Outdoor Decor Tips From Luxury Realtors
With the on-set of summer comes the gift of outdoor relaxation. It’s time to soak up the backyard, and enjoy it as a true extension of the home. We’ve compiled some key design tips to inspire optimal outdoor living. These updates are not only attractive, but also desired by luxury buyers.
“In the luxury market, outdoor living spaces are really important and in demand. With our great California weather, we are able to live outside about 9 months of the year,” says MJ St. Jean, Empire Realty top producer.
Sleek Kitchens
Swap the stand-alone barbecue for a lengthy cooking island with a built-in, gas grill. These stainless steel units house ample countertop space, dual mini-fridges, and ice makers, creating a compact, minimalist look. Extended counter space can also serve as a bar area when paired with stools. More elaborate cocktail stations include martini glass chilling racks, as well as mobile bar carts for serving beverages.
These outdoor culinary quarters not only bring the family together, but also allow residents to entertain, while enjoying views of the backyard’s attractive grounds. Today’s outdoor chefs opt for grilled breakfasts and upscale barbecue over standard hamburgers and hot dogs. Establishing a well-equipped cooking space enables homeowners to prepare it all without hustling back and forth from the main kitchen.
“The high end buyer is looking for outdoor amenities such as outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, and covered loggias. Having these amenities makes for extra living space with a beautiful backdrop of the outdoors, which the high-end buyer has come to expect,” says MJ.
Outdoor Dining Rooms
Those looking to go beyond the standard patio table should envision the outdoor space as separate rooms. Frame the dining area with outdoor draperies to add a bit of color, while creating a privacy screen. Full-size, all-weather dining tables pair nicely with cushioned wicker, wood, or metal chairs.
Wooden pergolas also give guests a sense of a sun protection, while double-dutying as a hanging source for decorative accessories. Homeowners can add more discrete borders with landscaped hedges or a series of uniform shrubs alongside the dining area.
Aside from seating and borders, it’s important to bring in lighting that’s both stylish and illuminant. Hang a light pendant or chandelier over the table to mirror the indoor dining room, or dangle a series of mason jar lights and stringing bulbs for a more relaxed, tranquil look.
Fueling the Fire
A true outdoor living space wouldn’t be complete without a roaring fire pit or classic fireplace. While fireplaces have traditionally been seen indoors, today’s luxury homeowners have incorporated them into the backyard’s ambiance. These brick fixtures create a separation of space between living zones, while setting a serene tone.
Those looking for more portable options can place standing heaters alongside the dining and lounging areas. Regardless of the selection, all of these warming sources create cozy, gathering spaces, stretching entertaining hours well past sunset.
Entertainment
Sports fans and music lovers can enhance their outdoor living rooms with custom, all- weather stations. These pop up boxes house plasma televisions and surround sound systems for backyard dancing or sun-kissed Super Bowl parties. Pair these entertainment screens with all-weather couches and comfortable seating arrangements for the ultimate trophy room.
Homeowners looking to complement their pool can add lounge chairs, end tables, and umbrellas to blend the outdoor living room with the backyard’s recreational activities. Properties with especially expansive yards can turn the property into vacation grounds by adding petite cabanas just beyond the spa or infinity pool.
“Some of the most beautiful outdoor spaces I have seen include separate cabanas with multiple flat screen televisions, granite-clad bars with bar stools and built in grills, refrigerators and ice makers,” says MJ. “The outdoor fireplace with intimate seating is also very popular along with built in speakers and music to set the scene.”
With so many available options, it’s easy to transform a landscaped lawn into a multi- functioning living space. Whether you’re expanding with a fully equipped kitchen or a luxurious lounge, consult a local designer to construct a plan that not only fits your lifestyle, but also withstands varying outdoor conditions.

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