Exterior and interior design styles are always shifting. For a homeowner in South Carolina, there are many themes to choose from to make a house reflect your personality. One concept common to many property styles is outdoor living. A growing class of homeowners is striving to blend the natural environment with the comforts of the indoors. The result is a massive trend toward building functional spaces that combine the best of both worlds.
What makes this trend so appealing is the diversity of concepts a homeowner can choose from. While wooden decks and enclosed porches have long been common, people are finding unique ways to incorporate them and other spaces on their properties.
Let’s look at five types of outdoor living spaces that could be the perfect addition to your South Carolina home.
Outdoor Kitchen
The health benefits of spending time outdoors are numerous, including access to fresh air and sunshine. However, food preparation can divert us from time spent outdoors, especially when hosting guests at our house. The simplest solution is to design an outdoor kitchen to move your food-prep activities outdoors.
Food prep features are essential for any outdoor entertainment area. Some homeowners go for a full-scale kitchen under a shelter, featuring refrigeration, brick ovens, beverage receptacles, and ample seating. However, you can embrace some of the simpler elements of cooking for your outdoor kitchen. A mini-cooler, a cooking fire pit, and a grill provide ample opportunities to prepare meals outdoors without undertaking a major project.
Fire Pit Patio
Few things are more cozy than a fire during a fall evening or cool summer night. If you have an outdoor fire pit, you can gather with family and friends around the flames to share stories, cook s’mores, and connect on a deeper level. A fire pit patio can also be a simple DIY project with the right plan and materials.
Many homeowners start with a concrete or paver foundation for the space, either right off the back of the house or in the yard. Additionally, pavers can be used to build up the fire pit walls. Gravel and large flat stones can add texture to the patio floor. Don’t forget to add some comfortable chairs and end tables to make fireside snacks more convenient. The final touch is some cozy lighting, such as string lights.
Garden Nook
If you don’t have much space, a full outdoor kitchen or a fire pit patio may not be a viable option. Instead, consider a smaller garden nook to add some outdoor living space to your yard. This is a simple concept that can turn a small corner of your yard into a mini retreat.
The key to a cozy garden nook is seating. You can choose from a range of outdoor benches made from natural materials to complement the landscape. A lattice wall can complement the space with climbing plants that feature vibrant colors. An overhead pergola adorned with string lights or vines provides some enclosure, making the space feel more comfortable.
Remember to add decorative touches, such as pillows and blankets for the bench and an area rug. This nook can become your private oasis in the backyard, perfect for reading a book or listening to a podcast in peace.
Screened-In Porch
The climate in South Carolina features pronounced extremes, from hot summers to cold winters. The porch can be a wasted space if you never take advantage of it with a functional design. Screened-in porches make it easier to enjoy the fresh air and outdoors without the hassle of bugs and debris blowing into the space.
This type of project is slightly more complex. Although you can choose the DIY route, professional services can ensure the project is done safely and efficiently. Whether you work with porch builders in Simpsonville, SC, or exterior designers in Charlotte, relying on contractors will result in a professional execution of your vision.
Deck
One of the most basic structures on many South Carolina homes is a deck. A deck is another type of outdoor living space that can blend fresh air and sunshine with indoor comforts. Building a deck on your own can also be immensely satisfying, though you can also rely on the experts if you would rather play it safe with the structure.
A deck can feature amenities such as a grill, dining table, comfortable seating, planters, multiple levels, and sustainable materials. If you have the money, it can even be a great spot for a hot tub or bar. Decks are also one of the most versatile home projects since the layout of interior walls does not constrain you, so the only limit to what you can do with the structure is your imagination.
Outdoor Living Brings Nature and Comfort Together
The health benefits of spending time outdoors are well-documented. If you design spaces on your property that encourage you to spend more time outdoors, your physical, emotional, and social well-being can improve.
An outdoor kitchen ensures you don’t miss out on time spent with your guests during an evening event on a summer evening. Fire pit patios are perfect for family bonding during mild nights. If you need some time to relax, kicking back to read in your garden nook can work wonders for your mental health. Embrace your creativity and start designing your next outdoor living project for your South Carolina property.
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