Every homeowner fantasizes about the hours they will spend enjoying their backyard and other outdoor features. Unfortunately, this all-too-often remains a fantasy, as unsightly and low-function exteriors keep many people cooped up inside even in the most beautiful weather. To help avoid this pitfall, keep reading as we explore 7 creative inspirations for transforming your outdoor oasis.
Window Trim
The windows are the eyes of the home. However, without the proper framework, even the most glistening glass will struggle to sparkle. One effective way to properly encase windows is through the addition of trim. Window trim provides the all-important contrast that will arrest onlookers’ attention and help the windows stand out. From rustic wood homes to dark vinyl siding colors, window trim can move the home’s exterior facade from “ordinary” to “breathtaking. “
Garage Door Replacement
As by far the largest aperture on a home’s facade, one of the most impactful exterior renovations a homeowner can perform is a garage door replacement. Completed in as little as half a day by a certified professional, a new garage door can turn an exterior from rickety to stunning in just a few hours. Best of all, the statistics show that buyers are willing to pay a premium for the classy exterior aspect: Remodeling Magazine’s 2024 Cost vs. Value Report shows that a new garage door nearly doubles the cost of the project through boosted resale value, making it the most lucrative upgrade a homeowner can perform.
Transitional Spaces
Modern homeowners are increasingly prioritizing biophilic design principles. In addition to classic backyard features, this trend has given rise to transitional spaces such as lanais, verandas, and patios that seamlessly blend interior/exterior spaces. This is said to put people more at one with nature and promote wellbeing within the confines of the home. Some ways to increase the comfort and functionality of these transitional spaces include porch ceiling fans, 12×12 outdoor tile options made of soothing wood patterns, and decorative screen panels to break up the space without encumbering natural light flow.
Outdoor Kitchen
Nothing spells kicking back and relaxing quite like an open-air meal. As such, outdoor kitchen installations are one of the most trending exterior renovations for 2024. They add unprecedented convenience for hosting large get-togethers, with the spacious outdoors undaunted by food spills or heavy foot traffic. Some ways to improve the functionality of an outdoor kitchen include durable stone flooring pavers, stainless steel appliances, nonporous quartz countertops, and PVC cabinetry.
Permeable Gravel Driveway
Concrete driveways are undoubtedly stunning when new. They create a clean suburban aspect of cookie-cutter perfection next to a perfectly manicured lawn. Unfortunately, it does not take long for concrete driveways to lose their luster. Eroding substrate can cause cracking and buckling, while leaking car fluids lead to unsightly stains that are difficult to remove.
One trending upgrade is the installation of a modern gravel driveway. Using an innovative permeable paver system, a series of durable grids are applied to the driveway substrate. These grids are then filled with the gravel, stone, or sod of choice. They hold the gravel in place in the face of moisture and compressive forces, eliminating the rutting and clumping concerns inherent to traditional gravel driveways. In addition to creating long-lasting, versatile driveway surfaces, the permeability of gravel driveways protects the surrounding landscape by absorbing runoff and limiting erosion.
Low Maintenance Landscaping
Speaking of perfectly manicured lawns, achieving this ideal is more work than the average homeowner has time to commit. And even for those who do, keeping the lawn in top condition is not an environmentally friendly proposition, as the EPA estimates that some 30% of all household water is consumed via outdoor applications. Therefore, look into low maintenance landscaping features that maintain their appearances in all conditions. Artificial grass, stone flower beds, rain-harvesting water chains, and masonry walkways are just a few ways to establish ongoing beauty with minimal maintenance requirements.
Pergola Installation
It is impossible to enjoy the outdoors without the proper sun mitigation. Not only is direct sunlight uncomfortable and hazardous to the skin of residents, but the powerful UV rays can quickly degrade outdoor furniture and architecture. As such, a pergola addition is one of the best ways to leverage outdoor areas to the fullest. Whether a fire pit, deck, or patio, a pergola provides much-needed shade while also establishing an element of architectural intrigue. Motorized louvered pergolas allow homeowners to control just how much sun is transmitted, while pergola flooring ideas help tie up the ambiance while enhancing the durability of the outdoor area.
Create Your Outdoor Oasis Today
It takes careful planning and attention to detail to transform an outdoor space from off-putting to inviting. By considering any of the 7 creative inspirations listed above and other helpful resources at Construction Daily, homeowners can put themselves on the right track to achieving a true outdoor oasis.
