Happy November! There’s a chill in the air and the holidays are on the horizon. With the moderate climate we have in North Carolina, we’re lucky that we can spend most months outdoors. But certain updates will make life at home during the cooler months much more enjoyable – especially when hosting.
Indoor-outdoor space renovations have become increasingly popular the past few years. People want to enjoy their homes more and create additional space for gathering with family and friends. At ICON Custom Builders, we receive remodeling requests for various outdoor living spaces such as covered patios, screened-in porches, and sunrooms.
I polled several members of the ICON team to get their thoughts on maximizing outdoor spaces for year-round enjoyment. Here’s what they had to say:
What are your most popular requests for indoor-outdoor renovation projects and why?
- Screened-in porch – enjoy the outside without worrying about bugs
- Covered patio – spend time here, rain or shine!
- Sunroom – soak in natural light without feeling a draft
- Outdoor kitchen – grill and entertain with ease
“There are requests for making outdoor spaces more usable – especially areas that may be located under decks. We have the ability to make these areas waterproof and screened-in for added outdoor living space.” – Douglas
“Typically, requests are geared toward additional functional space that feels like an extension of your home. When you reclaim space that used to be a yard or an awkward space between a house and garage, it redefines your home.” – Doug
How can a renovation make your home more enjoyable year-round, especially in the cooler months?
- Incorporate heated floors or an outdoor fireplace
- Improve efficiency with energy upgrades
- Better insulation in the walls and ceiling and updated windows make the inside environment more comfortable and lower heating costs
- Install heaters under porches to make the space usable on cooler days and nights
“A sunroom or updated windows let you enjoy the light without the draft. Heated floors or a fireplace make cooler months cozy. Energy upgrades keep the whole house feeling warmer.” – Craig
“Having several spaces that are under one roof and protected from weather and insects make those spaces a comfortable retreat when the weather is poor…We all need an escape, and I think the ability to enjoy the inside and outside at the same time is really easy to make happen.” – Don
What features are essential in an outdoor entertaining space?
- Outdoor fireplace or a fire pit
- Heaters
- Ample, easily-accessible seating
- Enough room for relaxing and dining
- Comfortable furniture in weather-resistant fabrics
- Level flooring
- Covered area
- Good lighting to showcase the space
- Shade from the sun
- Screens to block uninviting views
- Retractable screens to bug-proof the space
- Bluetooth speakers
- Outdoor entertainment system
- Wall-mounted TV
- Outdoor kitchen
What features are essential in an outdoor kitchen?
- Charcoal grill or traditional gas grill
- Flat top griddle
- Smoker
- Sufficient counter space
- Outdoor cabinets with storage for cookware and dishware
- Weather-resistant materials
- Under-counter fridge and trash
- Lighting
- Outdoor sink
- Outdoor wood fire stove
- Coffee bar
- Bar area
- Large outdoor kitchen island
- Wide flow through passages
- Separate areas for grilling and entertaining
How do you ensure a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces?
- Create at least two passages from the interior to the exterior space
- Install large sliding or folding doors that open up (if the house can accommodate it)
- Use similar floors or finishes both inside and outside
- Ensure floor elevation is similar between both spaces
- Carry design details from the home into the outdoor space
“Have at least two passages from the inside to the outside space, or a wide folding or sliding door. Keep the flooring selection consistent when possible. Ensure the outdoor floor elevation is very close to the indoor floor elevation.” – Chuck
“Doorways located off the main kitchen so food can be carried in and out easily from the indoor space to the outdoor space.” – Kim
What fall traditions are you most looking forward to?
- “Thanksgiving family gathering. Watching football games outside on our covered porch.” – Chuck
- “Evenings around the fire pit. Oktoberfest beer. Sitting on the porch with a hot drink.” – Craig
- “My favorite season of the year is fall because it is a long awaited reprieve from the heat and humidity of summer. I enjoy the comfort of cooking soups and stews that bring warmth to a cool evening.” – Don
- “Cooking outdoors while watching football!” – Doug
- “Enjoying the colors change. Hanging out with friends. Enjoying cooler evenings gathering around a fire pit.” – Douglas
- “Thanksgiving – because what is better than a day that is centered around gratitude?” – Kim
- “Watching football with friends and family on a Saturday while smoking meat!” – Luke
Douglas added: “A renovation can turn an average space in a home into a ‘destination’ spot for the whole family to enjoy.” It is a gift that will benefit your family and everyone who walks through your doors.
Take the next step toward enjoying your home year-round by engaging ICON Custom Builders for your next project!