Atlanta’s warm weather sets the stage for enjoying nature, and after a season indoors, we’re ready to get outside and soak it up. As area builders and developers have discovered, homeowners are willing to pop a Benadryl against the pollen and move their living quarters outside for the season.
But being outdoors doesn’t mean being away from the amenities we’re used to. That’s why more remodelers and builders are being asked to create living space that blur the lines between out and in.
“The trend now is to blend of hard and soft scapes,” said Irene Hall, vice president of sales and marketing for the Vinings-based Front Door Communities. “It’s not just about brick pavers and a fire pit; there are other pieces as well.”
Those pieces are the accents that turn plain patios or porches into living spaces, with year-round furniture, ceiling fans and decorative accents placed against softly-hued stones and tiles as backdrops.
“Weather-friendly furniture expands these spaces,” said Hall. “It doesn’t have to look like something just for the outside. We’re seeing more accessories staying in that outdoor space year round.”
That’s a completely workable scenario, given Atlanta’s climate. “We’re lucky that are seasons aren’t so harsh, and people can use these spaces for an extended period of time,” said Hall. “And if they’ve got a fireplace or fire pit, they can even be outside when it’s 30 degrees.”
At Front Door’s Traditions community in Cumming, homes are designed with front porches that extend the living area. Some styles in the Goulding development in Roswell boast double porches and decks; even the 28 townhouses have connecting outdoor areas that can be year-round living spaces. And the most popular option selected by Front Door buyers is an outdoor kitchen.
“A full-blown kitchen can probably add $7,500 to $10,000 to the cost of the house,” said Hall. “A fire pit and pavers can be as low as $2,500.”
John Schwaemmle, vice president of marketing for Builder Specialties, said most of his company’s projects are now devoted to outdoor kitchens with fireplaces or fire pits.
“That usually means we put in a grill, a trash center, some type of storage — drawers and cabinets — and, most times, a refrigerator,” he said. “From there you can add side burners, pizza ovens and ice machines.”
Finished with a rock island, granite counter tops and high-end equipment, an outdoor kitchen can run more than $15,000, he said. But it’s a trend more owners of both single-family and townhouses are asking for.
“I’ve been in this industry for 30 years, and in the last few it’s been all about outdoors,” said Schwaemmle. “It’s about lifestyle. A lot of people are entertaining more at home rather than going out, and they’re moving that entertaining space outdoors. A kitchen or living area outdoors gives them another space to move into.”
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