Create an extra living space

IF YOUR home lacks space inside and needs better indoor-outdoor flow, an outdoor room may be the answer. They create that extra living area and give you a relaxing, uncluttered space to spend time outside. A typical outdoor room features everything from an outdoor fire, barbecue, sinkbench and fridge, to drop-down sides, sofas, loungers, tables,cushions, lighting and landscaping.

Outdoor fires are usually the main feature of an outdoor room, both for warmth and the act of gathering around it. Many models also have cooking options, so you can cook pizza, for example. Barbecues in outdoor rooms can range from simple portable models with traditional gas bottles, to built-in models plumbed into the gas line. Outdoor kitchens, too, can be as extravagant or as minimal as budget allows.

Furniture depends on the size of the outdoor room, but typically includes sofas, loungers and even bean bags.

All of these items usually sit on a deck or patio made of timber, concrete or tiles.

Timber has a softening effect, but doesn’t hold the heat like concrete or tiles, which emit warmth as the sun goes down.

Large, porcelain pavers are on trend.

They come in beautiful colours or natural tones, are non-slip, frost and heat resistant, don’t expand and contract much and don’t require sealing.

Many outdoor rooms are cover or semicovered for weather protection or privacy; options include an adaptable roof that can open or close as weather allows.

For wind protection, homeowners can choose from simple drop-down blinds, to permanent walls or hedging.

Lighting is important, both for practical reasons and to set the mood.

You could install lights that wash across the patio so you can see where you’re going; use different colour palettes; light up different zones or a feature like a tree, sculpture or water feature; or hang solarpowered string lights or lanterns for a bit of fun.

Landscaping, too, adds that finishing touch. A careful selection of trees, shrubs and other plants brings it all together.

Whatever your taste or budget, the key to success lies in the planning; you can’t just plop furniture and a table in the backyard and call it your outdoor room.

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS:

Location: Is it convenient to the house for traipsing in and out from the kitchen? If your outdoor room is at the other end of your section, you won’t use it as much, because it becomes a chore to get to it.

Level: An outdoor room should flow straight from the house, rather than be a space that you have to navigate many steps to get to.

Orientation: It must be functional to work well so choose a spot that perhaps gets the sun longest or is sheltered from the wind.

Size: Weigh up what you want to use your room for, and what you want to put in it, then draw a layout to scale of the space and desired ‘furnishings’.

Too small and it will feel cluttered; too big and you may not have left enough room for other outdoor essentials.

Storage: Invest in the likes of bench seats and ottomans that double as storage for items like cushions.

Continuity: To ensure good indoor-outdoor flow, choose a style, features and materials that complement your house, inside and out. Budget: Get quotes and shop around, and if money is tight, spend it on the structural elements first. A well-designed and built room with upcycled furniture can look as great as one where the sky’s the limit.

Few decor directions are as timelessly captivating as a Hamptons-style interior. With equal importance placed on quality and design flair, and with spaces designed to play backdrop to a luxurious yet relaxed lifestyle, classic Hamptons style is the perfect choice for a show home.

Now you have the chance of owning this jaw-dropping Hamptons-inspired Jennian Homes display home, nestled in the exclusive Pukekura Estate.

This sought-after new development is fast becoming the talk of the town thanks to its quality properties, vibrant community and proximity to Lake Karapiro for walks, picnics and all manner of watersports activities.

‘‘Remaining as a show home until November this year, the property is set up for a savvy investor to make a lucrative short-term income. It’s a fantastic option for families looking to buy their slice of paradise and settle for the next 10 to 20 years, or retirees who want to enjoy all the benefits of Cambridge living,’’ says Sharon McGeough from NZ Sotheby’s International Realty.

A clever blend of Long Island country charm and high-end sophistication give the home a distinctive and elegant street appeal.

Inside, a generous floor plan emcompasses numerous indoor and outdoor living spaces for relaxing, entertaining, enjoying your own space and gathering over meals as a family.

Light streams into the designer kitchen, which anchors the bright and airy open-plan living and dining area, making this the consummate entertainer.

Family movie night is sorted thanks to a media room/separate lounge’’ with its charming recessed ceiling.

Four spacious bedrooms offer flexible living arrangements that will suit a variety of lifestyles. The master suite features outdoor access, an ensuite and walk-in wardrobe, creating the ultimate adult’s retreat.

Enjoy views out over the next door berry farm throughout the home, and spectacular sunsets from out on the large deck on the western side of the house. A classic wraparound veranda allows you to sit outside and soak up the views, no matter what the weather does.

Triple garaging allows room for all the toys. You’ll love the luxury of your very own putting green, plus there’s plenty of room for a swimming pool, with the pool fence already in place.

This north-facing home

attracts all day sun and airconditioning, insulated walls and ceilings, double glazing all contribute to an even temperature year round.

‘‘Only five minutes from town but in a quiet area that gives you that slow, rural feel, this designer home is surrounded by houses just as beautiful that are also on 2,500 lots, so you don’t have that ‘closed-in suburban’ feel,’’ says salesperson Jodi McCoy.

‘‘No detail has been spared in the planning and execution of this beautiful designer home. With easy access to Cambridge, Hamilton, and Te Awamutu, and close to high-performance sports facilities and the lake, it’s a handy location that represents lifestyle living at its best. Call me or Joni today to secure your dream lifestyle and discuss how this investment could work for you,’’ says Sharon.

Photographer: Tony McGeough from REM New Zealand