Bring the Inside, Outside
Whether your space is on a deck, or ground level stonework, make it inviting with seating and shade. Include plenty of comfortable seating, from couches to lounge chairs, and maybe a cozy porch swing. An outdoor dining table, plush chairs, and coffee tables will assist in making it a popular “room” all season long.
Look for weather-resistant carpets and accessorize with naturally inspired décor, such as native plants, wood elements, and stones. Keep it cool with a covered patio and outdoor ceiling fans to extend usability. Serene vibes can be set with water elements, or simply enjoy the fresh mountain air and cool breeze.
Soak It In
Being Colorado-based, we fully understand the appeal of having a hot tub in all seasons. Decide if an in-ground or above-ground hot tub makes sense for your space. Discuss the many options for stonework, tile, and deck design with your builder. Consider adding shade with a pergola (and to block snow flying in the winter), surround with lanterns, bushes, and plants for a tranquil escape.
Get Cooking…Outside
A big trend in luxury homes is the epic outdoor kitchen. Think beyond the large gas grill… add a full stovetop, prep area, fridge, an island, a dining table, and full bar. Do not have the room for a full kitchen? We recommend starting with the grill, built-in counter/prep station with a small fridge for easy dinning. Start there, and then decide if you are committed to the full outdoor kitchen. Next step? Work around your chosen appliances and know that this investment is well worth it.
Warm Things Up
Summer evenings beckon feet kicked up by outdoor flames. An outdoor fire can be a proper fireplace and chimney structure, or for a more campfire feel, a gas fire pit. For either choice, stacked stones such as limestone, flagstone, and pavers work well for the outdoors. Rustic-lux can be achieved with rough edges, or smooth and sleek for mountain-modern. Recently we have seen repurposed fire pits made with weatherproof wine barrels or recycled natural rusted steel.
In addition to fireplaces and fire pits, you can opt to have outdoor spaces heated more subtly with infrared heaters. These can be hidden in covered patios and pillars for ultimate temperature control.
Enjoy the mountain summer, luxuriously!
