Summer Design Trends For Outdoor Living Spaces
Minneapolis, Minnesota (PRWEB) July 25, 2013 -- The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported the June ABI score was 51.6, remaining strong as an indicator of construction activity and summer design trends. This score tells the results of an increase in demand for design services for both interior and outdoor projects. The new projects inquiry index was 62.6, up sharply from the reading of 59.1 the previous month.
"Entertaining and dining pleasures are gained by creating outdoor living spaces for three of our four Twin Cities seasons while adding to the property's value. Gazebos, porches, decks, outdoor kitchens, flagstone courtyards, and walled room made of stone offer a great spot to relax, entertain company or even create a focal point in the backyard," states Jenna Thuening, owner of Home Destination.
Other findings in AIA's report show the Midwest regional average is 48.3, with multi-family residential homes at 54.0. Home builders count on AIA's consistent work surveying the housing industry needs for sustainable buildings, neighborhoods, and communities. Construction of outdoor living spaces is on the rise.
More outdoor amenities for entertaining are squeezing into smaller lots, according to the American Institute of Architects. Twin Cities "households continue to invest in their properties both by adding to their outdoor living areas and by blending indoor and outdoor space", according to the 2013 Home Design Trends Survey findings.
Home Destination offer the follow ideas for designing outdoor living spaces:
1. Create A Flagstone Courtyard - Transform an unused section of landscape or driveway into an inviting flagstone courtyard. Stone pavers come in nearly every shade imaginable to match a home's siding or exterior pain color.
2. Creating an Outdoor Room With Walls - Outdoor living spaces can be created by making a walled-in retreat area. A custom fence or stone wall can extend the side of an existing out-building, adding an intimate outdoor room.
3. Building A Gazebo To Entertain Outdoors - A backyard gazebo is the perfect out door room for parties, entertaining friends, family times and other social gatherings. Whether looking for a sunny respite or a oasis to entertain or just want to sit back and absorb a beautiful day, a gazebo is all about creating a fun inviting space.
4. A Patio Built for Outdoor Entertaining - More than one-third of home buyers want a patio or a space level terraced with the ground, while 21 percent desire a deck constructed above the ground, according to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®' "Profile of Buyers' Home Feature Preferences.
5. Walking Paths That Connect Outdoor Living Spaces - Make it easy for guests to walk from the home's interior to the home's outdoor living space by connecting them and facilitating the traffic flow with waling paths.
6. Front Porch Entertaining - Porches are ideal outdoor entertaining spaces for inviting friends and neighbors over to enjoy wine and dining. How about hosting a neighborhood party on your porch?
7. Outdoor Kitchens Are Perfect For Entertaining - Custom outdoor kitchens open up all kinds of enjoyable entertaining opportunities. Homeowners can choose from gourmet pizza ovens, custom wet bars, built-in fireplaces, side burners, outdoor smokers, warming drawers and roasting spits for grilling your favorite foods.
Traditionally back yards are the focal point for designing outdoor home paradises. However younger home owners are preferring the front of their home. "They want to have neighbors, and they want to get to know them by sitting on the front porch. Even in their landscaping, they’re paying much more attention to authenticity," Maxine Lauer, founder and CEO of Sphere Trending, a firm studying consumer and home design trends commented to Realtor Magazine.
"To get the greatest enjoyment and best return on dollars invested in outdoor living spaces, home owners should study examples in design publications, drive through favorite neighborhoods to glean ideas, and ask neighbors pertinent questions. Think through just how the new outdoor living space could be used, when, and what activities will take place there", summarizes Thuening.
Home Destination offers more information of trends to consider for home improvement projects, and helps real estate buyers and Twin Cities home sellers make well-informed decisions. Call 612-396-7832 to engage Jenna Thuening's expertise.
Jenna Thuening, Home Destination, http://www.homedestination.com, 612-396-7832, [email protected]
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