As Coloradoans, we love the outdoors. In fact, it seems that we prefer spending time outside versus inside. So, as a result, many new Colorado home builds really focus on outdoor luxuries. Likewise, we see many homeowners focus on home improvements such as decks, patios and landscaping to create an outdoor living area. So, if you are looking to spruce up your residence’s outdoor comfort, here are some of our favorite things to consider.
Outdoor Furniture
Seating and tables are the basic elements when it comes to creating a living space outside. Today’s outdoor furniture is not your old vinyl lounge chairs from the municipal pool. Today, outdoor furniture often is as comfortable and stylish as your indoor furnishings complete with cozy cushions. Outdoor furniture comes in a wide variety of styles that allows you to create a décor that meets your own unique and personal style. Plus, most of your outdoor furniture options provide durability to stand up to rain (and sprinkler systems), but we still suggest that during severe weather and during the winter months you bring the cushions inside.
Fire Pits
Nothing says relaxing outdoors during summer like having a fire pit. They help bring a fun camping ambience to your deck or patio, plus they allow the kids to roast marshmallows and make s’mores. Fortunately, there are many options when it comes to fire pits. You can get high-end pits that are connected to your home’s gas line or even use a propane tank much like a gas grill. On the lower price side, and widely available at such places as Target and Walmart, are the traditional pits that rely on old- fashioned wood or the outdoor Duraflame logs (note, do not roast marshmallows over a Duraflame).
Cover/Overhangs
Let’s face it, we get a lot of extremes in weather, even in the summer months. Many of us have decks or patios that are western facing. In Denver, while that ensures we have a view of the Front Range, it also means direct western facing sun in the afternoons and evenings. So, investing in shaded coverings is a good idea to help get the most out of your deck or patio area. This could be as easy as getting an adjustable outdoor umbrella that you can tilt to help block the sun. Or, you can build a pergola and even screen in the western side of it to help keep that part of your deck even cooler while not obstructing your view. A pergola also allows you to string up lighting and dine outside after dark.
Solar Lighting
Path lighting around decks or patios always add a nice, aesthetic element. Today, you do not need to worry about running wiring to add lights. Most hardware stores sell solar lights that you simply place into the ground. During the day, they charge and when it gets dark, they automatically switch on. Most are LED so they give off strong light without requiring too much power and can last for many hours after dark.
How to Use This Information
While there are many different ways to make the outdoor part of your residence more comfortable and an extension of your indoor living, sometimes it takes a specialist to make your indoors feel just the way you want it. If you are having a hard time keeping your home adequately cool in the summer or warm in the winter, perhaps it is time to have one of our Comfort Specialists take a look. At Major we offer free systems evaluations. Schedule online or call 303-424-1622.
