By Rebecca Brown, Design Studio Manager
Whether you’re having drinks on the patio or grilling out on the deck, there’s nothing better than summer in Wisconsin. But if you don’t have the right space, hosting an outdoor event, big or small, can be a headache. If you plan on entertaining outdoors this season, here are some ideas to elevate your home’s exterior spaces and make the most of your summer.
Why Good Hosts Plan Ahead
Designing a home is all about seeing into the future. What are your needs today? Tomorrow? A decade from now? Your outdoor living spaces are no exception. When designing a deck or patio with entertainment in mind, you have to plan ahead.
- Gas Grill – If you want a grill, consider running a gas line to your exterior.
- Power Outlets – If you want to string some lights up or have an outdoor sound system, make sure you have easily accessible outlets.
- Extra Lighting – Planning on spending evenings outside? An extra coach light might help.
And don’t forget to think about the big picture… literally. An expansive deck or patio can interrupt sight lines from other parts of your home. No one wants their living room view to be the back of a stainless-steel grill.
When I work with customers, I walk through their house plans with outdoor living spaces and answer questions like these. The more you plan ahead, the easier it will be to enjoy your outdoor areas.
How To Maximize Your Space
Once you add the grill, the smoker, the dining table, the lounge chairs, the storage, the flowerpots, etc., even the biggest decks can start to feel small. No matter the size of your deck or patio, there are some simple tricks you can use to get the most out of it.
I like to use outdoor rugs to clearly define smaller areas, creating designated areas within your outdoor space. Here is the cooking area. Here is the dining area. Here is the lounging area. By creating a sense of order outside, you’ll be able to have all the amenities you want, without it feeling chaotic.
One of the most important factors to think about when designing an outdoor space is traffic flow, especially if you plan to entertain. As a host, you’ll be running back and forth bringing snacks, drinks, and supplies, so you need to make sure there is a clear path from your door to the places you need to get to. Our homes come standard with a large, six-foot patio door. But if you want more room, we also offer nine-foot and even twelve-foot options as well.
Where To Add Your Personal Touch
The most important thing you can do as a host is to make the space feel comfortable and personal. A great way to do that is by matching your outdoor decor to your indoor style. Now your deck shouldn’t feel exactly like your living room, but continuing your home’s color story to the outside area or matching patterns and textures is an easy way to make your outdoor spaces feel like home for you and your guests.
We’ve seen the trend of bringing the outside in become quite popular over the last decade. Well, a deck is a great place to leave the outside out. Plants can be both decorative and functional.
- For Cooking – At my home, I keep herbs like mint and rosemary, so some fresh ingredients are always a few steps away.
- For Pest Control – I also keep plants to help control bugs. Marigolds and lemongrass are great natural repellents for insects like bees, ticks, and mosquitoes.
If you’re ready to make the most of Wisconsin summer, you can contact us right here. Together, we can figure out the best way to design your space.
