Aug 15 2006
Interior Designer Amy Snyder of Sun Pine Homes, a custom home builder and developer in Prescott, Arizona has a new design article, Outdoor living spaces extend your livable space and delight the senses, on her company’s website, www.graniteparkaz.com.
According to Snyder, to take advantage of the wisdom of outdoor spaces, it’s important to remember that you’ll be more likely to use them if they’re close to the entrances of your home. One exception to that rule, however, are retreat spaces – sanctuaries you’ll want to remove from the house to create a sense of privacy and solace.
One of the most popular outdoor spaces is the outdoor dining room/kitchen. Plans for outdoor dining rooms can range from the basic to the outrageous, depending on your inclination and budget. Merely placing tables and chairs to take advantage of (or avoid) the sun, with a barbecue set up nearby, may be all you need. Even so, consider accents to dress up the space, like container gardens and solar powered lights.
If you want to go for broke, install an entire outdoor kitchen with weatherproof cabinets and outdoor-ready appliances. Often the cabinets and appliances form the “walls” or boundaries of the space which you can then dress up with Spanish tile and a dining set. Use a pergola to provide shade and some cover.
According to Snyder, outdoor living spaces are often the only access to nature that the modern rushed lifestyle affords. “So many people who are living in the cities don’t have easy access to nature,” said Snyder. “You don’t always have to go out on a hike; you can create natural spaces at home.”