Remodel Tampa Bay Spring/Summer 2015

HOMEOWNERS CONTINUE TO INVEST IN EXTENDING THE HOME OUTSIDE
The most used rooms in the house have moved outdoors!
Americans love to cook, socialize and eat outdoors, so it
was only a matter of time before kitchens and living rooms
moved outside.
The backyard is the site of a trend across the country that is growing
at a dramatic rate. More and more homeowners are creating outdoor
living spaces.
In the May 2015 issue of Money, the magazine printed results from a
reader poll in which 38 percent of homeowners replied Outdoor Space
when asked “What home improvement would you most like to make
this year?” This was well ahead of Kitchens at 28 percent, Bathrooms
at 25 percent and Add a Room at 10 percent.
Residents in regions of the United States that enjoy milder weather
were the first to embrace the outdoor living concept. Another driver
is that, instead of traveling to resorts, homeowners are creating a
more lasting resort atmosphere in their own backyards — everything
from cooking, lounging and playing areas. People are now actively
expanding their homes outdoors for more enjoyment and comfort.
It’s clear people have embraced the concept of making their home
a haven. As a result, manufacturers have developed plenty of choices.
Outdoor Kitchen Area
While the general focus of an outdoor room includes cooking and eating
areas pulled together by a fireplace and a common floor, some outdoor
rooms are similar to indoor eat-in kitchens. Today, outdoor kitchens can
encompass expansive counter space and full food preparation areas with
amenities such as sinks and plumbing. No longer do you find a lonely
barbecue grill outside. Many homeowners take the concept further by
installing built-in natural gas grills with multiple burners and full indoor
kitchen-grade cooktops – even brick pizza ovens. It’s also possible to add
a warming oven, dishwasher, refrigerator and specialty beverage cooler
to round out the space. Some homeowners choose to incorporate a bar
area with stools or a long dining table with oversized and comfortable
chairs. Adding a fountainh, trellis and lighting to the area can complete the
whole new ambiance, providing the perfect spot for outdoor entertaining.
The Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association (HPBA) reports
that outdoor room specific trends include climate control, ultimate
convenience and clean design lines. To provide more relaxation time,
people are seeking products that combine utility and convenience.
HPBA describes smartphone linked grills and cool misting fans that
can also dispense mosquito repellent and aromatherapy. Smokeless
natural gas fire pits and heated tables are available to provide yearround
outdoor dining.
Living Room or Lounge Area
Manufacturers are creating products that help provide year-round
comfort. The latest outdoor furniture goes for aesthetics, offering
alluring designs and textures in durable, weather-resistant and stainresistant
fabrics. Heated floors and patio heaters warm chilly weather
and cooling misters ease summer heat. Fireplaces or fire pits add
ambiance in any season.
People are definitely drawn to a fire pit or fireplace. It’s an amenity
for outdoor living rooms that all ages can enjoy. Kids love it; adults love
it. The atmosphere created with a fire feature can be comforting and
romantic, or fun-filled with marshmallow roasting and storytelling.
Linear natural gas fireplaces are currently trending. Thinner overall,
new natural gas fireplaces feature high-heat tolerant glass and no-trim
options. They come in sophisticated, contemporary styles made to
withstand the elements. Natural gas fireplaces and fire pits are easy to
light, simple to enjoy and easy to maintain.
Resort-style Pool and Spa Area
While Florida boasts some of the mildest weather in the country,
homeowners often look for pool and spa heating to lengthen
the swimming season. With more swim time, the pool and spa
area gets extended use. A variety of paving and decking, lounge
furniture in contemporary and weather-resistant material, shading
with umbrellas, canopies, and custom-built structures and creative
lighting can be incorporated into a pool and spa area design with
lasting interest.
An outdoor living space can be designed for every segment of
the residential market, from starter homes up to executive mansions.
Money invested in making hard improvements to the backyard, such as
installing a permanent grill island and a natural gas fireplace or fire pit,
usually add to the appraised value of the homes. The outdoor space
also dramatically enhances curb appeal when it comes time to sell.
Outdoor rooms are often created over a period of years to
accommodate large wish lists and limited budgets. People tend to
prioritize projects that will provide the most use immediately – whether
that is a fireplace feature with seating or a grill and dining area. After the
living areas are complete, finish with landscaping.
If sitting comfortably with friends or family in the backyard with the
crackle of a fire or dinner sizzling on the grill seems like pure pleasure,
it’s time to start planning for that outdoor living space. Check out hpba.
org for more information about planning an outside space and finding
the right products and contractors.
Spring | Summer 2015
Remodel Tampa Bay 9