When it comes to designing outdoor living areas, we believe that there should be a seamless integration between them and the interior rooms of your home. There is, of course, the element of form and function – meaning that what gets designed in logically follows how that space it to be used. For example, a grilling area should be near the outdoor kitchen installation, outdoor dining and entertainment areas close to the food and in comfortable shade.
However, this integration into the built environment is also aesthetic. The view from inside the house is just as important as the view from the outside. Meandering pathways that take a slower, less direct route to quieter, intimate areas. Hardscaping elements that are softened by carefully selected plant material. Beautiful landscape lighting that transforms the space after dark.
Steps to Designing Your Outdoor Space
- Before putting concepts down on pen and paper, we are going to meet with you to find out what your aesthetic preferences are and how you intend to use the entertaining space:
Questions For Outdoor Living Designs
- Will the space be used seasonally or year-round? Extended into the evening?
- Do you like to entertain? How large are the gatherings, typically?
- Where do you feel most comfortable in the backyard space?
- Do you have a preference for hardscaping materials or landscape plantings?
- We will discuss initial design-build element options and talk about your budget for the outdoor living project.
- Once we have a “wish-list” of your ideal outdoor living space, we turn to the limitations of the site – elevations and grade changes, access to these functional outdoor rooms from the inside house. Some of our “wish list” items may need to be modified to fit those limitations.
- We measure and sketch out a site plan. Depending on the size of the project it could be a simple sketch on pen and paper, or it may be that a scaled landscape design plan is needed.
- The outdoor project is scheduled after final revisions are made and proposal is signed.
Elements and Features of Quality Outdoor Living Designs
Some of the features that outdoor living contractors in New Hampshire often build into custom outdoor living areas are:
- Fire Pits
- Fireplaces And Pizza Ovens
- Seating Walls
- Shower Stalls
- Outdoor Audio and Lighting Systems
- Jacuzzis
- Built-In Grill Areas/Outdoor Kitchens spaces
- Water Features
- Pergolas And Custom Decks
Related Pages
Form follows function – that has been misunderstood. Form and function should be one, joined in a spiritual union.
– Frank Lloyd Wright
