Time to Reconnect Together Again with Outdoor Living

by Lauren Caggiano

It’s summertime… and the living’s easy. After a long winter, it seems we’re all exhaling one deep collective sigh. What better way to celebrate this renewed sense of optimism than with a backyard party? One expert has some advice on how to take your space from ‘meh’ to ‘a-meh-zing’ with a little preparation and pulling together the right elements.

Light My Fire

According to Joel E. Wihebrink, with Wihebrink Landscape Management, Inc. in Warsaw, curating an inviting outdoor aesthetic is a great way to reconnect with friends old and new. That’s one key theme driving the design right now.

“The trend on outdoor living is keeping people closer together, which is contrary to what our world has been experiencing for the past 14 months,” he said. “With social distancing, etc., it seems that people are tired of not being around others and are creating spaces that bring them closer together. With so many people staying

home last year they have had a lot more time to evaluate their properties and are making changes that include more outdoor living.”

If you’re among the homeowners looking to make the investment, Wihebrink offers a wealth of practical advice. For one, if you ask him, no outdoor party is complete without one feature.

“We are seeing trends in small flagstone patios with fire pits this season,” he said. “We installed several last season, and that trend continues into 2021. Homeowners are wanting smaller spaces away from their house with enough seating for 4-6 people and a nice fire pit to enjoy in the evenings.

For Grill Masters

Speaking of novelty, Wihebrink has some ideas to make your outdoor space Party Central. If you’re a grill master, you won’t want to miss out on the fun. It’s a matter of how much you’re willing to commit to the project.

“If the homeowner has a larger budget, projects like outdoor grilling/bar areas are still all the rage,” he said. “Including in the space a 36-inch gas grill, Big Green Egg, or a flat-top griddle are elements we continue to design into these outdoor spaces.”

Walk This Way

Also, on the note of hardscapes, Wihebrink said making the investment can enhance a property’s appeal. “We continue to see trends in new brick paver sidewalks leading to the entrance of the house,” he said. “New brick sidewalks with accent banding are very popular and can easily be installed within a few days.”

There are other options, too, that can create the same high-end ambiance.

Outdoor Kitchens

On the note of appliances, outdoor kitchens are on-trend. Space, renovation budget, and climate will influence the design of an outdoor kitchen. At the very least, you might consider a sink and a pizza oven to up the ante on your summer cooking game.

Have A Seat

Of course, no functional outdoor room is complete without seating. Expect to see multipurpose pieces. For instance, you might consider a chair with hidden beverage compartments and modularstyle tables that make it easy to expand the footprint of your entertaining area.

Whatever direction you go, remember that ultimately, it’s about creating memories that will last a lifetime.

photos: shutterstock.com

It’s Natural

In his words, the use of natural stone/boulders in the landscape either for retention or as accent pieces is always popular. “Including large boulders as accent pieces in a new landscape planting renovation can add a unique element to make the landscape look different from their neighbors.”