Revel in Nature's Delight: The Era of Luxury Outdoor Rooms

Revel in Nature's Delight: The Era of Luxury Outdoor Rooms

In the complex chessboard of real estate, where uncertainty is the only constant, the discerning homeowner often seeks innovative methods to augment the inherent worth of their refuge. Gone are the days when a simple lashing of fresh paint on the wall sufficed as an improvement. Today's sophisticated consumers, choosing the comfort of their homes over the bustling allure of the outside world, crave a personal sanctuary, a retreat that speaks volumes of their refined taste and penchant for luxury.

A study led by the renowned Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) brings interesting news to the forefront. As per their survey, over a third of homeowners currently possess a finished outdoor room. Intriguingly, among those who do not, a similar proportion plan to curate a furnished outdoor space by spring of the up-and-coming year. Extrapolating this data to the broader population, it suggests that over half of the home havens in the United States could unfurl an outdoor entertainment area by the next year.

"We are noticing an upsurge in the investment trend in outdoor living spaces," notes Leslie Wheeler, a distinguished speaker and the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association Director of Communication. Indeed, the increased interest in transforming backyards, decks, and patios into exceptionally furnished alfresco kitchens complete with all the mod-cons of an indoor setup is unmistakable. The aspirational homeowner seeks to blend the convenience of an indoor kitchen with the soothing serenity of their private oasis, replete with elements such as a built-in refrigerator, grill, sink, and countertop surface.

Countless products are currently available in the markets to accentuate the allure of outdoor living. Seasonal factors are conveniently kept at bay with these incredible innovations, making alfresco fashion both a comfortable and an enjoyable prospect. A majority of consumers opine their investment could yield impressive returns in case they choose a future sale or a loan against their redefined abode. Industry maestros featured in the insightful "Designing Out: The Home Lifestyle Report" concur, stating that the transformation of a home's outdoor space possesses the potential to enhance the total value of the property by up to a staggering 30 percent.

Lifestyle parameters appear to be a considerable driving force behind the burgeoned consumer inclination towards outdoor living enclosures. Interestingly, half of the respondents in the aforementioned survey admitted to spending more time at home than they used to five years ago.

For those who are just discovering this trend and are unsure about where to commence, Katherine Whiteside, the acclaimed garden and cookbook author, suggests starting simple. "An outdoor room, in essence, is an outdoor area that homeowners can utilize for relaxation, cooking, and entertaining," Whiteside explains. "You can lay the foundations of a well-outfitted outdoor room by enhancing an existing patio, garden, or deck with some tasteful furniture and efficient propane appliances."

Whiteside advises the keen planner to take into consideration their climate, emphasizing the importance of protection from the elements such as sun, rain, and cold. To shield oneself from sun and rain, one could resort to a market umbrella or a canopy adorned with mosquito netting. As the evening matures and the temperature falls, a propane tabletop heater, standing at a mere 3 feet, is capable of warming up a diameter of 5 feet. The recent launch of Outdoor Leisure's Bistro Tabletop Heater, set in a timeless hammered bronze powder finish, is particularly worth noting. The eminent company also offers an innovative gas light patio heater. If space allows, one could even consider installing a propane fire pit—an ideal accompaniment to cosy evenings under the starlit sky.

The need for comfortable and robust furniture, perhaps along with a propane mosquito chaser depending on one's vicinity to water bodies, completes the basic requirement of an outdoor room. It wouldn't be complete, of course, without the quintessential grill that promises the serene joy of preparing appetizers and the main course under the open sky. Today's markets offer propane grills with various accessories including rotisseries, burners, and even woks. If one's setup houses three or more propane-fueled appliances, an underground tank installation could be evaluated, ensuring no unsightly tanks spring up amidst your serene setup and that the fuel supply remains uninterrupted during your garden parties.

The industry's most favored appliances in the outdoor living category echo the preferences of PERC's survey respondents and align with Whiteside's valuable suggestions. Post outdoor lighting, which secured a whopping 94 percent approval, propane-based appliances prevail in the list of indispensable accessories: a significant 86 percent of respondents deemed gas grills and mosquito eliminators as a necessity, trailed by outdoor fireplaces at 67 percent, and patio heaters clocking 53 percent.

Regardless of whether your abode is a compact apartment or a sprawling Mediterranean beachfront mansion, outdoor rooms have unquestionably ascended to the forefront of experiential living. The golden season of summer brings the perfect opportunity to rejuvenate your backyard and morph it into an enticing outdoor living space—an enchanting retreat where your children can revel in nature's splendour, and you can relax or entertain friends. A magnificent way to enhance the appeal of your backyard would be the addition of a charming and practical structure, like a gazebo, pavilion, poolside cabana, or a playhouse. Various uses could be imagined—the idyllic setting for yoga, an artist's studio, a music practice room, a hobby workshop, or perhaps a playful dog house. The possibilities are endlessly tantalizing.

