Outdoor living space is prime for entertaining guests and soaking up as much time as possible in the great outdoors. Some backyards are better than others, though, especially when it comes to entertaining. If you’d like to make your house the outdoor entertainment capital of the neighborhood, this article explores five different fun elements you can add that will have everyone knocking at your door whenever the weather is nice! It’s easy to make your own unique outdoor living space that will be the envy of the whole neighborhood with these five elements:
- Outdoor Kitchen
- Deck
- Fireplace
- Furniture
- Pool or Hot Tub
Outdoor Living Space Elements
Minnesotans know exactly how to enjoy the summer months after the long winters we experience. Even if you have a small outdoor living space, there are still some elements you can add that will make it more enjoyable. Consider adding in a deck or fireplace, some furniture, and maybe even an outdoor kitchen. Think about how you want to use the space, especially when you’re entertaining, then start creating a functional and beautiful area that will allow you to do just that. It doesn’t have to be complicated to create a fun outdoor space for you and your family. Below are the five elements we suggest adding that will really up your outdoor entertaining game.
Outdoor Kitchen
Your outdoor kitchen can be totally unique to you and your family’s needs. It could just be a grill, or it could be an entire kitchen built into your deck or patio. Think outdoor fridge, stovetop, pizza oven, etc. With a fully functional outdoor kitchen, you won’t have to go inside to prepare food and drinks constantly, and you can continue enjoying your guests and the outdoors while you host. Most people already want a grill or a pizza oven in the backyard. Why not build an outdoor kitchen to go with it? Here are a few ideas of the elements you should consider for your outdoor kitchen:
- Sink
- Refrigerator
- Stove
- Oven
- Pizza oven
- Grill
- Storage
Deck
Building a deck is one of the best ways to take advantage of your outdoor living space. It creates an excellent area for entertaining, where you can grill and eat with friends and family. You can further customize your deck with special lighting, furniture, flowers and other plants, and a fire pit. Decks are great because they create a defined space to hang out in while leaving room in the backyard for other activities. Decide how you would like to use your deck before you begin construction. Deck size is pretty limitless, so if you have the room, it’s a great idea to take advantage of ample deck space.
Fireplace
An outdoor living space with a fireplace is a prime example of how to make your outdoor space better for entertaining. No one will want to leave when you’ve got a fire roaring in your outdoor fireplace. Make sure you have plenty of comfortable seating around the fireplace, with pillows and blankets on hand so your guests can stay cozy. You might consider building in a spot to store wood for the fire, as well. Just make sure it’s covered from rain and snow.
The options for outdoor fireplaces are endless too. Think beyond the typical fire pit, which can be dangerous due to people easily tripping or falling into them thanks to their location in the ground. There are many better options for outdoor fireplaces, including full-blown stone fireplaces with chimneys that keep everyone warm and create a beautiful focal point. Here are a few other popular options you’ll want to consider when adding an element of fire to your backyard living space:
- Fire tables, which double as a coffee table and fire feature. They require propane but don’t leave you with that strong bonfire smell when you leave.
- Modern built-in gas fireplaces are another great option and take the work out of building a fire.
- Rustic wood stove if you need a smaller choice.
- Portable fire pit, which makes a great flexible option for decks.
Furniture
Furniture is a no-brainer for making your outdoor living space entertainment-friendly. Consider how you want to use your space. Do you want to host friends and family for dinner? Would you like to create a spot to watch movies outdoors or bundle up around the fireplace? These questions will help you narrow down what kind of furniture will be best for your outdoor space. Consider weather elements, as well. You will want to choose pieces that can withstand the temperature changes and extreme weather conditions we sometimes experience in Minnesota.
Pool or Hot Tub
We know these elements can be more expensive than the rest, but they’ll pay off with how much fun they’ll provide. If your backyard is small or you live in the city and don’t have space for a pool, then a hot tub is a great idea. Some people choose to build them into their deck; otherwise, they can be placed freestanding in the best spot in your backyard. Add a little privacy by surrounding your hot tub with walls and even a roof so that you can enjoy it year-round. If you have the space, a pool is the premier fun element for any backyard. Put a slide or a diving board in to make it even more fun for your guests!
Making Outdoor Entertaining Fun
Whether you decide to build a deck or install a pool, you will want a trusted Minnesota contractor to help you with the process. Making your outdoor space a haven for entertaining can be very rewarding, and any kind of work you put into it will be worth it once you have time to enjoy it! Adding furniture and a fireplace will make the space comfortable for you and your guests, and an outdoor kitchen means that you can stay outside with everyone while you prepare drinks and food. Take advantage of the outdoors this summer (and even the rest of the seasons) with these fun elements added to your outdoor living space.