As we continue to address the public health concerns of COVID-19, adding amenities to our outdoor living space has become more popular and is driving innovations for homeowners.

Once upon a time outdoor space was just a place for patio furniture and barbeque grill. Today, due in large part to the shelter-in-place mandates brought on by the Coronavirus, our outdoor space has taken on a whole new meaning and look. If you are considering a patio/backyard remodel, here are a few inspiring ideas from www.mymove.com

Outdoor living spaces with a TV

One of the key ways in which outdoor living spaces have evolved is the inclusion of technology right in the backyard. Thanks to the modern convenience of flat screens, it’s easier than ever to hang a television anywhere. There are several different ways to make a television work in an outdoor space, though it’s important to install them in enclosed spaces to guard them from the weather.

Outdoor dining spaces

Perhaps it wouldn’t be a full outdoor living space without bringing the dining room outside, too. Outdoor dining spaces these days are so detailed that they look like they belong indoors — that is, until you look closer and realize that everything is designed to stand up to the elements. Some outdoor living spaces boast long, full tables similar to what you would see in a dining room. Others make use of bar areas. Still others resemble kitchen islands. With so many options surrounding space and materials, the outdoor dining space is truly customizable.

Outdoor fireplaces and fire pits

A classic mainstay of an outdoor space is the fire pit. Many of us have spent fond evenings relaxing around the fire as the heat of the day dissipates. However, fire pits have adopted an artistic bent over the years, looking more like “fire features” than traditional fire pits. Another development is taking the traditional fireplace from inside the home and placing it outside. These usually provide seating areas and a backdrop for TVs. RE/MAX Metro realtor Estelia Mesimer says a popular trend she’s seeing these days is a seamless flow from indoor to outdoors spaces.

How do you get it this effect? Estelia recommends selecting the right flooring or decking material. By using the same tile in your living room and outdoor patio area, you are essentially creating an outdoor living room. Sliding glass doors make it easy to divide the rooms without disrupting the design.

Advantages to enhancing your outdoor space

• More opportunities for relaxation and exercise. Pastimes such as gardening, walking and enjoying nature have gained an increased value for many during a time when sporting events, community fairs and other large gatherings have been reduced, postponed or cancelled.
• Improving wellness, reducing stress and improving mood. Outdoor living improves the good feeling people get when they are connected to nature.
• Resale value for home owners. Investing in outdoor amenities not only adds to personal enjoyment, but are desirable features that often increase home value, too.
• Attracting and retaining renters. Ample outdoor space is likely to be a key attraction for multifamily properties, possibly even more so than using the space to build larger units.

Bottom Line: While COVID-19 has upended many things, enjoying the outdoors does not need to be one of them. Regardless where you live, there are many easy ways to design your personal outdoor space to increase your health, happiness, relaxation and recreation.

Related Articles:
How the Coronavirus is Changing Home Design — Outdoor Spaces, True Home Offices Dominate New Wish Lists
These Are the 7 Requests Clients Will Make Post COVID-19

St. Petersburg Communities

If you’re interested in any of these of communities or live in one of them and are thinking of selling, call Estelia today!

Allendale Terrace
Bahama Shores
Bayway Isles
Coquina Key
Crescent Heights
Crescent Lake
Downtown
Greater Pinellas Point
Historic Kenwood
Historic Old Northeast
Historic Roser Park
Historic Uptown
Isla del Sol
Old Southeast
Placida Bayou
Snell Isle