“Staycation” Suggestions for Your Home’s Exterior

by Christopher Wittmann, CR, Callen Exterior Product Specialist

With many families watching their spending, opting for “staycations” instead of extravagant getaways has become a frequent compromise. A staycation is a vacation from work for relaxation and leisure activities at home. Designing outdoor spaces does take planning, but these suggestions can help turn your backyard into a staycation destination. A wide range of upgrades, additions, and remodeling projects for the home’s exterior can be done to create the ideal atmosphere for vacationing at home.

The first step is to think of exterior space like the inside of your home. What are you trying to accomplish? Do you want space for cooking and entertaining? Do you want seating and recreation areas? Once you have an idea of what you want to achieve, you can move forward on developing the space.

Deck
Homeowners can make the deck a destination by defining different activity zones within the space. For example, a pergola featuring vines and an abundance of plants in containers bring the surrounding garden up onto the deck and help blend the structure into the landscape. Another option is adding a hot tub or spa for long, relaxing soaks. To determine the best location for the spa, consider access to the house, privacy, and whether you want the tub in sunshine or shade. A typical round hot tub is six feet in diameter, requiring 30 square feet of space, while a rectangular tub requires about 48 square feet. Additional space is needed for sitting and walking around the tub.

Patio
The patio has become an extension of the home and with planning, the space can be a restful seasonal room.  Patios are usually surfaced with brick or stone. If concrete is used, add texture and color to imitate stone for a more natural look. It is also best to pattern the space after the home’s architecture.

Outdoor Kitchen
If you are a regular griller throughout the year, eating outdoors as weather permits, an outdoor kitchen is often an excellent addition to a home.  A countertop for preparing food, along with closed storage and a separate side burner will improve the outdoor cooking experience. Also consider adding a small refrigerator and sink to make preparation and cleanup even easier.

Outdoor Structures
A gazebo adds another aspect to an outdoor getaway. Whether adjacent to a deck, near a pool, or within the landscape, a gazebo is its own outdoor room, providing a sheltered space for dining or relaxing.  Adding tall objects, like arbors or fences, can make the eye travel upwards, creating a larger sense of space. Pergolas and trellises are other options that also help delineate zones within the space.

Additional Amenities
Fountains, fireplaces, and fire pits are used to augment the attractiveness and effectiveness of outdoor spaces. Fountains add the calming sound of trickling water and often serve as the space’s focal point.  Fireplaces can also be a focal point and define the space. Whether built-in or moveable, fire pits also draw people together and can prolong use of the outdoor space.

Consider these aspects of the outdoor space to ensure it is utilized to its fullest potential.

Privacy: The area needs to have a sense of enclosure, achieved through the use of fences, garden walls, pergolas, and landscaping to define the space and restrict views of neighboring houses.
Shade: You will enjoy the outdoors more by providing relief from the sun through the use of mature trees, umbrellas, retractable awnings, or pergolas and arbors planted with vines.
Furniture: There are more options than ever when it comes to outdoor furniture, including wrought and cast iron or aluminum, wood, wicker and synthetic, weatherproof furniture and fabrics.
Lighting: At a minimum, this entails porch lights that illuminate home access and provide ambient lighting.  For outdoor kitchens, task lighting is needed at the grill and work areas. Other options include wall mount down lights and dimmable electric lamps. Steps and walkways should also be illuminated for safety.
Landscaping and Gardens: Incorporating the area with natural greenery allows the mind to rest. Use of colorful and fragrant flowers, tall grasses, and gardens can bring back memories of past vacation venues.

General upkeep for the space is also important. Clear and trim low hanging branches to open the view, sweep away leftover spring debris, and wash hard surfaces. Not only will this type of maintenance make the space function better, it will make it safer to walk around and play outside. Also, make sure there is plenty of space around high traffic areas like doorways and grills.

For assistance with any exterior improvement projects, call Callen today at (414) 765-2585 for a FREE inspection and estimate. We’re the exterior remodeling company Milwaukee homeowners have trusted since 1986!