Posted by Sara Bagwell | Feb 27, 2022 | Design & Remodel
Outdoor spaces continue to be a trend at home.
Outdoor living spaces have been a popular design and renovation trend for the past several years and they’re here to stay. With most people still spending more time at home and better material options, outdoor living spaces are more popular than ever.
Decks and patios, specifically, have long been a popular home feature. If you have an outdoor patio or deck, now could be a great time to consider an update. Either updating, redesigning, or enclosing these spaces into a sunroom or patio can allow for more entertaining space. One of the top requests I hear as a designer, is to create an outdoor living space that flows seamlessly from the interior. Many people are looking to finish their outdoor space to be an extension of their home. This can be created with decks, screened porches, patios, or sunrooms, depending on the layout of your home.
Sunrooms and screened porches offer more protection from the elements – heat, rain, bugs, etc. – and can be used no matter the weather. One element that helps make these areas useable all year is a heat element or feature.
If you look on home improvement websites, you’ll see an abundance of outdoor fireplace or fire pit pictures. There are so many interesting options and designs to bring these elements into your space and make them your own. If you already have a patio, covered porch or sunroom, adding a fireplace is not difficult at all.
First, decide where you want the structure, making sure not to block any great views or disrupt natural walkways. Depending on your personal style and style of your home, a stone or brick fireplace could add just the rustic or modern touch your space needs. If you have an enclosed space like a sunroom, you have the option to go with gas; but with a patio or open-air deck, you’re best to go with wood-burning so you don’t have to keep re-igniting.
If you don’t want to commit to a full fireplace, fire pits or fire tables are still trending, as well. When you search fire pit ideas online, you’ll see everything from a primitive hole in the ground lined with stone and gravel surrounded by chairs to an elaborate recessed stone pit with built-in patio and seating around. Fire pits are a great place for gathering, hanging out on cool evenings or during fall and early winter months here in Georgia. Who doesn’t love toasted marshmallows or s’mores in the fall? If you’re thinking about re-doing an existing patio or building new, consider adding a fire element into the design for some added warmth and coziness.
Outdoor kitchens and grilling areas also remain a popular renovation request. On one hand, they provide everything needed for grilling in one convenient place and in easy reach, rather than having to make several trips in and out of the house. And on the other hand, they provide additional entertaining areas, so the grill master doesn’t have to be isolated from the party or guests. A covered outdoor bar or kitchen is a great addition to nearly any backyard. There are lots of material options out there for this type of space as well; you can either build the kitchen or bar out of brick or stone or there are lines of cabinetry specifically made for outdoors. When you’re selecting materials like countertops, natural granite, stainless steel, or newer porcelain options all work outside. For flooring, consider materials with a matte or honed finish and some texture to avoid slips. Porcelain tile, travertine, stone or brick pavers or concrete all work well.
If you are on a tight budget, don’t worry, there are still options to transform an existing patio or deck. First, consider refinishing with a fresh coat of stain for a wooden deck or concrete epoxy for a patio. This will bring new life and color to your space. If you have a wooden deck, just be sure to replace any rotten boards or screw down any loose boards to make sure the structure is beautiful and safe. If you have an open patio but want to add some shade to be able to use the space all summer, consider adding a trellis with some creeping plants or a pergola. DIY pergola kits or plans can easily be found online.
When it comes to outdoor living and entertaining, the options are endless. Plan out the space to fit your needs and lifestyle and you’ll have added space to your home that you’ll be able to enjoy for years to come.
Photo: courtesy Tracy Tesmer Design/Remodeling.
Sara Bagwell has been involved in home design and remodeling since 2004 and is a designer for Tracy Tesmer Design/Remodeling in Gainesville.
