Like many homeowners, you have put a great deal of energy—and money—into designing an outdoor living space that your entire family can enjoy. So, isn’t it a shame if that space goes unused in autumn? With that in mind, here are five ideas to continue enjoying it throughout those cooler months.

Firepits, Fireplaces and Outdoor Kitchens

Outdoor kitchens are an excellent home remodel option for practically any family. Cookouts can be events, and something as simple as a firepit or even an elaborate fireplace can provide the warmth you need to fend off the chill while also allowing you to enjoy a campfire experience in your own backyard.

A Space That Is Both In and Out

Another great idea is to have a space that provides a transition between the inside and the outside of your home. If you already have a porch, then screening it in is perhaps the easiest and most affordable way to achieve this. If you have a more ambitious home remodel in mind, then a four season room can accommodate your family not just in fall but in winter too!

Add More Lighting

A common mistake people make in designing outdoor living spaces is choosing their lighting during summertime, which is when the least illumination is required. In fall, it gets darker sooner, and having additional lighting can increase your usable time as well as which activities are practical. Even consider automatic lighting that can respond to ambient light levels.

Choose Furniture with Fall in Mind

It goes without saying that you’ll want weatherproof furniture for your outdoor living space, but furniture that’s fine in summer may not be comfortable or even practical in fall. Some homeowners opt for a set for each season, but if you want one set for year-round use, think about how it’s going to feel when there’s a chill in the air, you have extra clothing on and are perhaps sitting near a fire.

Photo by Alair Homes ArlingtonMore exterior home photos

 

Invest in a Hot Tub

Hot tubs let you have fun but also be warm and relaxed at any time of the year—including winter. Hot tubs continue to be a popular outdoor home remodel option precisely because they let people enjoy their outdoor spaces regardless of the current temperature. Outdoor spas are also a great option for small parties as well as an ideal choice for romantic date nights.