One of the many perks of living in Central Florida is having pleasant weather (almost) year round. While building or remodeling your custom home, you’ll want to spend some time considering the many options for your outdoor living space, as you’ll want this to be something that you and your guests will be able to enjoy for years to come. Everyone’s needs and tastes are different, but there are a few general options to consider;
1. Water Features
These are a popular option in Florida where there are already a lot of natural water features. Water features can range from the simplicity of a small fountain purchased at the local hardware store, to pools, spas, and ponds. It’s important to consider the layout of your property, as well as the needs of your family when planning this. A fancy pond may look cool, but if no one wants to maintain it, things can go downhill pretty quickly.
2. Outdoor Kitchens
Having the option to cook outdoors is growing in popularity. Whether it’s a nice grill setup, or an entire kitchen, this feature will add a lot to your ability to entertain. There’s a plethora of options for grills, pizza ovens, and even fridges or freezers (there are specialty ones that are meant to be used outdoors).
3. Gathering Places
Amidst your outdoor kitchen and water features, you’ll want to make sure that you’ve planned for spaces where your guests can gather to enjoy these elements. Fire pits and outdoor fireplaces provide great focal points for entertaining, warmth, and a fun snack (if you’re into s’mores), but it’s good to plan for multiple gathering locations. Luckily outdoor seating has come a long way in terms of function and visual aesthetics. There are many options for comfortable seating that will be durable and survive their lives out in the elements.
4. Landscaping
When thinking about gardens and potted plants, it’s a good idea to consider native options as often as possible. These will be much easier to tend to, and much less likely to die off. Well planned landscaping can make your backyard into an oasis, and it would be unfortunate if your oasis weren’t able to endure our high summer temperatures.
5. Light It Up
Florida may be “The Sunshine State”, but the sun has to set eventually. When it does, you want to make sure your outdoor living areas can still be utilized to their fullest potential. Solar lights are a great option because they’ll come on automatically when the sun sets, without you having to get up to flip a switch. Christmas lights are also great because they can provide consistent lighting around a fairly large area. You’ll also want to make sure that any walk ways are clearly visible, so that there aren’t any accidents.
However you choose to customize your outdoor space, Empire Custom Builders can help you bring your ideas to life. Contact us to learn how your backyard can become an extension of your custom home.
These are a popular option in Florida where there are already a lot of natural water features. Water features can range from the simplicity of a small fountain purchased at the local hardware store, to pools, spas, and ponds. It’s important to consider the layout of your property, as well as the needs of your family when planning this. A fancy pond may look cool, but if no one wants to maintain it, things can go downhill pretty quickly.
2. Outdoor Kitchens
Having the option to cook outdoors is growing in popularity. Whether it’s a nice grill setup, or an entire kitchen, this feature will add a lot to your ability to entertain. There’s a plethora of options for grills, pizza ovens, and even fridges or freezers (there are specialty ones that are meant to be used outdoors).
3. Gathering Places
Amidst your outdoor kitchen and water features, you’ll want to make sure that you’ve planned for spaces where your guests can gather to enjoy these elements. Fire pits and outdoor fireplaces provide great focal points for entertaining, warmth, and a fun snack (if you’re into s’mores), but it’s good to plan for multiple gathering locations. Luckily outdoor seating has come a long way in terms of function and visual aesthetics. There are many options for comfortable seating that will be durable and survive their lives out in the elements.
4. Landscaping
When thinking about gardens and potted plants, it’s a good idea to consider native options as often as possible. These will be much easier to tend to, and much less likely to die off. Well planned landscaping can make your backyard into an oasis, and it would be unfortunate if your oasis weren’t able to endure our high summer temperatures.
5. Light It Up
Florida may be “The Sunshine State”, but the sun has to set eventually. When it does, you want to make sure your outdoor living areas can still be utilized to their fullest potential. Solar lights are a great option because they’ll come on automatically when the sun sets, without you having to get up to flip a switch. Christmas lights are also great because they can provide consistent lighting around a fairly large area. You’ll also want to make sure that any walk ways are clearly visible, so that there aren’t any accidents.
However you choose to customize your outdoor space, Empire Custom Builders can help you bring your ideas to life. Contact us to learn how your backyard can become an extension of your custom home.
