4 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Starting an Outdoor Living Remodel

As the end of February approaches, we’re well into the doldrums of winter. The cold weather and shorter days have been around long enough to be more tiresome than a relief from last summer’s heat (at least for those of us who prefer the warmer weather to cold). There’s still some time to go before spring and summer get here, but this is the perfect time to start making plans to capitalize on one of the best ways to spend those warm summer days: outdoor living. But before you start making those plans we recommend asking, and answering, these four questions to ensure that you can create an outdoor living space that best fits your wants and needs.

How do you plan to use your outdoor living space?

These homeowners wanted to create an entire outdoor oasis. This pool house cabana features a large outdoor kitchen, dining area, entertainment area, and enclosed pool bath. Its proximity to the pool makes it easy to use both areas without feeling much of a separation between the two key outdoor living features.

This is probably the most important question you need to ask yourself as you approach an outdoor living remodel. The answer is going to guide you not just through the rest of these questions but also through the rest of the entire remodel process. Outdoor living can encompass a wide variety of things. It could be something as simple as a covered porch that is ideal for a few pieces of lounge furniture where you can relax and enjoy the fresh air. Or it could be more complex like a full-size pool house complete with an outdoor kitchen, entertainment and lounging areas, a pool bath, and of course the pool. And then there’s everything else in between. How you want to use your outdoor space will determine just where you fall on the simple to complex scale. If you just want a place where you can enjoy a good book while sipping on some lemonade then you’re not going to need something as substantial as the person who loves to cook and wants to host a bunch of summer parties where they can bust out their skills for their family and friends. Define your goals and approach every decision with them in mind.

 

How much space do you want to devote to outdoor living?

With a small backyard, the homeowners knew they were limited in space for outdoor living. But they made the space between two wings of the house work for a small patio that includes room for quite a bit of seating as well as a built in fire pit.

Your answer to the previous question will likely play a factor in the answer for this one. The amount of type of amenities that you want to include within your outdoor living space will play a key role in how much space you will need to devote to them. But you should make sure you have realistic expectations of what can be achieved with the space that you have. The size of an outdoor living project can vary greatly. For example, an outdoor kitchen could be as small as a built-in grill with some cabinets and countertop space or it could be large enough to fit multiple cooking appliances, an outdoor refrigerator, clean up station, and even a full-sized dining table. How you answer this question will also likely be determined, at least in part, by the amount of space that is available. But good news, you don’t need to have a giant backyard to be able to take advantage of outdoor living! Even within a small backyard there is likely still space for a petit covered patio or small grilling station. Brining in a professional designer could be a big help in maximizing your space, regardless of whether it is small or large.

 

What is already there that is worth keeping and working with?

This home already had a small covered patio with space for a built in grill and some seating. The homeowners decided to expand the covered porch and extend it towards the pool so that it would be large enough for a full size outdoor kitchen, a large dining area, and a separate entertainment area.

Working with what you already have can save both time and money. That doesn’t mean you have to keep everything, but it may serve as a good starting point in creating your ideal outdoor living space. An already existing covered patio could be expanded and remodeled to fit a large outdoor kitchen and entertainment area. Or perhaps that patio would become your ideal outdoor living area with the addition of a few simpler things like special lighting, built ins, or just a general makeover. Another item you may want to consider working with is an already existing pool. Pools, especially in Texas, can be a big part of an outdoor living area. In the heat of the summer there is nothing better than cooling off within the comfort of your own backyard. Adding new outdoor living fixtures within close proximity of the pool would be a great way to tie the spaces together and create easier back and forth.  

 

What is your investment amount?

The homeowners strategically chose to open up the third car bay in their garage to create a small covered outdoor patio. While not as extensive as some of our other outdoor living projects, the homeowners invested their budget in creating the specific French country house design that was important to them.

