Outside is the New Inside

Summer in Orange County means spending as much time outside as you possibly can. Biking down Pacific Coast Highway, body surfing at The Wedge or hanging out at the Dana Point Harbor are all fun activities in the area. But as the days get longer and the nights get warmer, more homeowners are thinking about ways they can maximize their outdoor space and people who are searching for homes are looking for properties that they will be able to entertain in. After all, what’s the point of having a patio or outdoor living area if no one is going to see it?

Here are some ideas for you to make the outside of your home just as comfortable as the inside. And if you aren’t a homeowner just yet, if anything of these things get you excited, you might want to consider finding a space that allows you to have your dream outdoor hosting environment.

Trending Features of Outdoor Living Spaces

Outdoor Rooms – According to designers, now more than ever, homeowners want the inside of their home to blend with the outdoors. Creating the hominess of the indoors in the actual outdoors takes a little finesse though. Gone are the days of setting up a BBQ and entertaining guests in a shabby setting. The perfect outdoor space is now considered an extension of the inside of your home.

If you have a covered patio or deck, you can try adding wood planks to the ceiling to soften things up. Framing sitting areas with outdoor rugs and adding a day bed with throw pillows to lounge around on can help to make your outdoor living space more cozy. You can also add tall planters with low-maintenance grasses or plants to give the illusion of walls to your outdoor space as well as increase your privacy. The cozier your outdoor space is, the more time you’re going to want to spend in it.

Alternative Flooring – If outdoor rugs aren’t trendy enough for you, you can consider adding a bit of a different flare to your outdoor living area. Porcelain tiles are making a come-back this season for their durability, ease of installation as well as the fact that it blends and provides continuity between the inside and the outside of the home. There are also different options like terrazzo flooring, beechwood tiles and of course concrete. This is something that can affect the resale value of your home and can even help to boost the property value during the listing process, so choose wisely and keep style in mind.

Bold Lighting – Making a statement doesn’t always have to be done with fabrics and unique furniture. If you are looking to make a statement with your outdoor hosting area, adding bold lighting can really help you step up your game and give your friends something to talk about. By making statement with unique lighting fixtures or even deciding to light the space with colored light bulbs to give your space some extra flair. With summer right around the corner, there are going to be plenty of opportunities for you to show off your outdoor space.

Build Your Outdoor Paradise in OC

Here in Orange County, we are constantly blessed with amazing weather. It makes plenty of sense that outdoor living spaces are a trend this season. Summer is the best time of year in OC. Families are barbequing, surfers are surfing and everyone is being social! If you like to be the host or hostess with the “mostest,” stepping up your outdoor living space area is a great way to start.

Have you been looking for the perfect space for your outdoor haven, but haven’t found it yet? With over 30 years living and working in OC, I can help you find the space that aligns with your vision of hosting the best backyard gatherings on the block. Call me today at 949-500-9714 to find the property of your dreams.