Today’s luxury home architectural designs typically include immense covered and uncovered outdoor spaces dedicated to creating a seamless indoor/outdoor lifestyle that can be enjoyed throughout the day. No longer relegated to simply providing a place for a grill station or for taking a dip in the pool, outdoor living areas have been transformed into secondary living rooms that reflect the same attention to detail and level of finish found inside the home. Comfortable conversation areas with elegant ceiling details, fireplaces, and luxurious furnishings with up-to-date outdoor fabrics, kitchens with stainless steel grills, granite or quartz countertops, and generous cabinetry, and dining areas that can accommodate gatherings with guests are all part of today’s outdoor living experience. Pools now showcase large decks, water and fire features, and separate areas with fire pits and cozy seating. These trends in how outdoor living areas are regarded and utilized have presented new challenges and opportunities for interior designers.
“Outdoor living areas have become an integral part of how a home lives and are regarded more as an extension of the air-conditioned interior living spaces than as something that is separate from the rest of the residence,” said Vogue Interiors’ Debbie DeMaria, ASID. “The function, look, and style of the outdoor spaces have become just as important as what we’re doing inside. Designers have an opportunity to create an outdoor experience that blurs the line between indoors and outdoors. New outdoor furniture and fabric choices, new fireplace designs, and new outdoor cabinetry and counter surfaces allow us to create outdoor areas that reflect the overall elegance and comfort of the home. We’re incorporating beautiful ceiling details and new LED lighting designs in our outdoor living areas, both of which help us create an appealing ambiance. Large pool decks offer an opportunity to incorporate water and fire features that elevate the outdoor experience even further. Separate deck areas with fire pits and seating are on the must-have list for luxury homebuyers.”
As outdoor living spaces have assumed a new level of prominence, new materials have been developed to enhance the outdoor experience. Designers now have access to luxurious UV protected and mold resistant area rugs that can be incorporated in conversation area designs. Textured 24 x 24-inch stone that combines shells and concrete is changing the look and feel of decking materials. Dimmable LED lighting fixtures and huge, dramatic ceiling fans contribute to the comfortable ambiance of the outdoor spaces.
“Outdoor living area designs have evolved tremendously over the past several years and they will keep on evolving,” said Debbie. “People purchase homes in Southwest Florida so they can enjoy our wonderful climate. Why wouldn’t they want to be just as comfortable outdoors as they are inside their homes? We’re extremely excited by opportunities to make the outdoor experience the best that it can be by using the newest materials, furnishings, and fabrics available.”
Vogue Interiors invites you to discover the art of interior design and Express Yourself! Visit Vogue Interiors at our Design Center and Showroom at 24520 Production Circle in Bonita Springs or call 239-498-7500.