Designating a space as an outdoor living room is a new concept in home design. Our Great-Grandmothers would offer a glass of lemonade “out on the porch”. Our Grandmothers would invite us to sit on the patio and we now entertain on our decks.
Residents of tropical islands have long accepted that space in their homes naturally flows from the inside to the outdoor space. It’s possible the current interest in outdoor living rooms was a logical response to increased popularity of outdoor kitchens.
As gas grills became commonplace, homeowners who loved to entertain replaced the standard outdoor picnic table with stylish patio sets and added a small refrigerator, counter space and perhaps a fire pit or outdoor fireplace to their patio area.
What could be better than adding a sitting area that feels like a real part of the home?
Furniture of bamboo, wicker, resin, redwood or teak began to replace the standard plastic chairs and lawn chairs previously found in outdoor seating areas.
Stylish lockers provided rain-proof storage for outdoor cushions and small tables are conveniently placed for drinks or snacks. Carpeting or rugs designed for outdoor use are available with designs that go far beyond the bright green and lurid blue of previous options. Advances in concrete allow floors of outdoor living room to look and feel like ceramic tile or stone.
Outdoor living areas are more than just a place to sit outside the house on a nice day. Properly designed, they provide a secluded and protected area to enjoy the sounds of a rainy day or stargaze on a chilly night. With comfortable furniture placements that encourage conversation, adjustable lighting and a blazing fire, this is truly a room for living outdoors.
The ultimate outdoor living rooms are perhaps those where the traffic of visitors can flow seamlessly from indoor to outdoor spaces. For those with spacious gardens or pool areas the outdoor living room may be a separate area for relaxing away from the house.
Though usually protected from sun and rain with a roof of some sort, the outdoor living room may be covered with an open pergola or a retractable awning. For ultimate privacy, hanging curtains of canvas or weather resistant fabric may be added to provide ‘walls’ and privacy to the space.
For those in southern states, the outdoor living room is rapidly becoming a large part of family life today. Sitting on a comfortable couch with a gas fireplace on chilly evenings, homeowners find the ultimate in relaxation in their own backyard.