges, stunning tiling, glass tile, fire features, LED lighting, incredible technology features, eco-friendly features, innovative water jets, safety features, and smartphone technology.
Like pools and poolscapes, custom outdoor kitchens have become a centerpiece component of the modern backyard landscape. A lot of outdoor kitchens are designed to be full-service, meaning there is absolutely no need to run indoors. The family chef or host chef/entertainer is strategically positioned in full view and can readily enjoy the company of all. Elaborate outdoor kitchens feature stunning stonework; beautiful granite counters; allweather cabinetry; and built-in grills, side burners, ovens, warming drawers, refrigerator, sinks, ice machine, food and beverage servers, and trash bins. And all of which are integrated with the essential social gathering areas: kitchen island, cocktail station, and eating and dining areas.
Outdoor living rooms have achieved enormous popularity. Creating an outdoor living room is all about mimicking an in-

O U T D O O R L I V I N G S PA C E S door living room outdoors on a patio, porch, or deck. A magnificent outdoor room can be defined by a variety of walls established by plants, bold or oversize planters of countless shapes, landscaping shrubs, trees, a side of the house, trellises, railings, sitting walls, a fireplace, a fire table or two, and ceilings provided by an awning, canopy, or structures such as an extension of the roofline, a pergola, or gazebo. All-weather rugs, wonderful outdoor furniture groupings, plants, artwork, a fire pit, and an array of lighting options
(solar powered accent lights, table lamps, ceiling/wall-mounted fixtures, string lights, torches, and lanterns) provide the finishing touches and final definition.
Secluded or private outdoor spaces designed specifically for retreating from the world have recently become in vogue.
These spaces are frequently positioned in or by a garden or a focal point of landscape design such as a pond, stream, waterfall, or sculpture, and are accented by comfortable amenities and seating for lounging and sitting.
Some of the most appealing centerpieces of outdoor living are fireplaces, fire pits, and sitting walls. All three integrate exceptionally well into the total design of patios, outdoor living rooms, poolscapes, outdoor kitchens, aquascapes, and nightscapes. And all six are designed to create a social gathering and to stimulate inspiring and relaxing conversation among family members and friends. Like patios, the design options, material choices, and features appear endless. Aside from the social and mystical benefits of outdoor fireplaces and fire pits, these two outdoor attractions allow the outdoor season to begin a month or so earlier, and extends the outdoor season well into October or possibly longer.
And for the adventuresome, some outdoor living in late fall and the dead of winter just might not be out of the question.
SELECTING A THEME
It’s important to develop a broad vision, a theme for creating a quality outdoor living space before diving into the details of planning and designing outdoor living areas. Selecting a theme is enormously valuable because it guides and ties together the entire process: overall design; selection of building materials; choice of hardscaping materials; choice of structures and features; selection of specific varieties of landscaping trees, shrubs, plants, and flowers; and style and color selections of outdoor furniture, accents, and accessories.
Theme choices are many. Some take on a regional theme: French Provincial,
Mediterranean, Tuscan, Old World,
Caribbean, Oriental, or Southwestern. Others engage a less regional or non-regional feel or look: Contemporary, Modern, Traditional, Vintage, Rustic, Retro, Country,
Colonial, Garden, Cottage, or Nautical.
SUSTAINABILITY
Before designing begins, a key question should be answered — how much sustainability should be factored into the comprehensive design and specification and selection of materials? Eco-friendly outdoor living spaces require less energy, water, and chemical treatment, and result in a safer environment for homeowners.
Storm water runoff is a major ecolog-
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ical issue. If landscaping and hardscaping are not designed well, water is not put to good ecological use as it runs off properties. And when excess water flows, it picks up soil, fertilizers, pesticides, and chemicals as it travels through yards and fields and over paved surfaces. Well-designed and sustainable landscaping and hardscaping effectively reduce runoff and uses storm water or grey water for irrigation.
As an example, permeable interlocking concrete pavers reduce runoff — water is channeled into the subsoil.
Smart technology also plays a role in water conservation. One example is smart irrigation systems — timely weather updates are automatically received, and the system calculates and executes watering schedules for different designated zones within the landscaping.
Building material choices are an obvious sustainability consideration. The benefits of beautiful natural stone are apparent versus manufactured materials. Materials manufactured with high percentages of recycled content and that are urea formaldehyde-free are excellent choices when considering decking, railings, and other outdoor living products or structures.
There are a number of other sustainable considerations. Landscapers and builders are extremely knowledgeable about incorporating sustainability into the designing and building of outdoor living areas.
DESIGNING
Creating a quality, distinctive outdoor living space requires an investment in time to plan and design. Meeting with a designer and landscaper or builder to plan and design outdoor living areas is perhaps the most exciting step in the entire process of making your outdoor dream a reality.
Preliminary preparation is the first step.
It begins with obtaining a copy of the property’s plot plan or survey. If you do not have one of these, you may acquire a copy from your local municipality. As part of preparation, it is important to select a guiding theme and to thoroughly understand the general wants and needs of all family members.
