Remember the outdoor living of yesterday? The standard used to be a rectangular concrete slab or a wood deck, with a grill tucked in the corner and some patio furniture. Today, things are much different as outdoor living has become more of a priority. Here are 6 inspired ideas to enhance the comfort and convenience of an outdoor living space in State College, PA.

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Outdoor living has become more oriented toward sophisticated spaces that mirror indoor living. Ordinary spaces are being transformed into comfortable yet elegant places to gather and relax.  Comfort and convenience are paramount as people want the same amenities in the outdoors as they enjoy indoors. Today’s outdoor living boasts full kitchens, fire features, and protection from the elements. Water features and TVs are also becoming integral parts of backyard enjoyment.

Full Kitchen

Anyone who loves to cook will appreciate a full outdoor kitchen, where they can prepare meals and share good times with family and friends but without the constant running back and forth to the indoor kitchen for food, beverages, cooking utensils, or something to clean up a spill. Modern outdoor kitchens are so much more than a grill. Many feature wood-fired pizza ovens, four-burner stoves, ovens, refrigerators, sinks, bars, dishwashers, and plenty of storage. Stainless steel appliances and durable countertop materials such as granite make the outdoor kitchen durable enough to withstand the elements, and a masonry facade helps integrate the kitchen with the home and the rest of the hardscape.

Fire

Fire brings people together, and today there are many options that make a fire feature a focal point of outdoor living, whether you choose the ambience of wood or the convenience of natural gas or propane. A masonry fire pit is a huge hit on a relaxed and casual patio. A large outdoor fireplace can make a sitting area feel just as cozy as a living room. A chic fire table takes dining to a whole new level. You can also incorporate fire bowls set on masonry pillars to frame a view or say “You’ve arrived” in a dramatic way.

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Shelter

Nature doesn’t always cooperate with outdoor entertaining plans. A pergola is a welcome addition that offers permanent shade. For more protection from the elements, a pavilion offers elegance and protection that enables a nearly year-round outdoor entertaining season, especially if a fireplace is incorporated into the design.

Privacy

To avoid the awkwardness of a fishbowl-like exposed patio, install privacy barriers. A privacy barrier doesn’t have to be boring! Living walls, teak fences, and masonry walls each bring a unique character to your outdoor living areas. The most versatile option is a masonry privacy wall. This can be embellished with built-in seating and lighting. It can also become part of a water feature, or you can incorporate planters for added visual interest. 

Water

While most living rooms don’t have a water feature, outdoors it’s a different story. The soothing sounds of running water create a tranquil environment for relaxing. Fountains, waterfalls, and  water walls are three ways to add the magic of water to a patio. 

Color

Colors are powerful mood influencers. Some homeowners love the cheerful riot of a colorful garden. Others prefer a more monochromatic, serene setting. One way to incorporate your preferred colors into the landscape and still maintain design flexibility is to use masonry planters or large containers that can be filled with seasonal blooms. This will completely change the look with the seasons. Evergreen shrubs can be planted in containers for a clean look that invites nature in with the convenience of contained gardens.