When it comes to home remodeling projects it is essential to have a set budget amount before any work begins. That holds even more true when the project falls more into the want column instead of a need. Ideally, you should have a close to definite number in mind before even contacting any professionals about doing the work. Why? Because it is all too easy to get lost in the excitement of creating plans and end up in over your head in how much it will cost. You need to know how much you want to spend so that you can make the necessary decisions in the planning phases of the project instead of being led down a rabbit hole of wishes and dreams that can only turn into disappointments when they can’t fit within your budget. When you know the budget that you are working with then the professionals that you bring on board will be better able to assist you in spending your money in the best way possible. And make sure that you set aside part of your budget as a contingency fund. Even with the best laid plans things will go wrong and unexpected costs will happen. Plan for it in advance so that it won’t be a major crisis when those things inevitably happen.

Project Spotlight: Luxe Remodel Brings New Life to Kitchen

As one of the most important and most used rooms in the home, a well-functioning kitchen is essential to a well-functioning home. And while not quite as essential, style and design can also make an immense difference in whether the kitchen is a place that is loved or dreaded. With over twenty years since its last remodel, the kitchen of this Dallas home lacked in both functionality and design. The homeowners partnered with Mark Fletcher of Deleo & Fletcher Designs to design a high-end kitchen that both honored the home’s history and traditional design while also incorporating modern amenities and luxuries. Key Residential was brought onboard to bring the design to life.

 

Before the remodel, the kitchen had a very dark and enclosed feel. The dark stained wood of the cabinets, the fir downs, and the narrow door frames only exacerbated the cramped feel. Creating a room that was more open and felt larger was a key goal of the homeowners. Furthermore, they wanted the room better connect with the adjacent living areas. Without many options to truly expand the room, the homeowners made strategic design decisions to maximize the space and give it that larger feel that they desired.

 

For starters, the homeowners did find a way to claim more actual square footage for the kitchen: by expanding it into adjacent rooms. The small breakfast room off the kitchen was the easiest space to connect. Removing the narrow open-door frame that separated the two areas increased connectivity and made the breakfast room feel like a natural continuation of the kitchen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A smaller room, the homeowners decided that converting the breakfast room into a morning room would be a better use of the space. Buffet cabinets were added along one wall and frame a wall mounted TV. Two comfortable recliners were added, providing a space where the homeowners can relax in the morning with a cup of coffee while catching up on the news. Completing the renovations in the morning room are new larger windows that allow an influx of natural light into the room, a proven design trick for making a room feel larger.

 

But now a new location needed to be found for the breakfast room. Luckily there was an easy solution. Adjacent to the kitchen, but again separated by a narrow open-door frame, was a garden room. With ample general living space in the nearby living room, commandeering the garden room for use by the kitchen would not be an issue. Plus, with a growing extended family, a larger breakfast room would provide the homeowners with a more intimate and low-key setting to host family meals together.

 

As with the morning room, the door frame that separated the new breakfast room from the kitchen was removed.  Matching buffet cabinets, albeit in a different color, were added along a wall of the room. The quartz countertop and backsplash and the leaded glass fronts for the upper row cabinets give them a luxurious appearance. The area is spacious enough to fit a large dining table without feeling cramped and new floor to ceiling steel framed windows provide a beautiful view of the backyard. But if the homeowners need privacy then the Lutron controlled shutters can easily be brought down to obscure the view.

 

Within the original kitchen space new cabinets that follow a similar footprint as the old cabinets were added and match those added in the morning and breakfast rooms. Removing the imposing fir downs allowed the new cabinets to extend to the ceiling. The white color of the cabinets helps to create a lighter and more open feel in the room. The cabinets feature a recessed panel design with feet to mimic the look of furniture, details that fit well within the traditional design scheme of the house. The upper level cabinets feature glass fronts so that the homeowners can display their more artistic dining pieces. While this cuts down on available storage space in the kitchen it is made up for by the additional cabinets in the morning and breakfast rooms. Ample storage space is one thing the homeowners will hopefully not need to worry about in their remodeled kitchen.

