The Most Popular Outdoor Features
Whether you use it as a space to entertain guests or as an easy way to reconnect with nature and get some fresh air after a long day, take time to design your garden and reap the rewards.
Outdoor spaces are increasingly popular for potential homebuyers, according to Belinda Agosto of Fathom Realty, "outdoor spaces with fenced-in, leveled backyards, spacious decks and/or patios, [and] room for comfortable, outdoor furniture." Keep reading for other ideas custom homebuilders should consider building on their lots.
Personal Vegetable Garden
Designate an area where you can plant your own fruits, vegetables and herbs. This can be a fun activity for families of all sizes and can be a way to ensure that you know exactly where your food is coming from.
Outdoor Furniture
Outdoor furniture establishes the space as an area to lounge in and hang out. Especially if you frequently host guests, you'll want to invest in a set that suits your needs and, ideally, is durable to the weather in your climate. If you often host dinner parties, you'll want a full length table and set of at least 8 chairs. If you like to lounge outside too, consider big, comfy chairs for a “chill” zone.
Fire Pits
A fire pit will keep you warm on breezy summer evenings, so you can enjoy the fresh air even into the cooler months while offering a source of light at night. Some models are portable allowing you to take the party to any corner of your garden, whilst others involve a pit made of brick, stone or concrete. Consulting a landscape architect could help you decide what design blends best with your style.
Lighting
While simple lighting takes an outdoor space a step further, truly great light design elevates it to another level. You’ll have to consider both functionality and placement. Most lighting designers opt for low-voltage systems to save energy and costs. Lighting usually follows a certain structure, starting around the perimeter to highlight the property’s boundaries, then lining paths. Next comes accent lighting to highlight garden features or for safety on stairs.
Outdoor Kitchen
If you spend your summers entirely in your garden, an outdoor kitchen could add a lot of convenience to your life. It doesn't have to be anything fancy, but having a small workspace and fridge outside will stop you from having to venture in and out every time you want a snack or a sandwich. Especially if you have a pool - drying off every time is such a hassle.
Grill
The grill is the heart of the garden - well, if you're a BBQ-loving Dad it certainly is. There's no way to mark the coming of summer like firing up some patties - vegan or otherwise - and throwing a get-together. Plus, if you invest in a more complex one, you could even use it to make other dishes, like pizza!
Heater
Depending on your climate, a heater may see you through those crisp summer nights and allow you to stay outside long after nightfall. Even if you're blessed with warmth all summer long, a heater is a great investment for the colder months, so that you can still enjoy the fresh air with a mug of hot chocolate.
Entertainment Systems
Bring the fun outside with a TV under your veranda, or invest in a high-quality projector and pull-up screen for some old-fashioned family movie showings. The kids will love inviting friends over for movie nights in the garden, and adults can host sophisticated garden parties to screen Sundance’s top picks.
Paving Stones
Rather than having downtrodden grass, add some paving stones to the most used pathways. Go for irregular rounded shapes to create a fairytale garden feel, or long rectangles for a sleek, modern look.
Rambling Vines
For those who like to go wherever’s greenest, lining your home or bannisters with rambling vines, roses or wisteria will make your space like a movie-set. It lends a British Cottage feel to the environment and is a beautiful way to bring the garden into the vertical plane, too.
Flower-Lined Staircases
Line the sides of your staircases with flowers to bring yourself further into a fairytale. Planting little pots of matching flowers beside each step, or adding a long bedder will turn a functional feature of the garden into a work of art.
Sculpted Hedges
A well-maintained sculpted hedge is enough to take your garden from ordinary to impressive. Whether you choose a simple shaped hedge (round, square) or let your imagination run wild and create animals or people, be sure to keep it trimmed and you’ll have a show-stopping space!
Get started on building your dream home and garden with Atmos concierge, who will guide you through every step of the way. Homebuilding has never been easier!
