Are you ready to chill, grill, and entertain in your own backyard? As a custom home builder serving the Brazos Valley, we’ve seen a growing demand for outdoor living spaces that feel like extensions of the home. The long, warm Texas seasons allow us to enjoy outdoor spaces almost year-round. It’s no surprise that homeowners want to invest in transforming their backyards into comfortable, beautiful, and functional living spaces.
Whether you’re renovating your existing backyard or designing a custom home, creating the ultimate outdoor living space is a must for any Texas homeowner. When designing a year-round outdoor area, think about how it can be used throughout the seasons as a go-to spot for relaxation and entertainment.
Outdoor Kitchens
Outdoor kitchens are a must-have feature for many Texas homeowners, and they significantly increase the value of a home. From built-in grills and side burners to fully equipped kitchens with refrigerators, sinks, and pizza ovens, the options for an outdoor kitchen are limitless. Incorporating large dining tables and seating areas close to the kitchen allows everything to flow seamlessly for family gatherings, parties, and casual meals. An outdoor kitchen is the centerpiece of an outdoor entertaining space beyond the summer months. Our expert design team can turn your outdoor kitchen ideas into reality.
Learn More: 5 Benefits of Having an Outdoor Kitchen
Patio Living Room
Turning outdoor patios into full-fledged living rooms has gained popularity in recent years. Homeowners want more than just a place to sit outside – they want a functional and comfortable space that feels like an extension of their home.
Creating a cozy patio living room involves using weather-resistant furniture that is durable and comfortable. Adding features like ceiling fans, an outdoor fireplace, and a large screen ensures that your outdoor space is a go-to spot for entertaining, relaxing, or watching movies. Our design team can help you create a beautiful outdoor living room that fits your aesthetic and meets your functional needs.
Learn More: Should You Build a Patio?
Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lighting is another great way to extend the use of your outdoor space into the evening. From accent lighting around seating areas to pathway lights, adding lighting makes your space more inviting and creates a dramatic effect when the sun goes down. Thoughtfully placed lights help highlight architectural features, water elements, and landscaping – making your backyard inviting and relaxing.
Outdoor Fireplace or Fire Pit
Adding an outdoor fireplace or fire pit is a game-changer for any backyard. Chilly fall evenings are the perfect time to gather around a fire and savor the cool, crisp weather. Outdoor fireplaces or fire pits provide ambience and warmth – whether you’re roasting marshmallows with the kids or enjoying a glass of wine with friends.
Shade Structures
Shade structures are architectural elements that enhance outdoor living spaces and provide protection from the heat on hot, sunny days. Consider adding one to your backyard to increase visual appeal and make your space more comfortable for activities and relaxation.
The most common types of backyard shade structures include:
- Pergolas – One of the most popular ways to add shade to your outdoor space is by adding a pergola. These structures feature an open roof made of beams and rafters that provide partial shade. You can also add a retractable roof to help keep the sun at bay when needed.
- Gazebos – These freestanding structures, featuring a roof and open sides, will transform your patio or backyard into a shady outdoor living space.
- Cabanas – A backyard cabana is a semi-enclosed structure with a roof and partial walls that provide shade, privacy, and a comfortable space for relaxing and entertaining.
- Patio Awnings – These roof-like structures extend over a patio to provide shade and protection from the sun and rain. Made of weather-resistant fabric or material, awnings are attached to the exterior wall of a house and can either be fixed or retractable.
- Shade Sails – These fabric structures are tensioned between anchor points to provide shade and create a modern and visually appealing canopy.
- Umbrellas – These portable shade solutions can be easily moved around or tilted to provide shade and sun protection around patios, backyards, and poolside areas.
Embrace the Great Outdoors
If you’re ready to create the ultimate outdoor living space that complements your lifestyle and allows you to enjoy the year-round outdoor living we have in Texas, contact Gerard Construction today. Investing in a beautiful and functional outdoor living area can significantly increase the value of your home while providing the ultimate space to entertain, unwind, and make memories with your family and friends.