 

New top of the line appliances were added including a 6 burner gas range top, panel ready refrigerator and freezer, microwave drawer, and trash compactor, to name a few. The light-color of the quartz countertop and quartz tile backsplashes was a strategic choice to help make the room feel open and light. The darker blue color of the walls might create an imposing feel but the use of lighter colors throughout the room and the general lack of open wall space to feature the blue color help mitigate the risk. Under cabinet task lighting s additional lighting to help chase away any lingering feelings of darkness.

Five Ways to Create an Exceptional Fireplace

We’ve come a long way from the days when the fireplace was an essential and often daily used part of the home. These days we can cook food and keep the house warm without using a fireplace, and more efficiently too (although we can’t argue against how nice it is on a cold winter’s day to curl up in front of a warm fire). No longer necessary for a functioning home, the fireplace has been allowed to take on a new role, one that involves more of a design element than performing crucial functions. A well-designed fireplace can be a real standout in a room and we’ve outlined a few ways below on how to create an exceptional fireplace

 

Built in Firewood Storage

If you plan on using your fireplace for its intended purpose of burning a fire then consider adding a built-in storage cabinet or cubby close to it where firewood can be stored. The convenience of storing firewood so close will make it easier to get a fire started and to keep track of when you need to restock. Or if you’re someone who wishes they used their fireplace more often having the firewood right there and ready to go might be the encouragement you needed. And even if you don’t fall into either of those camps, having some wood stored next to a fireplace can create a homey feel and would be a great design element, especially if you’re a fan of country or rustic style.

 

Don’t Ignore the Surrounding Space

When designing a fireplace it can be easy to get caught in the trap of thinking all the attention should be on the fireplace itself. But the areas immediately around it can be just as important. In many homes the fireplace has quite a bit of wall space surrounding it, be it to the sides or above. Instead of ignoring this space, use it to enhance the design appeal of the fireplace. For the surrounding walls consider built in shelving or cabinets to help frame the fireplace and focus the eye. If there is ample space above the fireplace then consider carrying the material that frames the firebox, be it stone, tile, wood, or any other material, to the ceiling to create a real statement piece.

 

Interesting Mantle

Fireplaces have been around since the early 1000’s, but the mantle as we’ve come to know it didn’t appear until the 1800’s. Originally the mantle was designed to be part of a hood meant to catch smoke. These days, the mantle of a fireplace, if there is one, serves primarily as a decorative piece rather than something vital to the fireplace’s function. With this in mind, consider using the mantle as a way to add distinct character. An intricately carved wood mantle would work well within traditional design, a quartz or other stone type countertop surround lends itself well to contemporary and modern design, or try a reclaimed wood beam for a country/rustic design.

 

Don’t Stick with Tradition

What first comes to mind when you think of a fireplace. For most people we’d bet it’s a rather traditional image: a fire box with a hearth below and mantle above, perhaps surrounded by stone or brick or wood. But with the shift towards design as a main function of the fireplace that traditional image no longer needs to be strictly adhered to. Contemporary and modern design with their affinity for new styles and pushing the boundaries have taken the lead in changing what a fireplace should look like and have brought about things like the absence of a true mantle or hearth, long linear fireplaces that are completely flush with the wall, and double-sided fireplaces that are shared between two rooms. Don’t let tradition limit you. Get creative and think outside the box when designing your fireplace!

Bring Back Some Functionality

While functionality in terms of completing essential roles in the house is no longer necessary for fireplaces, that doesn’t mean it should be completely overlooked, especially when it comes to cooking. We’re not suggesting going back to the old days when all meals were cooked over an open fire, but cooking over an open flame can take some foods to the next level. Devoting enough space in your kitchen for a fireplace may not be a feasible option, but outdoor living presents a great way to incorporate a more functional fireplace. Plus it will help keep the excess smoke and mess outside where it will hopefully be easier to deal with.

