When designing your lake house’s backyard, low-maintenance landscaping strategies can help you cut down on manual labor and reduce water waste. One often overlooked tip for a stress-free backyard is incorporating hardscapes. In particular, walkways are an excellent choice. Not only do they minimize your grass maintenance workload, but they’re also beautiful. The contrast between grass and a material like brick or stone adds an element of visual interest to your lakeside curb. If you’re thinking about installing a backyard walkway into your landscape, check out these ideas for inspiration.
For anyone who prefers DIY over hiring a professional, this backyard walkway idea is for you. To make a stone walkway at your lake house, all you need is several large stones. Just arrange them over grass to form a simple yet beautiful pathway through your backyard. To create a more interesting, rustic look, pick stones of all different shapes. The DIY Network walks you through this easy process with their tutorial.
Gravel is an easy, inexpensive way to create a stunning walkway. These small stones come in all different colors and sizes so that you can customize the path to your liking. You can even add stone material alongside the path to evoke a more structured look. To ensure the gravel doesn’t wash away in bad weather, The Gardener of Good and Evil has instructions on creating a foolproof DIY gravel walkway.
At a lake house, a rustic pathway through your lakeside garden is certainly fitting. If you want to lean into the natural look, use pallet wood to create your backyard walkway. Plus, if you incorporate space between the wide wooden boards, it allows room for plants to grow. Laura from Garden Answer demonstrates a budget-friendly way to create one of these charming pathways. For this DIY project, all you need are wooden planks and some basic power tools.
A brick walkway is perfect if you prefer a more upscale, polished look. This design also allows for customization, so you can arrange these bricks however you’d like. While a herringbone pattern is classic, you could also organize these stones in many patterns, alternating between vertical and horizontal to create visual interest. As brick pathways are a bit harder to DIY, installing this yourself is possible, as demonstrated in this HGTV tutorial. Just be sure to take the time to level out the ground first.
With a backyard walkway made from mulch, you’ll immediately make your guests feel like they’re entering a botanical wonderland. DIY friendly, this material evokes a strong sense of natural beauty. It’s a perfect combination of rugged and sophisticated. Mulch is also easy to combine with other materials such as stone. The blog Pretty Handy Girl details instructions for creating mulch and stone walkway combinations.
Want to invoke the same aesthetic as the Ancient Romans? Installing a mosaic walkway is a great way to impress all your guests. It immediately gives off an elegant, stately essence. Due to its complexity, many lake homeowners would have a mosaic walkway installed by a professional. However, if you’re interested in the DIY route, follow these instructions from This Old House. By creating a mosaic pathway yourself, you can incorporate your own creative designs into the mix.
Concrete is one of the most popular choices because of its versatility. It comes in a variety of colors, so you can stick to a beige industrial look or opt for a darker gray tone for a faux-stone aesthetic. Concrete also gives off a striking impression when contrasted with grass, as its smooth surface stands out against textured greenery. If you want to use concrete for your backyard walkway, The Family Handyman has tips on how to DIY.
No matter what material you choose, we wish you the best of luck with your backyard walkway DIY project!
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned ‘green thumb,’ anyone who attempts to garden—from hostas to hydrangeas—needs to have some basic knowledge to get things growing. And as a lake homeowner, it’s essential to know a few lake-specific garden terms to ensure you get the most from your scenic waterside landscape.
We spoke with Peter Wodarz, the owner of Gardenbau Group and a landscape architect/project manager for Michael Schmechtig’s firm Sheldon Landscape in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. This full-service landscape management company and its award-winning staff have served residents throughout the beautiful lake region for more than 42 years. Here, Peter shares—and demystifies—some of his top gardening terms and tells us why these are important to lake homeowners.
An annual is a plant that lives for just one growing season. You must replant annuals every year, as they will sprout, flower, seed—and then die in the winter. “Annuals provide seasonal displays of abundant color and texture,” says Peter. “Their colorful masses—mixed in with perennial borders and shrub beds— brighten the landscape throughout the season, and annual displays in containers bring a splash of color to front entrances, porches, balconies, and piers,” he adds.
