Questions to Consider When Designing The Perfect Outdoor Entertainment Area
Consider your backyard a blank canvas, and designate areas for specific tasks, such as a small sitting area for morning coffee and email catching up, or a place to interact with your children.
Life is not meant to be lived indoors. In fact, Peter James, from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health has advice on how to get the most benefit from time spent outdoors. He explains that biophilia-our innate human instinct to connect with nature—may be why being outdoors helps us feel better. He noted that “the ability to recover from stress is better in natural settings, because that’s where we are meant to be. Just the idea of getting out, being in nature, looking at a tree—the theory is that this helps you to recover from stress, improves your mental health, and improves cognition. It’s just a direct pathway.”
Not only is it a direct pathway to improving mental health and inviting peace into our lives, but it also is a place for others to gather together and find enjoyment and connection with one another. The outdoors is where people engage and celebrate. So, when it comes to our homes, it’s crucial to invest in our property’s outdoor features and space. Make it something that fits your exact needs – both for you and your friends and family.
If you’re looking to gather and entertain individuals, you must answer a few questions when designing your perfect outdoor space:
1. What kinds of activities do I want to enjoy with others?
Consider your backyard a blank canvas, and designate areas for specific tasks, such as a small sitting area for morning coffee and email catching up, or a place to interact with your children. You might even think about getting a pool, inviting your closest neighbors over for a chance to relax and cool off on a hot summer day! A pond or zen garden for meditation or group yoga activities. Make a list of all the activities or features you’d like to include in your space. Hold on to that idea as you begin to evaluate the size of your lot.
2. How much room do I have for my outdoor entertainment area?
When it comes to expanding on or developing your outdoor living space, size does matter! The simplest way to address your space is to determine the needs of entertaining friends and family as well as the types of gatherings you would like to host. Once you have that defined, it’s time to space plan.
You may find that this process bears its own difficulties. It’s good to have a general idea but we highly recommend you connect with a landscaping designer. They’ll come out and assess your square footage and terrain. They’ll mock up exactly what you are trying to accomplish and quote for the project. At Otto’s Design & Contracting, we offer design services to our customers. Read more about our approach online.
3. What is your core feature of your backyard?
Usually, your largest feature in your backyard must be space-planned first, followed by your secondary entertainment items. For example, if you are looking to install a fiberglass pool in your backyard, you must consider the pool type, size and material before determining the landscape lining the pool area.
If a firepit is your core feature, you have to determine the space needed for chairs around the firepit and the material of your firepit before laying out the outside patio. Your primary entertainment feature must be carefully thought out and designed. From there, you can expand on to your secondary design elements.
Some of the most beautiful outdoor areas we’ve seen include the main feature of a pool, hot tub or firepit.
4. Have you considered a functional cooking area?
The logic and functionality of an outdoor kitchen must be carefully considered when designing an outdoor entertainment space. A small, portable charcoal or gas grill, and a rolling cart can provide counter space and storage. This is ideal for smaller backyards. Modular models with interchangeable components, such as grills, side burners, storage cabinets and drawers, sinks, bar cabinets, and refrigerators, are also available.
However, remember to use products that are weather and UV-resistant to the elements, such as stainless-steel and aluminum. Splurge on a fully custom built-in kitchen if you really want to go all out, but remember this will likely require permits, including electrical and plumbing.
5. And…what about your outdoor dining area?
Make sure there’s enough room for everyone to move around comfortably. Another important consideration is to locate your outdoor dining area near your kitchen and bathroom for added convenience. Consider your neighbors and the noise level if you plan on having large gatherings and possibly outside speakers.
Take a look at some of the coolest outdoor entertainment areas showcasing alternative features and landscape design.
We're the outdoor design experts of the Greater Raleigh, NC area.
Remember, at Otto’s Design and Contracting, we don’t just design outdoor entertainment areas; we create exceptional interior and outdoor spaces tailored to your unique preferences. Let us transform your backyard into a stunning oasis or build the home of your dreams that you can enjoy for years to come.
Our experienced team of designers and contractors will work closely with you to understand your needs, assess your property, and create a design that suits your lifestyle and complements your outdoor space. Contact us today to get started on your outdoor project and request a personalized proposal. Your dream backyard awaits!