My home is modest in size but I have a large back yard. I would like to create some areas outdoors that would expand my usable space for entertaining and dining. Where do I start?

Due to our moderate climate with 8-9 months of good weather, entertaining and living outdoors has enormous appeal. At the turn of the century “lean-to” summer kitchens and outside porches were a necessity to keep the house cool in the summer months, but now we want to cook and entertain outside for the sheer pleasure of it. Long gone are the portable grills and wooden picnic tables from 30-40 years ago. In their place today are outdoor rooms with all the quality, style and performance of our indoor spaces. And with the advances in all-weather fabrics; furniture, outdoor appliances, outdoor living and dining rooms, as well as outdoor kitchens are more accommodating and beautiful than ever before.

 

            When planning your outdoor space, the first thing you must consider is where you want to put it. To help determine the room(s) placement, you need to consider four fundamentals: wind, light, view and privacy. You want gentle breezes, not hurricane winds; sunshine is great, but you don’t want to bake; and while you may like your neighbors, you don’t want them as voyeurs in your backyard retreat. 

 

            As for outdoor kitchens specifically, you generally want them to be closer to the main house or even sharing an adjoining wall. This way you have less expense in bringing electrical, water and gas lines to the outdoors, and carrying foods and materials is closer and easier. The further away your outdoor kitchen is from the main kitchen, the more you will need to include a full complement of appliances and storage to keep you from making many trips back and forth.

 

            As a general rule, the closer a space is to the house (or particularly if it is attached to it) the more you need to incorporate some of the same architectural elements and similar materials to help seamlessly blend the outdoor space with indoor spaces. This could include using a stone / tile from inside to outdoor use on a wall, floor or counter. Stacked stone from the exterior could be used for low walls or built-in seats. Granite countertops in the kitchen could flow outdoors to the outdoor kitchen as well. Plumbing and lighting finishes from inside could also be used on finishes and materials used outside. The materials you use outside should reflect your main home’s style and character.

 

Once you have determined a suitable location for your new outdoor living space, you next need to determine the boundaries of the space. Just like a room inside your home, you need to define your space with a floor, walls, and a ceiling. Use fabrics, rugs, walls and structural elements to define your space. Walls can be defined as hedges, trellis, shrubbery or stacked stone walls. Outdoor kitchen counters and cabinets define spaces as well. Remember, the elements you use are to define your space and give it character and to provide protection from noise, wind and neighbors. Always use the lowest, least and smallest you can get away with. You don’t want to become too enclosed, since the purpose is to enjoy the great outdoors.

 

           

            For floors, try a new outdoor rug, brick pavers, a raised wooden floor or deck, or rustic stone and tile to define your floor space and to bring character to the space.

 

            To fashion an intimate space you need a ceiling to give overhead dimension. This can come in the form of an overhead trellis or pergola. Or try open beams overhead with a wonderful climbing vine to give openness, yet definition to your outdoor room.

 

            Once you have your space placed and the room boundary materials selected and defined, now is the time to add function and personality to the space. Now you have to begin to apply the same design process as you would any indoor room. First, as with any room indoors, you need to start with a focal point for any outdoor space. Consider a fireplace or fire pit. Perhaps a water fountain or water feature. Even a view of the mountains or the river can be a focal point. But establish one and then work your seating to focus on that one great feature. Make sure there is adequate seating for your general purposes. Today’s outdoor furniture is as comfortable as it is stylish. Also make sure you have enough storage for the cushions, equipment and party items you may want to use. This is particularly important in an outdoor kitchen area. The more storage you provide now, the less trips back and forth into the home you will make during a party.

 

            Finally, in considering the style of your new space, while it is good to keep the permanent landscape materials – like floors, walls, light fixtures – consistent with your home’s style and materials, an outdoor room is a chance to break away and try new colors or fabric styles. Think spa retreat, tropical paradise or European countryside as themes to help you establish a look and a feeling of your new outdoor living space.