BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS features Bartelt. The Remodeling Resource Designer Matt Retzak

For years you've been hearing about how to bring the outdoors in. Now is the time to start thinking about bringing the indoors out, and it's never been easier. In fact, even in colder climates, the trend is to appoint outdoor spaces with cozy, interior-quality furnishings and gourmet kitchens for year-round use. You'll never have to rough it again. Now that's living.

Maximize Usage

Light, heat, and roofing all factor into getting the most of your outdoor living space. Architectural designer Matt Retzak offers these insights into minimizing your exposure: "Covering or partially enclosing a space can extend its use (as can heaters and hearths). Roofing also provides shade from direct sunlight. Your house and landscape elements can serve as wind blocks."

"Adding an outdoor ceiling fan over a dining table provides a cooling breeze and reduces bugs during meals. "

"If you are near water or your climate is prone to insects, consider screening in a portion of your space, especially if you'll be doing a lot of cooking."

"A south-facing outdoor space will warm up quickly and help the area feel more comfortable in cooler months."

"Lighting sets the mood after the sun goes down. A single spotlight creates harsh glare and shadows. Multiple sources of softer light's, such as sconces, lanterns, landscape lighting, and candles are more inviting. Also, don't forget to light stairs, pathways, pools, and spas to help avoid accidents."

Outdoor Living Checklist:

When planning an outdoor living space, consider the function and the mood you want to create. Will you mainly kick back and relax, or throw festive parties? If your budget doesn't allow you to appoint the space exactly as you'd like right now, dream big ,  but add a little at a time. The basic ingredients are a grill, a table, and chairs, but these extra elements add life to outdoor living:

Hearth fireplace, fire pit, or chiminey

Sound system

Weatherproof television

Couches or futon beds

Weatherproof art

Outdoor lamps, rugs, pillows, fabrics, and end tables

Climate control fans, heat lamps, and windbreaks

Kitchen built-in grill, sink, refrigerator, prep space, and storage

Outdoor Kitchen Considerations:

For an outdoor kitchen, consider the same factors you would for your indoor kitchen, with some additional elements, of course:

Climate: How much shelter will the kitchen need? (A roof? Walls?)

Gas, electricity, and water: Can you tap into your home's utilities?

Nearby flammable items: Trees, roofs, or trellises.

Primary use of the space: Family dinners, entertaining groups, etc.

Types of meals you'll prepare?

Traditional burgers or wood-fired pizzas?

Size and ventilation of the grill?Consider the amount and direction of smoke.

Proximity to your home's kitchen:

How much storage and prep space will you need?

Appliances: Type (refrigerator, dishwasher, etc.), size, and placement.

Sink, bar, countertop, and cabinets: Consider stainless steel or granite.

Material Issue

Matt Retzak, architectural designer with Bartelt. The Remodeling Resource in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, offers these options for laying a solid foundation:

Patios: Low- or zero-maintenance materials mean enjoying outdoor spaces without spending additional time or money maintaining them. Stone is the most popular and reflective of natural landscape. There are also slate, brick, stamped concrete, and manufactured patio pavers. Budget is the main differentiator.

Decks: Composite decking is popular because it doesn't require staining or sealing. Other good choices are tropical hardwoods such as ipe wood, which is naturally resistant to rot and can either be stained or left natural.

Build In Extra Seating: Love to entertain? Consider maximizing your space with built-in or attached masonry benches and landscape walls, which double as seats (counter space, too!) to accommodate guests without adding more freestanding furniture to an intimate space. Conversely, if the outdoor room is large and designed to accommodate many people, provide smaller, more intimate spaces within the area to create enclaves.

Photo courtesey of Better Homes & Gardens Remodel

link: www.remodelingcenter.com