Planning the Ideal Outdoor Entertainment Area for your Home
March - 2012
Planning on finally transforming your unused outdoor areas into an exciting outdoor entertainment destination? How you envision yourself using that patio space will determine the design and the features.
Ask yourself:
What months will you most likely do the majority of your outdoor entertaining in?
What's the average number of guests that usually attend?
What time of day or evening do you usually entertain?
Will you need night lighting?
Do you or your guests have children, and if so, does your entertainment space allow for kids to run and play?
(Below) This Johnson's Landscaping design at a Montgomery County, MD residence incorporated two custom pergolas gracing the deck and the cooking area. Other than the obvious aesthetics, the pergolas’ functional purpose was to provide welcome shade from the strong, early-evening summer sun in the homeowner’s back yard.
This Northwest, Washington residence's back yard is designed around the existing terrain, while simultaneously giving the perception of privacy. This is accomplished through the tiered retaining walls and planted beds outlining the pool deck - the ultimate pairing of luxury with nature.
As you go down your planning list, most likely you will have to think about your grill. If there's outdoor entertaining there will be grilled food so take into consideration the location and how to incorporate it into the rest of the design. Many Johnson's Landscaping clients desire a “built-in” grill like the one below for a more finished outdoor "kitchen". Not only does it allow plenty of space for food preparation but it invites your guests to congregate. Custom cut stone beautifully integrates into the rest of the patio and walls.
If you're not entirely sure how your new patio and entertainment area will be used, just concentrate on creating space with landscaping. The simple beauty of a patio, retaining wall, and plantings next to a portable outdoor fire or grill, like the one in the back of this Bethesda, Maryland home is versatile and timeless.
Whatever your outdoor entertainment needs or preferences, with careful forethought, planning, and guidance from Johnson's Landscaping, you can design a space that is perfect for relaxing, entertaining - and enhance your property value at the same time. A little extra planning will ensure your ultimate satisfaction with your new, outdoor entertainment area - and a lot of compliments from your family and friends.