The advantage for many lake homeowners is that annual plants quickly display their color and hold it all summer long—the most common time for lake dwellers to enjoy their outdoor setting. New varieties of New Guinea impatiens and begonias are perfect for shadier areas of the garden. Marigolds and petunias are common choices for sunnier spots, and in the southern regions, they can provide three full seasons of color. Pansies, vincas, and zinnias are trusted standbys for long seasonal colors in warmer climates.
Perennials are plants that return year after year with little required care. These “forever” plants are often used to highlight the seasons as different varieties typically provide color for four to six weeks when in bloom. Woven together, they can form a tapestry of color.
“Perennials such as coneflowers, bee balm, catmint, and astilbe found in Midwest lake home regions provide easy care with long seasonal color displays,” says Peter. “They are perfect for those weekend staycation days meant for relaxing at the water’s edge and not toiling in the garden.”
Other easy-to-grow perennials include Shasta daisies, black-eyed Susan, yarrow, hardy hibiscus, aster, Siberian iris, daylilies, hostas, and moss phlox. When designing your lake home garden, be sure to plant a mix of varieties that will flower at different times of the year to ensure a continuous burst of blooms. If you’re unsure of what to plant, ask a gardening professional to recommend perennials—and annuals—that will thrive in your garden zone.
“Native plants thrive in their natural environment—the region’s climate and soil conditions—and therefore require little care and watering,” says Peter. The U.S. Forest Service defines native plants as: “All indigenous terrestrial and aquatic species that evolved and occur naturally in a particular region, ecosystem, and habitat.” Life forms include hardwood trees, conifer trees, shrubs, grasses, wildflowers, and others. Generally, native North American species are recognized as those appearing on the continent prior to European settlement.
“Native plants in the Midwestern region such as blazing star, false indigo, and blue star can attract birds and butterflies common to the area, adding movement and activity to the lake home lifestyle,” Peter adds.
These plants also create beautiful landscapes, promote biodiversity, and offer many environmental benefits, making them essential for lake home gardens. Large swaths of native plantings also provide habitat for wildlife such as foxes, rabbits, and other small mammals. For a list of native plants in your region, visit PlantNative.
Ornamental grasses bring a dynamic element to your lakeside environment. They sway gracefully with the breeze, color the landscape, and provide beautiful visual interest even in winter. There are many types and sizes of ornamental grasses that can punctuate your exterior spaces with tall plumes or large, vibrant masses low to the ground.
“One type of tall grass ideal for screening out unpleasant views is maiden grass,” says Peter. “Varieties such as ‘Purpurascens’ (flame grass) begin to flower in late summer and retain their showy plumes through winter. It begins to turn red in late summer, changing to a striking orange-red in fall,” he explains. Prairie dropseed is another outstanding ornamental grass that reaches a height of nearly two feet. Airy seed heads appear in late summer and dramatically capture the morning sunlight as it peeks over the water. It can be used in large masses or interspersed with perennials to provide contrasting foliage. To find the best options for sun and shade, visit HGTV.
Raised Beds
Photo courtesy of Hortus, Ltd./P. Allen Smith via HGTV
Raised beds are typically used to grow annual flowers and vegetable gardening. They help prevent overwatering and allow the plants to perform their best. Combined with a permaculture technique of using logs and wood chips at the bottom of the raised bed, proper soil moisture is much easier to maintain. As the logs decompose, they act as a sponge soaking up excess moisture and releasing it when the plants need it. This makes the task of daily watering unnecessary and provides peace of mind when you’re out of town or occupied with friends and family.
“Raised beds typically warm up quicker, giving lake homeowners a jump on the season,” explains Peter. “They also deter slugs and snails, making pest management easier as well,” he adds. By merely adding fresh compost and not tilling the soil every year, weeds are suppressed, freeing up time to enjoy life while still reaping a harvest of fresh vegetables and flowers. For more information, visit HGTV.
One of the most compelling elements of any lake home is the view. When properly placed, an outdoor terrace provides a setting for daily activities while capturing that all-important vista.
