(BPT) – Homeowners’ preferences are shifting, with 90% of Americans agreeing their outdoor space is more valuable than ever before. Before the pandemic, they looked to build entertainment areas, focusing on hosting large and mid-size get-togethers. Now, homeowners’ interests are leaning toward outdoor spaces that play a more integral role in their everyday lives, addressing restoration, relaxation and connection.
“As homeowners were stuck at home last year, they started to rethink how they live day-to-day in their space,” said Joe Raboine, Director of Residential Hardscapes at Belgard. “Spending too much time indoors can be difficult, so now they are placing value on creating a sense of separation without having to leave the property.”
Adding an outdoor room to your home is a great way to increase its value and your living space. When planning an outdoor room, the first thing you should do is determine its purpose. Establishing how you will specifically use the space will help you when designing the floorplan and choosing amenities.
If you’re looking to create a customized outdoor room with amenities, Belgard can help bring your backyard to life. With the Belgard Rooms Planner, you get a clearer picture of how your room’s shape, color, texture and dimensions work together. That way, you can begin building the backyard of your dreams.
Don’t know where to start? Consider these six trending outdoor room ideas:
1) Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of the home, and the outdoor kitchen is quickly becoming the heart of the backyard. Outdoor kitchens are perfect for people who love to cook and want a change of scenery, especially if they have a beautiful backyard backdrop. By adding a grill and oven to your outdoor kitchen, you can cultivate almost any dish you want outdoors.
2) Living room
There’s nothing better than having a place to relax outside. With thoughtful design, an outdoor living room can give you maximum peace and comfort. Complete your space with lighting integration, a TV and a fire pit or fireplace. That way, you have a multi-purpose space that’s functional in any season. Whether you’re having a bonfire or want to watch the big game outside, your outdoor living room can give you the best of both worlds.
3) Dining room
Eating meals outdoors with friends and family can be a great mood booster. For a more optimal dining experience, design the space with a pergola to provide some shade and protection from the weather. There are a variety of dimensions, pavers and add-ons to choose from.
4) Yoga studio
An outdoor yoga studio is a perfect way to find some inner peace. When designing your studio, the shape, color and style should convey emotions that impact your mood. You can incorporate natural elements into your design, like wood, plants, stones, water features and fire. These elements can help you connect with nature, decompress and release some of your stress into the natural world.
5) Home office
More people are working hybrid or fully remote these days. However, when it’s too hard to stay focused in your home office, why not take your computer or laptop outside? If you’re working from home, take advantage of the biophilic benefits of the outdoors by working in a truly natural environment. Research shows that incorporating natural elements into your built environment helps reduce stress, elevate mood and increase productivity. Just be sure to keep your workspace and your Zen/yoga space separate if possible. That way, you can shut your brain down properly when the workday is over.
You can create a productive workspace that matches the vibe of your outdoor area. Complete it with internet connection, a countertop that holds your computer and monitors, and an accessible outlet for cord plug-ins. You can also get a pergola for your outdoor desk so you can work outside, rain or shine.
6) Patio garden
Gardens can be a sanctuary of Zen and serenity. Need to find a happy place after a stressful day? Take a relaxing stroll in your personal patio garden. Customize your garden any way you like by planting flowers, vegetables and decorative greenery. You can even add natural aromas to your space with live plants — lavender, rosemary and eucalyptus can help calm the mind and alleviate stress. Citrus scents like lemon, orange or grapefruit can help boost your energy; jasmine and vanilla are thought to help ease depression.
Belgard Rooms offers inspirational and templated outdoor living design plans for homeowners through interactive experiences. That way, you can effortlessly pair the style of your home with outdoor living amenities that match and complement your home’s exterior.