Outdoor Rooms: Year-Round Pleasure
Contributed By: BAG EditorsBritish writer and essayist William Hazlitt once observed, “I can enjoy society in a room; but out of doors, nature is company enough for me.” Whether you dream of a private sanctuary or long for a hearth where the whole family can gather, an outdoor room can serve both purposes.
In recent years, outdoor rooms have become increasingly popular, and with the introduction of outdoor heaters, fire pits and fireplaces, your backyard oasis can be a welcoming place any time of the year.
Options for an Outdoor Room
Visit any garden center or nursery and you’ll find numerous pre-fab options for pergolas and outdoor rooms. These structures are easy-to-install and maintain, although they come in limited sizes and materials. Select one that is heavy for its size so it doesn’t blow away on a windy day. Materials range from stainless steel, fiberglass and vinyl to redwood or wood composite materials. Fiberglass and vinyl typically need the least maintenance and are the most weatherproof. Wood may require sealing or painting periodically to protect it from the elements.
Consider a custom pergola or outdoor room for a more permanent structure. Your budget and your imagination are the only limits. Plan a simple pergola to protect a patio area, or build an expansive stone and wood structure with a built-in fireplace or grill.
If you opt for a custom outdoor room, hire a professional landscape designer with experience with outdoor spaces. Ask for references and look at a portfolio of previous work. You’ll likely need permission from your home owner’s association, and you may also need a building permit. Include electrical outlets and a water source in your blueprints for lighting and cooking tasks.
When selecting an outdoor room, keep your home’s design in mind. An ornate steel design complements a traditional home, while a natural wooden design with simple rectilinear forms fits a contemporary home. Keep the pergola in scale with the rest of the house and yard. An outdoor room that is too large will make the yard look small and cramped, while a pergola that is too small looks insignificant and out of place.
Decorating the Space
Once you’ve installed your outdoor room, make it livable with the addition of cozy outdoor furniture. Choose materials and fabrics designed for low-maintenance outdoor living such as a sturdy aluminum fire pit table with matching chairs. Or add a table for dining, such as a propane outdoor fire pit table which will add warmth as well as a focal point to the room on a cool winter day.
Don’t forget lighting. Outdoor chandeliers come in a variety of styles and options, including electrified chandeliers or those requiring candles. If you use candles, use caution and keep a water source nearby.
These inexpensive and easy-to-use products are absolutely essential to extend the practical use of your outdoor room beyond the summer months.
Author Bio:
Karen Ho Fatt is a writer and interior designer living in the Canadian countryside. One of her passions is developing functional indoor and outdoor spaces. Her website offers tips and ideas for creating outdoor rooms with popular fire pits.
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