20aug8:00 am 1:00 pm Farmer's Market - Dahlonega - Summer 2022
Farmer’s Market, Dahlonega Date(s): Saturdays through October Time: 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Location: Hancock Park, corner of N. Park and Warwick streets For more info: (706) 482-2707, Dahlonega.org,
Date(s): Saturdays through October
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: Hancock Park, corner of N. Park and Warwick streets
For more info: (706) 482-2707, Dahlonega.org, Farmer’s Market Event Info, FaceBook Page
20aug10:00 am 3:00 pm Bays Bridge Hayride - Helen - Aug 2022
Bays Bridge Hayride, Helen Guided hayride. Dates: 3rd Saturdays each month through October Times: continuously 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Location: Smithgall Woods State Park, 61 Tsalaki Trl. Cost: $5 cash
Dates: 3rd Saturdays each month through October
Times: continuously 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Location: Smithgall Woods State Park, 61 Tsalaki Trl.
Cost: $5 cash at door, $5 parking.
For more info: www.gastateparks.org, Event Link 706-878-3087
61 Tsalaki Trail Helen, GA 30545 White County
23aug2:30 pm 6:30 pm Original Hall County Farmers Market - Summer (Tues) 2022
Original Hall County Farmers Market – Summer 2022, Gainesville Beginning Tuesday, May 10, 2022, fresh fruits, vegetables and more. Date(s): Tuesday, May 10 through September Time(s): Tuesdays 2:30 – 6:30, Saturdays, 8 am
Beginning Tuesday, May 10, 2022, fresh fruits, vegetables and more.
Date(s): Tuesday, May 10 through September
Time(s): Tuesdays 2:30 – 6:30, Saturdays, 8 am to noon
Location: 734 E. Crescent Dr., Gainesville, GA. 30501
For more info: HallCountyFarmersMarket.org
734 E. Crescent Dr., Gainesville, GA
23aug6:00 pm Lanier Running Club - Group Run - Aug 2022
Lanier Running Club – Group Run, Gainesville Run with Lanier Running Club, starters to elites. The schedule is updated monthly. Date: Every Tuesday in August Time: 6:00 pm Location: Liquid Nation Brewing, 2100 Atlanta
Run with Lanier Running Club, starters to elites. The schedule is updated monthly.
Date: Every Tuesday in August
Location: Liquid Nation Brewing, 2100 Atlanta Hwy. (Formerly Left Nut Brewing Company)
For more info: LanierRunningClub.org
25aug3:30 am 6:30 am Flowery Branch Farmers Market - Summer/Fall 2022
Flowery Branch Farmers Market – Summer/Fall 2022 Beginning Thursday, May 12, 2022, summer hours begin. Date(s): weekly, every Thursday, through October Time: 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm Location: Downtown Flowery Branch, 5410 W Pine Street, Flowery
Beginning Thursday, May 12, 2022, summer hours begin.
Date(s): weekly, every Thursday, through October
Location: Downtown Flowery Branch, 5410 W Pine Street, Flowery Branch, GA 30542
For more info: FloweryBranchFarmersMarket.com
5410 W. Pine Street, Flowery Branch, GA 30542
26aug2:00 pm 6:00 pm Farmers Market - Gainesville Square - Summer/Fall 2022
Gainesville Farmers Market Local fruits, vegetables, crafts, food, music. Date(s): Every Friday through October 7th Time: 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. Location: Historic Downtown Gainesville Square Cost: Free For more information: ExploreGainesville.org
Local fruits, vegetables, crafts, food, music.
Date(s): Every Friday through October 7th
Location: Historic Downtown Gainesville Square
For more information: ExploreGainesville.org
(Friday) 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm EDT
Spring Street and Main Street, Gainesville, GA 30501
september 2, 2022 2:00 pm - september 2, 2022 6:00 pm september 9, 2022 2:00 pm - september 9, 2022 6:00 pm september 16, 2022 2:00 pm - september 16, 2022 6:00 pm september 23, 2022 2:00 pm - september 23, 2022 6:00 pm september 30, 2022 2:00 pm - september 30, 2022 6:00 pm october 7, 2022 2:00 pm - october 7, 2022 6:00 pm
Hall Farmers sthomas625@icloud.com
27aug8:00 am 12:00 pm Original Hall County Farmers Market - Summer (Sat) 2022
Original Hall County Farmers Market – Summer 2022, Gainesville Beginning Tuesday, May 10, 2022, fresh fruits, vegetables and more. Date(s): Tuesday, May 10 through September Time(s): Tuesdays 2:30 – 6:30, Saturdays, 8 am
Beginning Tuesday, May 10, 2022, fresh fruits, vegetables and more.