Project Spotlight: New Pool Cabana is Outdoor Living at its Finest

Outdoor living and Texas are two things that tend to mix well together. With hot summers and mostly moderate winters, spending quality time outdoors is close to a no brainer for us Texans. From large grassy backyards, to refreshing swimming pools, to outdoor cooking equipment, or even just dedicated space to lounge around outside, there are a multitude of ways for homeowners to equip their house to enjoy the outdoors. The owners of this Dallas home decided to take advantage of several an maximize their home’s outdoor living capabilities. The project culminated in the remodel of the pool and backyard landscaping and the addition of a pool cabana that includes a fully equipped outdoor kitchen and ample entertainment space.

Before construction could begin, an old back house in the backyard needed to be removed. The enclosed back house was original to the property and featured a handful of rooms. But it was lacking in two ways. First, it did not match the main house and as such stuck out like an eyesore. The main house had been rebuilt several years prior and featured a sleek contemporary design. Compared to the main house, the old back house felt dated and shabby. Second, the enclosed nature of the back house meant that it wasn’t ideal for outdoor living purposes. With the back house taking up prime backyard location (right next to the pool, no less), it was decided that the best option was to tear down it and build the new pool cabana in its place.

 

 

The cabana and backyard concept was designed by Randy Angell (Randy Angell Designs) and reflects the contemporary design of the main house. It incorporates several elements that are common to contemporary design: clean lines, large and uncluttered open spaces, flat panel cabinetry, and minimalist décor with a few standout design features. Despite being built at separate times, it was important to the homeowners that the pool cabana felt like a natural inclusion and not a tacked-on afterthought. Great care was taken to match certain materials used on the cabana with the materials used to construct the main house. The brick and stone masonry used on the cabana are the same materials used on the main house and the colored concrete flooring is similar to rooms in the main house.

The outdoor kitchen area was designed to be a fully functioning unit. When in use, the homeowners did not want any back and forth between it and the main house. One way this goal is achieved is through the ample storage and countertop space that the kitchen provides. The cabinets and drawers were custom designed and offer enough storage space for essential kitchen items. Weatherstripping installed along the interior edges of the cabinets and drawers keep their contents safe from dust and dirt. The adjacent enclosed storage closet includes a pantry to store foods where they will be safe from environmental factors. The storage closet uses a mini-split unit for temperature regulation, a smart choice for smaller rooms that need temperature control but are not large enough to require a full HVAC unit. Cooking equipment in the kitchen include both a Big Green Egg and double side burner. The range hood has an extra-large depth to accommodate for the excessive amount of smoke that is generated by outdoor cooking appliances.

Adjacent to the kitchen area is a dining area with enough space to fit a large dining room table. The eclectic mixture of wood and metal for the table works well with the style of the cabana. There is enough space to comfortably fit ten of the bright green chairs, perfect for the homeowners to host large gatherings of family or friend. And if there still is not enough seating room then bar seating can be found along the half wall that frames a side of the kitchen. provides temperature control for the room.

To the other side of the kitchen is an entertainment and gathering area. It features ample space for several couches and lounge chairs and allows the homeowners plenty of room to lounge outside by themselves or comfortably host guests without feeling overcrowded in the space.  The linear fireplace is the focal point of the room. The fireplace hearth extends past the pool. It both provides additional seating around the pool and helps to tie the two spaces together. A flatscreen television overhangs the fireplace and provides even more of an excuse to get outside. Who wouldn’t enjoy a watching your favorite sports team play during an at home barbeque cookout? Furthermore, the cabana is designed to be comfortably used throughout the year. Infratech ceiling heater and two outdoor Haiku fans help make the cabana more comfortable in colder or warmer temperatures respectively. A built-in mosquito spray system was also installed throughout the cabana and backyard to keep bugs at bay.

Completing the cabana is an enclosed full-sized bathroom which allows the homeowners to clean up from swimming before returning inside. The bathroom features a custom built floating vanity with a quartz countertop and vessel sink that complement the overall contemporary modern design of the structure. The large walk in shower features a built-in soap niche, handheld and rain shower heads, and pebble tile flooring. The room features uniquely shaped green tile on the walls which adds unique style to the room.

