Creating an Easy Space for Outdoor Hosting

April 24, 2018

Look out your window to your backyard. Can you envision the fun you’re going to have there now that the beautiful South Carolina spring is here? Or are you just seeing a lot of work to do? Creating an easy space for outdoor hosting expands your living space and broadens your opportunities for family fun. McGuinn Homes has a lot of experience building new homes and communities throughout the Columbia area, and we’re happy to share some tips for converting your backyard into an exterior “room.”

Create a Floor Plan

Just like the interior of your home, your outdoor living space should be mapped out, creating zones for various activities. Consider it the ultimate in the open floor plan! Your patio, of course, provides the foundation, but it doesn’t have to end there. If you have a small patio, don’t feel limited by this space. Your lawn is your carpet and by defining spaces here, just as you did in the open concept in your main living area, you bring order, function, and design to your outdoor living space.

Design Your Outdoor Kitchen

Consider where you will put your outdoor kitchen, making sure it’s convenient to the back door. Even if your outdoor kitchen is fully equipped with cooking, refrigeration, and storage, you’ll likely go back and forth as you prepare and serve meals outside. Your outdoor kitchen could be as simple as a grill or a larger space that’s as well-equipped as the kitchen inside your home. Incorporate a pizza oven, warming drawer, refrigerator, ice machine, sink, bar, island, and more. Add a durable countertop, like granite or quartz, and weather-proof cabinets. The more functions you add to your outdoor kitchen, the more time you can spend enjoying the activity outside.

Place a Pergola

Nothing defines an outdoor living space like a pergola. This structure of open beams creates boundaries and can be as large or cozy as you want. It’s ideal for a conversation area or space for your outdoor kitchen and dining. You can add a canopy for some protection from the elements. Finish it with lighting and décor to create a pergola as a truly inviting space for outdoor hosting.

Add Fire and Water

Whether you want to add warmth or the relaxing sensation of flowing water, consider adding a fire and water feature to your backyard living area. A fire pit with seating is a welcome place on a cool night. Or add a wood-burning fireplace to your patio and outdoor kitchen area. The water feature could be a fountain or cascading waterfall in your yard, accented with garden plants. You might want to add a koi pond for a tranquil accent. Make these water and fire features as large or small as you’d like, as accents or focal points in your outdoor living space.

Please, Fence Me In

The family pets enjoy a free run outside, which is made safer when you have a fence. Fencing in your yard is also a smart idea for protecting your children and enhancing your privacy. You have a wide range of fence styles, so you can choose the one that blends well with the architecture of your home. Your backyard can be a valuable part of your home if you invest in creating welcome spaces there. But if your yard and your home simply aren’t presenting the right fit for you and your family, look at McGuinn Homes. We build energy-efficient, single-family homes in communities with resort-style amenities in the most desirable neighborhoods around Columbia. Whether you’re considering a ranch-style home or two stories, we offer a broad variety of floor plans. Talk to us about personalizing a new home design for you, and let’s explore the choices in our communities or building on your land.