Date(s): Tuesday, May 10 through September
Time(s): Tuesdays 2:30 – 6:30, Saturdays, 8 am to noon
Location: 734 E. Crescent Dr., Gainesville, GA. 30501
For more info: HallCountyFarmersMarket.org
734 E. Crescent Dr., Gainesville, GA
27aug8:00 am 1:00 pm Farmer's Market - Dahlonega - Summer 2022
Farmer’s Market, Dahlonega Date(s): Saturdays through October Time: 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Location: Hancock Park, corner of N. Park and Warwick streets For more info: (706) 482-2707, Dahlonega.org,
Date(s): Saturdays through October
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: Hancock Park, corner of N. Park and Warwick streets
For more info: (706) 482-2707, Dahlonega.org, Farmer’s Market Event Info, FaceBook Page
27aug8:00 pm The Arts Council's Summer MusicFest Concert Series - 2022
The Arts Council Inc. – Summer MusicFest Series, Gainesville Join The Arts Council for five “Concerts Under the Stars” at the Gladys Wyant Performing Arts Pavilion – Smithgall Arts Center. Bring
Join The Arts Council for five “Concerts Under the Stars” at the Gladys Wyant Performing Arts Pavilion – Smithgall Arts Center. Bring a picnic, your favorite beverages, chairs and blankets and enjoy the music!
Saturday, June 18 – Mike Farris and the Fortunate Few
Sunday, July 3 – Northwinds Symphonic Band Patriotic Pops Concert
Saturday, August 27 – Back in Time band
Time: 8:00 – 10:30 p.m. (gates open at 7 pm)
Location: The Arts Council Smithgall Arts Center, 331 Spring Street, SW, Gainesville
Cost: Call 770-534-2787 or visit website for tickets.
For more information: The Arts Council
The Arts Council Smithgall Arts Center
331 Spring St SW, Gainesville, GA 30501
30aug2:30 pm 6:30 pm Original Hall County Farmers Market - Summer (Tues) 2022
Original Hall County Farmers Market – Summer 2022, Gainesville Beginning Tuesday, May 10, 2022, fresh fruits, vegetables and more. Date(s): Tuesday, May 10 through September Time(s): Tuesdays 2:30 – 6:30, Saturdays, 8 am
Beginning Tuesday, May 10, 2022, fresh fruits, vegetables and more.
Date(s): Tuesday, May 10 through September
Time(s): Tuesdays 2:30 – 6:30, Saturdays, 8 am to noon
Location: 734 E. Crescent Dr., Gainesville, GA. 30501
For more info: HallCountyFarmersMarket.org
734 E. Crescent Dr., Gainesville, GA
30aug6:00 pm Lanier Running Club - Group Run - Aug 2022
Lanier Running Club – Group Run, Gainesville Run with Lanier Running Club, starters to elites. The schedule is updated monthly. Date: Every Tuesday in August Time: 6:00 pm Location: Liquid Nation Brewing, 2100 Atlanta
Run with Lanier Running Club, starters to elites. The schedule is updated monthly.
Date: Every Tuesday in August
Location: Liquid Nation Brewing, 2100 Atlanta Hwy. (Formerly Left Nut Brewing Company)
For more info: LanierRunningClub.org
We’re dishing out upcoming events and specials across Lanier for the weekend of August 19-21, 2022. Highlights include the water park, music and cruises at Margaritaville/Lanier Islands; the Splash Pad at Laurel Park; an In Search of Brown’s Bridge Sail with Windsong Sailing; and live music at Fish Tales, Pig Tales, Pelican Pete’s, Skogies and Twisted Oar. #everythinglakelanier, #foodtruckfridayllop, #GainesvilleGA, #lakelanier, #lakelanierolympicpark, #lakelanierassociation Click on link to view Scoop: conta.cc/3c45xEN ... See More See Less
Lakeside's Scoop, August 19-21, 2022
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