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Outdoor Living: 7 Tips for Creating an Enjoyable Space

Wednesday, Jul 20, 2022  |  admin  |  Outdoor Living

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Have you been spending more time outside? We’re seeing more of today’s homeowners “investing in place” and seeking additional utility and comfort from all areas of their homes – especially their outdoor living spaces. Lucky for us at Harbor Club, one of the advantages of living in Georgia is the ability to enjoy the mild weather all year round.

As homeowners embrace more outdoor living, demand for outdoor lifestyle products continues to grow. With that in mind, we’re sharing seven tips for making your outdoor living space the perfect oasis for family fun, entertaining friends, or peaceful relaxation. 

Get made in the shade

If your outdoor space doesn’t offer shade from the sun, utilize things like patio umbrellas or pergolas. Sail shades provide an easy, attractive way to block the sun’s rays in outdoor living areas too. Or you could add a gazebo, which instantly adds a new outdoor room with protection from the elements. Another excellent long-term idea is to strategically plant trees around your outdoor living space to ensure they’ll provide shade in the future. Whichever you decide, all will take the edge off on a hot summer day by providing shelter from the heat and protection from a passing summer shower.

Add functional furniture

Consider how you want to use your outdoor space. Did you want to utilize it primarily for dining, relaxing, or entertaining? Most people like a combination of all three, so choose practical and comfortable furniture for your favorite outdoor endeavors. Opt for weather-resistant and washable items and use colors and patterns that match your interior style. Also, add a few small movable tables, which are handy for holding snacks, cocktails, or your favorite book.

Maximize movie night

More families are moving their home movie nights from the indoors out. It’s an enjoyable and unique cinematic experience to watch a film or favorite show projected onto a portable screen from the comfort of your cozy outdoor space. Invest in a good portable outdoor projector, as they are significantly brighter, have a clearer picture, and work well with larger screens…or, in a pinch, a blank wall of your house.

Up your grill game

Everyone loves the delicious aroma of a barbeque. An outdoor grill offers a culinary experience that’s memorable for all. And today, there are tons of options for grilling and cooking outside. You can choose from gas grills, charcoal grills, and pellet grills. There are also gas and wood-fired pizza ovens, which make for delicious, rustic pies. Then, of course, there are Big Green Eggs, Blackstone griddles, and a wide variety of smokers, all of which will significantly enhance your epicurean offerings. (Much to the delight of your family and friends.)

Unwind with water

A small water feature adds a soothing addition to your space. Even a modest trickling fountain can help you relax and lower your blood pressure. Granted, many Harbor Club residents are fortunate to have pretty water views, either of Lake Oconee or one of our tranquil ponds. If you’re one of them, be sure to enhance those views with an outdoor living area that takes advantage of what nature has provided.

Fire it up

You don’t have to move the party inside if it gets chilly. Instead, extend your outdoor entertaining season by adding an outdoor patio heater or a fire pit with cozy seating. Your fire pit doesn’t have to be elaborate. You can purchase a ready-made fire pit table or a fire bowl. They’re attractive and easy to install. Have your favorite marshmallow-roasting supplies handy for when a s’mores opportunity strikes.

Lighten the mood with lighting

If you’ve got an outdoor cooking area, include appropriate lighting to make meal prep a cinch. You can also add more visual interest and expand the feel of your outdoor space by up-lighting your surrounding trees. Or hang outdoor string lights around your porch, patio, or pergola. Consider decorative lighting on your steps and walkways, as they provide admirable accents. Moreover, they make paths safer for you and your guests to navigate at night. 

Here at Harbor Club, we see plenty of homeowners maximizing the comfort and utility of their outdoor living spaces. It’s an easy way to leverage the investment in their homes. Plus, our builders know the importance of living well inside and out with thoughtfully designed homes that best use those spaces. We invite you to our Southern Living-Inspired Community to see several gorgeous homes under construction right now. Why wait? Lake Oconee is lovely to experience any time of year, so contact us now and let’s start planning your visit today