Sophisticated outdoor spaces are becoming popular all over the country. People are looking to create peaceful retreats –serene places to escape some of the hustle and bustle of everyday living. After enduring a particular abundance of grey, rainy days through much of the year, Northwesterners eagerly embrace the glory of late Spring and Summer - the reason why many of us live here. As a result, the trend of designing outdoor rooms has flourished in the Pacific Northwest. No longer is it enough to just put a basic barbeque on a patio or deck, add a few chairs or buy a portable spa. People are looking for their outdoor spaces to be much more.

Exterior spaces are becoming more and more refined, with people looking to create a social place outdoors that has many indoor amenities. These outdoor rooms are beautiful spaces that include built-in grills, sinks, refrigerators, lighting, comfortable seating, fireplaces and much, much more. Outdoor spas are being placed in serene settings that enhance their enjoyment without compromising aesthetics.

In designing an outdoor room, the approach is very much the same as with an indoor room. Think about how you are going to use your space and the feeling you want to create. Will it be a gathering place for friends and family or a quiet retreat for you? Will it be a place to cook and/or serve meals? At what time of day will you use it? Does it require protection from the weather (wind, sun, rain, etc)? How much maintenance are you willing to do for the upkeep of the space? What is important to you to incorporate into this space? What type of budget do you have for this project? 

Once you have started to answer these questions you are ready to begin considering the materials and final contents of your new outdoor room!

Rather than having traditional walls, an outdoor room can use any number of things that function like “walls” or help to define the space. It can be a clearly defined or loosely defined space. The trees and shrubs of the surrounding landscaping may give all the visual clues as to where the outdoor room begins and ends. A post and beam system can outline the space. A low brick or stone walls that surround the space could serve to define the space and be a seating area as well!  

There are also many flooring options. It can be as simple of a poured concrete pad or a more decorative stamped concrete. Sometimes a defined grass area is all that is called for. Other times, brick or slate are appropriate or virtually anything that you can imagine!

Now look up. Does your outdoor room need a ceiling? If sun protection is needed, a retractable awning may be the answer. A decorative lattice could filter sun and add a nice touch. A fixed roof structure could cover part or all of the space and may be an appropriate option to consider.

Explore different lighting options. A well thought-out lighting plan can help set the desired mood and make the space usable for an extended time. A mix of traditional electric fixtures as well as candles, oil lamps and lanterns adds a nice touch!

Don’t overlook the value of water and fire elements. These can range from practical items such as heaters for cool evenings to outdoor fireplaces or fire pits and water features for ambiance. The possibilities are endless.

There is a huge variety of outdoor furnishing options. Materials range from teak to metal to outdoor treated wicker to stone and many other options. When evaluating your selections consider not just whether or not the items are functional, comfortable and aesthetically pleasing, but also if they are durable. Are the materials and finishes going to hold up to the outdoors? Have you selected mildew and stain resistant fabrics? Think about comfortable seating for dining as well as adding a separate sofa for visiting or reading.

Whatever you decide, remember create a space that fits your needs.  The better the outdoor room reflects your lifestyle, the more you’ll ultimately enjoy it!