Signature Spaces: 5 Ways to Uplevel Your Outdoor Living Zones
Part of the beauty of living in the Lowcountry is being able to enjoy the fresh air and warm sunlight almost year-round. For this reason, it is common for Lowcountry homes to feature multiple outdoor living zones for family and guests to enjoy. From screened porches to open-air fire pits, if you want your outdoor living zones to stand out among the rest, check out these five ways you can upgrade your space:
Create an Outdoor Oasis
There’s no feeling like walking into a beautiful, relaxing space after a long day of work—especially one that’s right outside your back door!
With a few additions, you can quickly turn your backyard into an outdoor oasis:
Sauna - Outdoor saunas can provide a quick escape from the rest of the home, offering privacy and a place you can relax. Some outdoor saunas can even double as a pool house, allowing you to save on space and maximize usage, even during the warmest months of summer.
Pool - There’s nothing like a pool to keep you nice and cool during the Lowcountry summers. Give yours a modern feel by surrounding it with concrete tiles with grass inlay, or create a resort-style oasis by adding a built-in pool bar (more on this fantastic addition later!).
Plants - Large planters and trellises draped with trailing vines can provide a breath of fresh air and double as a way to create privacy between you and your neighbors.
Hammocks or Swings - What better way to enjoy the scenery and sounds of tranquil, flowing water than while sprawled out on a comfortable hammock or swing?
2. Add Some Warmth
While it’s true that the Lowcountry is sunny for most of the year, we’re not completely exempt from cold snaps here on the coast. With that said, a fireplace or fire pit makes a great addition to an outdoor space and is the perfect way to stay nice and toasty during those chilly nights.
Of course, the benefits of an outdoor fireplace or fire pit don’t stop there. They also create a great ambiance for spending a romantic evening out on the patio, toasting marshmallows with the kids, or enjoying an oyster roast with friends.
The best part? A fireplace or fire pit will help keep those pesky mosquitoes away too!
3. Brighten Things Up
After enjoying one of our beautiful Lowcountry sunsets, you and your guests will likely want to linger outdoors and enjoy the afterglow—meaning ample lighting is a must. Beyond an outdoor fireplace or fire pit, you can add:
Lanterns - Decorative lanterns are available in a variety of styles, making it easy to match the aesthetic of your outdoor space.
Stringer Lights - Brighten your seating area with decorative stringer lights to create a cozy, European cafe feel.
Path Lights - The perfect way to ensure visitors can safely commute between each of your outdoor living zones.
Landscape Lights - Ideal for highlighting your pool, garden, and the surrounding Lowcountry landscape.
4. Include Inviting Features for Guests
If you want to upgrade your outdoor living space, chances are your new changes aren’t just for you—they’re for your guests too!
There are a few things you can add to make your outdoor living zones more attractive to visitors:
Pool Bar - While a standard backyard bar will allow you to serve guests throughout the afternoon or evening, a pool bar will give them access to beverages and snacks without the need to ever leave the water. We can even equip your pool bar with an embedded speaker system and a place to mount a TV—perfect for hosting parties!
Outdoor Kitchen - An outdoor kitchen is another fantastic addition to a backyard. Grill up your favorite foods and serve them in the outdoor dining area for guests to enjoy.
Patio Furniture - From tables and chairs to a chic outdoor sofa, a beautiful outdoor lounge is sure to be frequented by guests—especially after a long swim or hours of mingling. Just make sure that the furniture you choose AND your actual decking is suitable for the Lowcountry’s humid climate. (Note: Ipe wood is a particularly fantastic material for outdoor use!)
5. Designate Zones Within Your Zones
Technically speaking, most of your backyard will comprise your home’s outdoor living space. However, it’s worth designating separate zones to create a sense of flow. Here in the Lowcountry, a screened porch acts as a portal between the worlds of indoor and outdoor living. Make the most of this transitional space by incorporating planters, rugs, a dining table, and beautiful furnishings so that you can entertain with ease.
If you really want to uplevel your outdoor space, also consider adding a level! Building a staircase that leads up to your home’s porch or patio can easily help distinguish one outdoor zone from another.
A decked-out outdoor living zone not only makes you and your guests feel more comfortable, but also expands your square footage and increases your home’s value. For more tips on making the best out of your space, check out these design-oriented blog posts. We also invite you to check out Signature Spaces Part 1 to learn about creating interiors with impact!