 

 

 

Next to the cabana’s entertainment area is the pool. The pool itself underwent a few cosmetic changes during the project but most of the changes were to the surrounding area. Originally the pool was a relatively boring part of the backyard that brought little cosmetic value. An architectural water fountain feature was added along the backside of the pool where the extended fireplace hearth ends. To the other side of the foundation are three oversized built in planter pots. Jason Osterberger with Jason Osterberger Designs reworked the landscaping behind the pool and created a unique look that fits perfectly with the contemporary design of the home. Additional concrete pavers were added around the pool while others elsewhere in the yard were removed allowing for more uninterrupted green space in the yard.

2017 Winter Home Maintenance Guide

Winter is here! For some, you might already be experiencing the solder temperatures associated with this season. For others (like us) it may feel more like winter tomorrow rather than today. But regardless of whether how much it may, or may not, feel like winter outside, it's time for another list of tasks to get done around the house. Keep reading to find out more about some of the tasks we recommend adding to your to-do list this season.

Winterize Outdoor Plumbing

Below freezing temperatures do not mix well with outdoor plumbing. If you haven’t winterized your outdoor plumbing fixtures then this is the time to do it. Methods vary depending on the type of fixtures you have (hose hookup, sink, etc), so either jump online to research specifics for your equipment or put in a call to a professional who can do it for you instead. It is money well spent to avoid costlier damages.

Mix Up Your  Décor

When it comes to home décor, how often do you switch things up? For many people we bet the answer to that is not all that often, save of course for putting up holiday decorations throughout the year. Switching up home décor can help make your home feel fresh without having to make many changes. To avoid making too many new purchases try swapping current items between rooms. Tackle this task during your post-holiday clean up, that way your home won’t feel so bare after putting all the holiday décor away. The project pictured to the left was completed and photographed several years ago. Last year it was featured in Country Sampler's Prairie Style magazine with new photos. Between the time of the two photoshoots the homeowners made a few changes to the decor including swapping some pieces out completely and changing the location of others. Take a look at the magazine's photos here.

General Winter Maintenance Tasks

As with every season, there are a handful of general maintenance tasks around the house that are ideal to get done this time of year. It might seem redundant since we also recommended this in the fall, but clean out your gutters again once the trees are done losing all their leaves to prep for the wetter spring months. Visually inspect trees for dead or broken branches and get them removed before any bad winter weather hits. Inside the house clean out the duct lines behind the dryer and inspect the washer hoses for signs of deterioration. Finally, ensure that your fire extinguishers are up to date on their inspections. And if you don’t have at least one extinguisher in your home add it to your shopping list.

Enjoy Some Downtime

The start of the winter season can often be a very busy time. Between preparing for and celebrating holidays, hosting guests, kids home from school for a few weeks, perhaps a vacation, and anything else you have planned, it can be easy to get caught up with little time to just take a deep breath. Set aside some time for yourself to just refresh and relax in whatever way works best for you. This could mean finding a quiet corner where you can read a book, catching up on a television show or watching your favorite movie, or even closing the blinds in your bedroom one weekend morning so that you can sleep in.

Clean/Organize Your Kitchen

Save this task until after the holidays are over! The last thing you want while prepping a big meal is to have to remember the new place you stored that one spoon you desperately need. But once things have calmed down, plan time to restore some order to your kitchen and hopefully make your life easier. Go through all the drawers and cabinets to get a good handle on just what you have stored away. Be on the lookout for things that may have gotten lost behind other items, items that you don’t use anymore or that you own double, and group and for ways to better store things that will make them easier for you to find or use in the future. And if you find that some extra clean up and reorganization just isn’t enough, then that leads us to our next task…

Plan Kitchen Remodels

The winter holiday season tends to be a time when the kitchen gets pushed to its max. This greater amount of use in one of the most essential rooms in the house can make it easier to see what ways it is up to par and in what ways it falls short. Instead of spending another year trying to work within the limitations of your kitchen, take the time to figure out which changes would make the most impact and start planning a remodel. Once the holiday season is over start contacting contractors to get the project put into motion so that there will be enough time to get everything finished before the 2018 holiday season comes along.