Here’s How to Create An Outdoor Dining Area That’s Both Convenient and Beautiful
Guest Post by: Suzie Wilson of Happier Homes
As of late, the home has become more than just a place to rest one’s head. Rather, it’s a haven where we can enjoy life in safety and comfort, especially in a pandemic. It’s only natural, then, that as we spend more time at home we find opportunities for improvement, both inside and out. Creating a dedicated outdoor dining area can be one such improvement, and it stands to boost a home’s value. Let’s dive into the process.
Recognize the value.
First, it’s best to start a home improvement project by appreciating the whys of it. Doing so keeps you motivated to see it through to completion. Moreover, having an idea of the eventual ROI will also help you plan and budget better. In the case of an outdoor dining space, most of the perks are undoubtedly intangible. For one, it’s a great way to fend off cabin fever. For another, it’s a way for loved ones to enjoy time outside together making new memories.
But of course, the benefits can easily go beyond these. In fact, key home improvements to your outdoor space are usually what home buyers look for—something that real estate professionals like Meghan Carroll recommend to potential home sellers. Needless to say, if you plan to sell in the future, a project like an outdoor dining and living space could translate to profit.
Create beauty.
To create a functional outdoor space, you need to balance the practical with aesthetics. It’s smart to have an outdoor dining area design in mind, for starters. Furniture will be your focal point but also think of equally important aspects, like flooring, lighting, storage, and more. Since this is a space that’s largely exposed to the elements, consider the climate, and choose materials that can best withstand it.
Of course, costs are obviously a concern, as well, especially if you’re working with a tight budget. However, you can actually put together a great, comfortable, and even unique outdoor dining experience with a little bit of thrift. Making use of vintage or repurposed furniture and fixtures can be great choices, and they’ll even add character while taking full advantage of your existing landscape.
Plan for convenience.
And finally, just because it’s an outdoor dining area doesn’t mean it can’t have the practical features of its indoor counterpart. In fact, it’s ideal to add a working kitchen to this project for the convenience of hosts and guests alike. Appliances like a refrigerator, stove, grill top, or maybe even a wine chiller up the convenience factor considerably. Plus, you don’t have to spend a fortune on appliances if you’re a savvy shopper.
In addition to appliances, remember that no kitchen is complete without clean, potable water. If running a water line to your outdoor kitchen is too costly, you can set up a water filtration system in this area for easy access to fresh water that’s safe to drink, wash hands and dishes with, etc. A quality filtration system will also effectively remove contaminants like chloramine, bacteria, and, yes, even viruses.
At the end of the day, as far as home improvements go, an outdoor dining area is truly worth the investment and effort in more ways than one. It’s also a great way to create something beautiful and convenient at home. With a space like this, your family and loved ones will surely look forward to some truly memorable and unique experiences for a long time. And the fact that it’s all right there in your backyard? Truly priceless!
Image Credit: Photo via Pexels.com
