A new view on outdoor living spaces—no matter the size!

Who says living space is confined to the inside of a home? Today, we’re spreading out to enjoy more fresh air. Outdoor living spaces can be lavish, but they don’t need to be. Get creative with backyard living spaces you have. Here are some outdoor living ideas you can incorporate into a home of any size. Determine the area you want to dedicate to the living spaces in your back yard. If you have the option, a patio that faces west provides a wonderful source of shade late in the day. You can define it with a retaining wall, pergola, pavers, landscaping rocks, and/or other landscaping features, like shrubs and container gardens. Add a retractable canopy to provide protection from the elements, which extends the amount of time you can enjoy your backyard living spaces. Any of these design elements create the feeling of a room without walls. An outdoor fireplace enhances the aesthetics of your outdoor living spaces. Whether you need the warmth or simply want to enjoy the pleasure of a crackling fire, an outdoor fire pit or fireplace is the perfect addition. Many of our Ideal Homes’ buyers like a covered patio, because it bridges the gap between the great outdoors and the shade and shelter they need to spend more time in the backyard living spaces. Are you thinking about cooking al fresco? The outdoor kitchen has grown immensely in popularity. We often install a built-in gas line to give our homeowners the ease of adding their grill without worrying about propane tank refills. You can then expand your outdoor kitchen with a fridge, bar, sink, pizza oven, warming drawer, or any of a full range of options to maximize your outdoor experience. Now, for completing the space, think about the décor. If you have a limited area, look for multi-functional outdoor furniture, like a stool with storage, or foot stools that fit under your chairs. Pull it all together with an outdoor area rug. In the Oklahoma City area, contact Ideal Homes to talk about ways to customize your new home. We’ll gladly share our homebuilding knowledge and experience, for the living spaces that suit you, inside and out.