“Summertime....and the livin' is easy”
Spring, summer, fall and yes, even winter, we like to spend time outdoors. It’s good for us, body and soul. Whether we’re out in the woods, out at the lake, or out on the beach, the common denominator is the word out. So how can we spend more time at home, with family and friends, or in solitude, enjoying the outdoors? By adding a spot that you will never want to leave. It can be a small, simple shady spot in the yard to arrange some chairs, or a large, elaborate structure for outdoor living, cooking and entertaining.
Outdoor structures can be built in any size or shape and include whatever amenities fit your space and budget. By adding a covered area, you can enjoy the outdoors whether you’re seeking shelter from the hot sun or a rainstorm. Your project can be built and enhanced in stages as well. Start with a structure. Add an outdoor kitchen or fireplace or pizza oven. Landscaping can also be done in stages. Make paths from your house to your outdoor living space. Add plantings around it for color and interest and to hide or highlight views. The possibilities are endless!
Outdoor Living in a Timber Frame Structure
This project started as an open timber framed pavilion. The homeowners decided to add an outdoor kitchen, complete with an oven and refrigerator.
To protect the appliances, they opted to enclose one side of the timber frame. A set of shutters allows the choice of letting a breeze in or closing up in inclement weather.
A more common outdoor kitchen option includes a grill and possibly a sink. These appliances don’t need as much protection to ensure longevity. These homeowners kept the timber frame pavilion close to their house for ease of carrying food and dishes back and forth.
A fire pit and beautiful rock work completes this dream outdoor living space.
Tucked amidst rhododendron next to a burbling creek, the timber framed pavilion here includes a stone fireplace and pizza oven.
The property owners decided to build this before starting on their house so they could begin enjoying outdoor living on their slice of paradise right away.
A simple structure like this is a lower cost option for a pavilion. You can choose to go smaller or larger, depending on your space.
This pavilion serves as a covered gathering spot at a community center. It is positioned adjacent to a basketball court, volleyball court and softball / ultimate frisbee field, all surrounded by a walking path.
Adding a shady spot for spectators and picnics, the space offers even more reasons to get outside!
Other spaces that can give you more outdoor living areas are boathouses, pergolas, and gazebos. A carport is also an option - just move the vehicles out. The common denominator is covered outdoor areas, good for your body and soul. We'd love to talk to you about options, so give us a call today!