Each member will have his/her own set of particular needs and wants when it comes to using and enjoying outdoor living areas.
The second step is a consultation meeting with a designer who will capture your vision and theme, needs, tastes, and desired features. During consultation, the designer evaluates your site: reviews the plot plan or survey to understand boundaries and con-
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O U T D O O R L I V I N G S PA C E S straints; takes measurements; identifies utility easements; examines existing structures, trees, and landscaping; studies views; assesses water table conditions and topography for excavating and grading; examines sun and wind exposures; assesses noise levels; and examines all areas and structures to be integrated with outdoor spaces.
Next, the design consultant suggests concepts, placements, options, and features. Following consultation, the designer will draft scale drawings — in many cases with CAD/CAM technology — for reviews
(usually a progressive series) and making final decisions.
HARDSCAPING & LANDSCAPING
It comes as no surprise, the hottest trend in the landscape industry is outdoor living spaces. Many landscapers/hardscapers and builders are experts in creating turnkey outdoor living solutions; from assessment, design, and construction, to maintenance and upgrades.
Their goal or expertise is seamless integration of all outdoor living elements: patios, walkways, outdoor kitchens and living rooms, outdoor structures (decks, pergolas, porches, etc.), pools, poolscapes, fireplaces, fire pits, water features, irrigation systems, lighting, retaining walls, every element of traditional landscaping, and so much more.
SHADE & PROTECTION
Constant direct sunlight takes away from the pleasures of outdoor enjoyment. More and more techniques and structures are being incorporated into outdoor living to diminish sun and heat exposure.
Shade trees are a standard and effective method for blocking sun and add natural beauty, provide privacy, and dampen noise levels.
Pergolas, especially the custom-designed variety, are the rage for filtering sun.
Pergolas are even more effective when incorporated with retractable screens which provide enhanced screening of harmful UV rays, and yet still permit ventilation. Custom-built gazebos are another wonderful way to block sun and provide the added benefit of shelter from an unexpected rain shower during an evening dining occasion.
Both pergolas and gazebos are extremely functional and beautiful either as a feature of, or accent to, patios, outdoor kitchens, decks, and lawns.
When it comes to providing the ultimate in shade and protection from rain showers, colorful and well-constructed awnings and canopies are a perfect touch to patios, decks, and that outdoor living room. Awnings and canopies impart that special charm and traditional touch to the outdoor experience. While most awnings are retractable and very versatile, canopies are essentially stationary and can be custom-made to cover very large areas of a patio or deck setting.
Screened rooms, sunrooms, and seasonal rooms are popular choices for outdoor living, adding that indoor comfort.
Sun, rain, and bugs are rarely an issue!
OUTDOOR FURNISHINGS
Consumers want outdoor living spaces to be as comfortable, inviting, and high design as rooms indoor. Whether outdoor furnishings include umbrellas, furniture, rugs, or planters, the trend today is bold, oversize, lots of color, and designer patterns.
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Outdoor seating choices get better and better every year. The selection of stylish furniture collections, construction, and amazing colorful fabrics appear limitless: dining suites in all sizes, shapes, styles, and materials; elaborate furniture groupings; rockers; gliders; chaise lounges; and tables for 12 or chat sets for two. Sectionals are a big trend.
On the rise are daybeds in many striking designs, sizes, colors, and patterns. These smart and practical additions to outdoor living combine the extreme comfort and luxury of a private lounger and the clever versatility of party seating.
Another hot trend (no pun intended) are gas fire tables. Distinctive gas-powered fire tables not only add a perfect touch to intimate gatherings but are a practical lighting accent and feature for adding some warmth on those chilly days and evenings. Outdoor living areas come alive with fire tables and fire pits. Design, aesthetic materials, and special features are countless.
Traditional wicker, rattan, bamboo, eucalyptus, and teak remain admired; especially hand-woven all-weather resin wicker.
And when it comes to furniture construction, leading the way in the category of appearance, functionality, and maintenance is premium wood-look finish on rust-free aluminum frames. Even to the touch it is difficult in most cases to detect metal, the wood-look feel and appearance are incredible. And heavy-duty, durable wood-like recycled plastics are starting to make inroads in the outdoor furniture venue.
In addition to exceptional market umbrellas, large and colorful cantilevered umbrellas offering protection, elegance, and beauty are on the top of the must-have list.
These very functional and versatile umbrellas are a big hit everywhere: poolside, patio, lawn, and deck. Today, umbrella canopies come in nearly an infinite variety of sizes, shapes, designs, patterns, and colors.
Top-quality outdoor rugs add important definition and warmth to outdoor spaces. Many outdoor rugs could be used indoors because of the rugs’ beauty, texture, and construction. A smart choice is soft polypropylene because of its all-weather durability and easy maintenance characteristics. And traditional jute rugs and classic wool rugs are forever popular too. This year, more than ever, the intricate range of weaves, colors, patterns, prints, and stripes is phenomenal.
