It’s common for families to head out to their backyards to bask in the sunshine and enjoy the warm, long summer days, whether they have patios and outdoor kitchens or not.
Once the weather starts to turn, though, they quickly retreat to the comfort of the house until the next summer rolls around.
No one likes being cooped up inside just because the weather is less than perfect. The good news is that smart homeowners and their families don’t have to.
There are plenty of ways to turn outdoor living spaces into four-season retreats. Read on to find out about a few of the design elements that can help.
Fully Equipped Outdoor Kitchens
Everyone loves a good summer barbecue, but if that’s the only fixture in the kitchen, the chances are good that it won’t get used much in the fall through the spring.
If homeowners want to start making the most of their outdoor kitchens, they should find the best flat top grill, pizza oven, and other fixtures that can be used to cook more diverse arrays of foods.
None of them will replace a traditional grill for making burgers and other BBQ foods, but they will open up a wide range of options for after barbecue season ends.
Fire Pits and Outdoor Fireplaces
There are few things more inherently comforting than sitting around a warm fire on a cold night. While most people associate having fires with camping trips, there’s no reason homeowners can’t have that same peaceful, heart-warming experience right in their backyards.
Fire pits don’t have to be dug into the ground, nor do they even need to burn wood. Propane fire pits require no solid fuel and have much lower maintenance requirements, although they don’t leave behind that wonderful campfire scent.
The bottom line here is that there are many types of pre-made fire pits available to meet a wide range of needs. Some families even choose to construct outdoor fireplaces, although that solution is currently less in vogue.
No matter what type of fire feature a homeowner chooses, it will make spending time in the backyard a much more enjoyable affair in the colder months.
Partially Enclosed Patios
Cutting the cold north wind that accompanies winter can make a big difference when it comes to outdoor comfort. There’s no need to build a full Carolina room.
Just adding a roof and some waterproof drapes or roller shades to a patio can significantly extend its usable season, and the shades can be removed when summer rolls back around.
Backyard Spas
There’s no such thing as too cold to enjoy a soak in an outdoor spa. Relaxing in a hot tub in the dead of winter can still soothe sore muscles and calm worried minds whether homeowners want to head out for a solo soak or invite friends over to enjoy the warmth with others. Adding a backyard sauna to the private spa can create an even more luxurious feel.
Don’t Be Afraid of the Cold
There’s no need to spend all of the winter cooped up inside dealing with cabin fever. Spending time out in the backyard can be just as pleasant during the off-season as it is when summer barbecues are in full swing.
Add one of the features described above or all of them to create the ultimate four-season outdoor living space.