Imagine effortlessly stepping outside your home and continuing to experience the same level of comfort and convenience that you enjoy indoors.
An outdoor living space that creates a “true” extension of your home satisfies two crucial conditions: It establishes a natural, fluid transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, and it offers the same level of comfort, functionality, and conveniences that characterize your indoor living experience.
Discover five outdoor living features to achieve precisely that, helping you turn your backyard into a true extension of your living space.
1. Outdoor Kitchens
An outdoor kitchen plays a crucial role in expanding your living space outdoors and creating a true extension of your home by bringing the functionality and conveniences of your indoor kitchen to your outdoor area.
Your outdoor kitchen can include anything from a simple grill and a dining table to a fully equipped cooking area complete with a stove, dishwasher, oven, fridge, counters, and even a bar area. By bringing these amenities outside, you can prepare your meals in the same way you would indoors, without needing to constantly move between the two areas.
2. Patio Covers
Establishing a seamless transition between your indoor and outdoor spaces is key to creating a true extension of your home. A patio cover can help you achieve this goal by providing shade and protection for your outdoor area while effectively connecting the two spaces.
These roofed structures, which extend from the exterior of your home to cover your deck or patio, offer both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits. By sheltering your outdoor living space from rain and sun, they make it possible to enjoy indoor comforts, such as appliances and furniture. Furthermore, they create a visual connection with the home’s architecture, reinforcing the continuity and unity between the indoor and outdoor living areas.
3. Firepits & Fireplaces
You realize that your outdoor living space is truly an extension of your home when chilly weather doesn’t drive you indoors.
Nothing brings people together quite like a warm fire. Integrating a firepit or fireplace into your outdoor living area creates a focal point that invites conversation and interaction. This addition makes the space feel as welcoming as any indoor living room. Fire features create a relaxing atmosphere and extend your outdoor space’s usability into the colder months.
4. Attached Pergolas With Polycarbonate Roofing
Much like a patio cover, an attached pergola connects directly to your house. However, it offers only partial shade and no rain protection.
The downsides of traditional pergolas – lack of full shade and rain protection – might seem discouraging if you aim to create a fully covered outdoor living space. This is where polycarbonate roofing comes in as a perfect solution.
Polycarbonate is a transparent material that can be easily added to the top of a wooden pergola, making it an excellent budget-friendly solution for creating a covered space.
5. Under-Deck Waterproofing
Much like a patio cover, an under-deck drainage system can create a shielded and cozy space that offers protection from the elements.
If you’re planning on adding a second-story deck to your home, incorporating an under-deck drainage system can significantly extend your living space. These systems catch and channel rainwater away, creating a dry, usable outdoor living area beneath your deck.
Here’s how an under-deck drainage system works: When it rains, instead of water dripping through the gaps of the upper deck, it’s collected by the drainage system. As a result, the space underneath the deck remains dry and ready to use.
You can transform this sheltered area into a dining spot or lounging area, effectively bringing the comforts of your home to the outdoors.
Moreover, when the second-story deck and drainage system is installed right above your backdoor, it enhances the fluid transition between your indoor and outdoor spaces.
6. Screened In Porches
For those looking to bring the indoors outdoors, screened porches are excellent covered outdoor living spaces. These enclosed spaces provide protection from bugs and inclement weather while still allowing you to enjoy your surroundings. If mosquitoes or insects are often present and tend to disturb your peace and quiet, a screen room is definitely worth your consideration.
Rhode Island Resident? Upgrade Your Outdoor Living Space With Ravin Builders
Transform your backyard into a true extension of your home with Ravin Builders. Our team of experts will help you design and create an outdoor living space that meets your needs and seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor living. From outdoor kitchens to louvered pergolas, we have the experience and skills to create a true extension of your home. If you live in Rhode Island, we invite you to explore our services to learn more.