Venture further into the realm of novelty and consider constructing a backyard home office. An idea born out of a desire to work in tranquility, away from the familiar distractions the house may hold.

Regardless of the expanse of your yard, a water garden, a pond, or a fountain can seamlessly transform it into a tranquil haven merely a few steps from your back door. Steve Sandalis, the celebrated owner of Mystic Water Gardens in Los Angeles, and venerated by many a celebrity, asserts that adding a sizable water feature can instill an air of tranquility into any backyard. "Allow it to meander through the backyard instead of tucking it away in a corner," he suggests, "It will give birth to a stunning environment in which to live and relax."

Before embarking upon purchasing materials, determine the scale of the water feature you envisage. Sandalis implores homeowners to consider a size slightly larger than they originally imagined, as the inevitable growth and bloom of surrounding landscaping tend to make the water feature appear smaller. He advises building an effective, low-maintenance water feature that essentially coexists with Mother Nature rather than against it. "The water features we create employ both a biological filter and a mechanical skimmer, effectively reducing maintenance duties," says Sandalis.

He endorses creating a water feature strategically placed to offer stunning views from the inside of the house, ensuring a year-round visual treat. For households with young children who may be concerned about water safety, the man of expertise recommends a pondless waterfall. "We conceive features with minimal depth, which enhances safety for the entire family," he adds. Incorporating water plants subtly adds a natural touch to water features and, according to Sandalis, helps maintain the water's cleanliness by absorbing nutrients.

The grand world of outdoor furnishings is incredibly diverse: not all products are created equally, and many are designed with specific climates in mind, displaying varying levels of durability. While the pricing spectrum is vast, deciding upon a suitable product can indeed be a daunting task, particularly given the tall claims made by each manufacturer. Fear not, we have undertaken the onerous task of eliminating the guesswork involved in planning your backyard entertainment area or luxurious retreat with our curated excerpts of luxury recommendations, presented here for your perusal.

For those residing in cooler climes, consider the Tabletop Lantern Heaters from Outdoor Leisure. The need for warmth on a chilly summer evening can't be understated, and as fall approaches, these ingenious heaters will allow you to luxuriate in your outdoor space even longer. These state-of-the-art, patio and tabletop lantern heaters, a considerable advancement on the usual unsightly mushroom heaters, are sure to win your seal of approval.

For the grill aficionados amongst our esteemed clientele, we present the Cal Flame MC700 barbecue island. An integral part of the Master Chef Series, it is expertly designed to cater to the avid barbecue cook who demands bar seating and counter space for dining and entertaining. Rendering a fair balance between price and luxury, the series offers a gamut of options to facilitate the creation of a convenient outdoor kitchen facility to your liking. The MC700 features a U-shaped countertop encircling the grill, complete with a 2-burner grill (with a choice of natural gas or liquid propane), a tile top and stucco base, and a single-door under-counter storage. To elevate your outdoor culinary experience, consider the available options: a 5-burner Convection grill, a beverage tap, a refrigerator, a food warmer, a side burner, stunning LED lighting, an entertainment system, and even a mesmerizing built-in waterfall.

Saluting the seasoned craft of Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet, a reliable manufacturer known for producing high-end grills, outdoor kitchens, and recently, a martini bar, for over a century. In addition to their formidable free-standing grills, Kalamazoo delivers on the promise of constructing the outdoor kitchen of your dreams. Each system stands tall with a gleaming stainless-steel finish and rests on its leveling feet. They also effectively incorporate your kitchen within stone surrounds, outdoor enclosures, or other hardscape treatments, as per your preferences. Every outdoor kitchen cabinet door and drawer opening is surrounded by its rain gutter, ensuring all stored items remain clean and dry, unfazed by the weather's caprices. Handcrafted entirely in 304 and 316 stainless steel, encompassing all hinges, handles, drawer glides, and additional hardware, your outdoor kitchen is well-equipped to withstand the elements while maintaining its charming beauty for a lifetime.

The excitement of designing luxurious outdoor spaces redefines the concept of an alfresco lifestyle. It enables homeowners to weave a sense of tranquility and luxurious respite, all within the lush confines of their property. Just as every interior room of your home plays a vital role in creating a harmonious living environment, an outdoor room could offer a whole new avenue to explore and draw pleasure from. So we invite you, dear reader, to step outside and commence your journey towards creating your dream 'Luxury Outdoor Room.' It's never too late or too early to begin envisaging an outdoor living space that, once brought to life, will only enhance the warmth and gracious style of your already splendid home.