Absolutely no outdoor living area is complete without an array of outdoor pillows. These pillows enliven everything
Our third-generation company offers customers our expertise along with a passion to provide nothing less then quality workmanship. We design and implement the highest quality ecosystem water gardens available. Our ponds, pondless waterfalls, and other water features are landscaped to perfection. We can create a paradise at your place of business or home, installing an ecosystem pond custom-designed to fit your family’s lifestyle. Our
LED line of outdoor fixtures is the final step in creating the perfect atmosphere. Lighting creates safety as well as elegance to your home. To view some of our beautiful landscapes, visit PezzottiBros.com or call us today to find out about our many services.
Pezzotti Brothers Landscaping & Tree Service • 610.647.1028
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within comfort and vision … furniture settings, a chaise lounge, a bench, a daybed, a hammock, a sitting wall, a pool float, and more. Shapes, sizes, colors, patterns, all-weather fabrics, textures, and special features like trim and monogramming provide a custom flair and feel. Like today’s trend in rugs, the choice of colors, patterns, prints, and stripes is incredible.
COST OF DESIGNING & BUILDING
Cost of designing and building custom outdoor living space is dependent on a number of elements: size and scope of areas, type of structures incorporated, topography conditions, placement, quality of materials and craftsmanship, number and quality of standard and special features, equipment, and furnishing choices. With that said, below are some ballpark costs.
For a basic outdoor living space (patio, walkways, deck, immediate area landscaping, and furnishings), costs are in the five to eight percent range of a home’s market value. Beyond basic outdoor living spaces
( basic plus featuring multiple patios and structures, extensive landscaping, and kitchen) runs 10 to 15 percent of a home’s market value. For exquisite, distinctive, and luxurious outdoor living , plan on investing up to 20 percent and more.
FINANCING
If financing is desired, some standard options that can be pursued are a personal loan, refinancing your mortgage (increase mortgage and use difference for the project), exercise a home equity loan, or use a home equity line of credit. If your home is new construction, rolling the cost of outdoor space and pool construction into the cost of the home (first mortgage) is a very viable option too.
Many landscapers and builders have close alliances with financial lenders and material suppliers that are experts and specialize in outdoor living space financing.
BUILDING FAMILY QUALITY TIME
& PROPERTY VALUE
Outdoor living spaces are an investment in family quality time, entertainment, fun, relaxation, and health. And, well-designed spaces add spectacular curb appeal to property and increases property value.
Experts suggest that outdoor living spaces increase salability and can easily add 10 to 20 percent to a home’s value. Retreating outside your door has many valuable benefits! CCL
Outdoor Spaces
Patios and Walkways
Custom Pools/Spas
Living Room
Kitchen
Bar/Cocktail Lounge
Decks
Secluded/Private Areas
Sitting Areas
Custom Fire Pits
Custom Fireplaces
Sitting Walls
Theater/Entertainment Center
Gardens
Water Gardens
Garden Fountains, Ponds,
Streams, and Waterfalls
Nightscapes
Playgrounds/Recreation Areas
Structures
Decks
Covered Porches
Screened Porches/Rooms
Sunrooms/Seasonal Rooms
Pool Houses
Pergolas
Arbors
Trellises
Gazebos
Awnings/Canopies
Cabanas
Home/Garden Greenhouses
Retaining Walls
Bridges
Stone Walls
Fencing and Gates
Play Structures
Hardscaping Materials
Stone: flagstone, sandstone, slate, limestone, quartzite, granite, marble, and fieldstone
Brick
Pavers
Boulders, Rocks, and Stones
Concrete
Traditional and Exotic Woods
Composites
Play/Recreation Surfaces
Landscaping Elements
Screening/Shade Trees
Shrubs/Plantings
Groundcovers
Perennials
Annuals
Lawns
Mulches
Irrigation Systems
Lighting (traditional, solar, and LED)
Ponds, Waterfalls, and Streams
Fountains
Sculptures/Statues
Oversize/Bold Planters
Outdoor Furnishings and Accents
Umbrellas: market, crank and tilt, cantilever, and solar
Furniture Construction/Material: traditional wicker, rattan,
bamboo, eucalyptus, and teak; wrought iron; all-weather resin wicker; traditional woods; cast aluminum; heavy-duty wood-like recycled plastics; and granite
Furniture Styles: contemporary, retro, traditional, Adirondack, classic, French Provincial, café,
Mediterranean, Caribbean,
colonial, and western
Seating: seating collections,
sectional sofas, loveseats, chairs, gliders/swings, rockers, chaises/double chaises, benches, and ottomans
Oversize Pillows/Cushions
(box edge and knife-edge)
Dining Collections
Tables: coffee, side, accent, café, umbrella, and bunching/stacking
Gas-Powered Fire Tables
Bistro Sets
Bar Sets
Food and Beverage Servers
Swivel Stools, Chairs, and Rockers
Lounge Chairs
Recliners
Daybeds
Papasan Chairs
Director’s Chairs
Oversize Hammocks
Rolling Carts
Storage Benches/Boxes
Outdoor Drapes, Curtains,
Shades, Sails, and Dividers
Outdoor Lighting: lamps, sconces, string lights, vintage string lights, and lanterns
Oversize Planters/Plant Stands
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