Must-Have Outside Features For Any Modern Home
Ready to give your outdoor space a makeover? Whether your remodeling a recently purchased home that needs some work or you’re updating a home you’ve lived in for decades, our guest blogger Cary Teller shares tips on ways to make your backyard a dreamy oasis. And once you’ve decided which backyard features make your must-have list, you can easily search local remodelers on paradeofhomes.org to make those dreams a reality!
Recently, you moved into a fixer-upper in a sought-after neighborhood. Both the inside and outside of your new abode need a facelift. Perhaps, you’re residing in your forever home. However, you might not have taken advantage of your spacious backyard to date. Regardless of your unique situation, you might desperately desire to create a backyard retreat all your neighbors will envy. If you’re ready to design an outdoor oasis, consider investing in the following must-have outside features for any modern home.
Deck or Patio
Do you long to sip a cup of coffee outdoors each morning? Perhaps, you would like to show off your grilling talents more often. Installing a deck or patio in your backyard is beneficial for both solitary time and entertaining. If you live in a multi-story home, you may wish to build a deck on each level of your abode. Homeowners often choose to build a deck from wood. Concrete, brick, and stone are typical materials to construct a patio with.
Swimming Pool
A swimming pool is the perfect place to cool off and unwind on a hot summer day. Depending on your personal preferences, you might wish to install a small pool or an Olympic sized one. Features to make your swimming pool spectacular include:
- A diving board
- A slide
- A waterfall
Outdoor Kitchen
Outdoor kitchens are trendy right now. These modern conveniences make outdoor entertaining a breeze. Even better, you won’t need to mess up your indoor kitchen when you’re utilizing your outdoor one. Because your outdoor kitchen will be exposed to the elements, selecting low-maintenance materials is crucial. Choose countertops that are a cinch to clean and corrosion-resistant. High-quality stainless steel is a great option. Due to limestone’s porous qualities, it isn’t a good outdoor countertop choice. Tile countertops shouldn’t be installed in your outdoor kitchen if you live in an area that experiences extremely cold winters.
Concrete, granite blocks, and sealed pavers are all acceptable flooring alternatives for outdoor kitchens. When planning the layout of your outdoor kitchen, consider the types of utilities you’ll need such as gas, water, and electricity. Since you may wish to cook and entertain guests in your outdoor kitchen after the sun goes down, investing in adequate lighting sources is important.
Fire Pit
If you don’t want to limit your outdoor fun to the spring and summer months, think about installing a fire pit in your backyard. In addition to providing warmth, a fire pit will also illuminate your outdoor space. You can even cook on it. To utilize a fire pit as a barbecue, you simply need to insert grates or grills over it. Preparing your food over a genuine fire can give it a delicious flavor. Imagine how much fun you and your loved ones would have roasting marshmallows over your fire pit on a cool autumn night.
Fountain
If adding both character and sophistication to your outdoor space is near the top of your priority list, installing a fountain is a smart idea. Putting a dazzling fountain in your front yard will impress passersby. Do you have a backyard flower garden? Installing a fountain in this beautiful space will make it even more stunning and tranquil. During the holidays, placing a christmas tree next to an outdoor fountain adds an elegant touch.
Water Wall
Besides swimming pools and fountains, water walls are another wonderful water feature to install at your modern home. For some people, watching water cascade down a wall is an amazingly relaxing experience.
Spending time in the great outdoors can allow you to connect with nature. Going outside after enduring a long, stressful day may also provide you with peace. If you’re ready to give your outdoor space the wow factor, consider installing the aforementioned must-have features at your abode. Once you’ve added these features, you might never want to go inside again.
Header Image – Builder:Great Neighborhood Homes Photo: Landmark Photography