Create your outdoor entertaining area: Increasing your livable space to the outdoors is a great way to add a unique touch to your home.
The best way to do this is by adding a deck or stone patio if you do not already have one existing.
This will be money well spent as you are taking advantage of space that you were not able to use prior.
This takes a bit of creativity and that's what makes this process fun.
Look in current home magazines or on the web for the look you are trying to achieve with your outdoor space.
If you have the room on your deck/patio, then divide your space into these three key areas: 1.
Dining area, 2.
Cooking/prep area, and 3.
Lounge area.
The dining area should consist of a table to seat 6-8 and up depending on your entertaining arrangements.
An umbrella is a good idea to provide much needed shade on those hot summer days.
Next the cooking area should consist of your grill (w/ optional side burner) and small area for prep.
Another good thing to add is a cooler and area to place food as it cooked.
This cooking area should be large enough for the cook to work comfortably.
Lastly, the lounge area can consist of two or three lounge chairs which provide a great look to your outdoor entertaining area.
This also provides the option for your guest to kick up their feet and fully relax.
Some outdoor accent pillows add an extra touch on your dining chairs as well as your lounge chairs.
Put down an outdoor area rug and you'll be amazed how you brought the indoors out.
Use some large potted plants at the corners of your deck/patio as this defines your entertainment area and helps tie everything together.
Some more great (optional) ideas to add to your deck/patio would be a Pergola, Jacuzzi, and a fire pit.
To really add a tranquil feel to your space, add a small pond with a water feature and relax as the water trickles.
Enjoy your transformed outdoor space!!