- #1 - They function like indoor spaces
- #2 - They create privacy without blocking light
- #3 - They can provide shade
- #4 - They use lots of big windows
- #5 - They take ‘entertaining outdoors’ very seriously
Outdoor entertaining areas have worked for decades.
They are not all equal when it comes to boosting your home value, but if you get it right, you might just end up skyrocketing the price on your home when you decide to sell.
The best outdoor entertainment spaces blur inside and outside elements together and they are quite adaptable, no matter the type of house you have.
Here are five reasons why you should invest in an outdoor entertainment area and how they will work for you:
#1 – They function like indoor spaces
The more an outdoor area mimics an indoor area, the better they work and the more functional they become.
Not only will you bring the comfort of the indoors outside but your family will also want to spend more time outside.
Statistics have shown that you will receive 70% of your costs in return when selling a house after you build a patio. An outdoor kitchen has shown to get 71%.
A couple of small ways you can start creating a comfortable outdoor patio is by adding built-in seating outside in the form of benches and hanging a chandelier or pendant lights outside where the dining area is.
#2 – They create privacy without blocking light
We often want privacy when we entertain outside but this often means putting up a fence or an awning that might block out natural light.
Precast-concrete geometric blocks can be used to create a sense of privacy without blocking natural light. They are really affordable and they durable which is great for outdoor areas. You can use them to screen your patio or your carport and you can even use it as a fence around your patio.
It might seem like a small project to take on, but it makes a huge difference.
#3 – They can provide shade
While you want as much natural light as possible, you also want to provide shade in the summer months.
Low, sloping roofs can help with the transition from indoors to outdoors by casting shade and protection from the elements.
If you are unable to extend the roof, you can use other budget-friendly ways to create shade: a pergola planted with vines creates a natural look and it provides shade or you can install a retractable awning that you can roll on or off as you feel like it.
#4 – They use lots of big windows
Large windows are a great way to merge inside and outside living. You can definitely increase the amount of natural light that comes into your home as well.
If you can’t afford window bling like the ones they use in atriums then you may consider alternative methods.
You can replace smaller windows and doors with accordion, pocket, sliding or swinging doors or you replace a plain wall with glass doors. You can also add a corner window to create the effect of an atrium or courtyard.
#5 – They take ‘entertaining outdoors’ very seriously
Entertaining outdoors might simply mean a braai in the backyard to you, but to those who are serious about outdoor entertainment, it means a whole lot more.
There is nothing wrong with being the funhouse on the block where everyone wants to be in the summer and wintertime.
If you want a seriously cool outdoor area, you need to be serious about outdoor entertainment. If you have the budget for it, install a sports court, no matter how small they are.
Renovate your swimming pool and build that outdoor kitchen you’ve been wanting to build since you’ve moved in. The possibilities of outdoor entertainment are unlimited!