Lake homes are typically situated on a sloped lot, with the terrain angled towards the water. This can be used to the homeowner’s advantage to create a beautiful backyard terrace. Nestling the terrace into the hill can be done using a retaining wall of natural stone or other material, which will hold back the slope while also creating the opportunity to incorporate a seating area directed toward the water.
“Constructing the walls of locally sourced materials such as granite boulders or outcrop stone can help tie the area to its natural surroundings, making it feel at home in the landscape,” Peter explains. “You can reiterate this look in the materials chosen for your terrace surface as well. Large irregular flagstone pieces lend a casual lake house vibe, while patterned stone such as bluestone creates a more formal aesthetic,” he notes.
Nothing says relax more than a pair of Adirondack or lounge chairs looking out over the water. Having some moveable seating allows you to capture that perfect sun and water angle throughout the day, and incorporating a fire pit into your terrace extends the entertainment possibilities into the night. Bringing the elements of fire and water together make for a great gathering spot for friends and family. For more techniques on terracing, talk to a landscape professional.
Many shoreline properties are sloped towards the lake and require thoughtful solutions to avoid erosion. Plants play an essential role in stabilizing the sloped areas by setting down deep roots. These plants work together to hold soil in place.
“Plants such as Siberian Iris, fox sedge, and Joe Pye weed are valuable plants used to prevent soil erosion and add color to the landscape,” says Peter. “The Iris variety Caesar’s Brother blooms from late spring to early summer and has graceful grass-like foliage. Fox sedge is very adaptable and has a spray of bronze seed heads in late summer, creating a beautiful display,” he adds.
For more information, visit Solitude Lake Management, or contact your lake management professional to help determine the best plant species for your area.
Ready to start a gardening project at your lake home? Get growing, enjoy, and share your results with us!
As lake lovers, we thoroughly embrace outdoor living and the scenic natural beauty that surrounds us. So much it seems, we’ve taken all the creature comforts we enjoy inside and seamlessly transitioned them to the great outdoors—including our kitchens!
The pandemic has made us realize that this essential outdoor space provides a luxurious retreat and creates a blissful stay-cation environment anytime we want it. So, what’s trending now in outdoor kitchens? We went to the experts to get their 2021 A-list.
“Several years ago, it was more common to see small set-ups, simple grill islands, modest wet bars, and other similar designs,” says interior designer Whitney L. Paden, sales director for Werever Outdoor Cabinetry in Riverview, FL. “Now our customers are not only including a grill, sink, and refrigerator, but want additional side burners, power burners for large boils and wok cooking, pizza ovens, cocktail centers, and more. We see the outdoor kitchen become an entertaining oasis—and really, a destination,” she sums.
“The outdoor kitchen/living space has become paramount to experiencing a healthy lifestyle in the days since COVID-19,” says interior designer Cristie Schlosser, RID, ASID, owner of Schlosser Design Group, LLC in Dallas, TX. Cristie is also president of the North Texas Plains Chapter of the National Kitchen & Bath Association, the world’s leading trade association for the kitchen and bath industry. “Those who did not have an outdoor kitchen—just a grill—ramped up their desire to spend more time living outdoors.
As a result, we’re now designing outdoor kitchens with deep sinks for prep and cleaning, frost-free outdoor-rated faucets, built-in grills with proper ventilation, and exhaust hoods to draw the smoke away, especially when the grill is close to the entry of your home.
Using stainless steel is also critical when planning for longevity,” she notes. High-performing wine coolers, stainless-steel sinks, and built-in two-sided grills top the wish list for 2021.
Since lake homeowners are spending more time than ever before in their outdoor spaces, more storage is an absolute necessity—the bigger, the better. Ample outdoor storage also prevents us from having to run in and out of the house numerous times. Whitney recommends weather-resistant kitchen cabinets that are made of marine-grade high-density polyethylene (HDPE). “Our cabinetry specifically has become quite popular as a fully functioning storage and utility solution in the outdoor environment, providing pull-out trash cans, drawer storage for utensils and other kitchen goods, and cabinet space for smaller appliances and cookware,” she says. Added storage for pull-out smokers is also becoming a popular request.
“Surface options for outdoor spaces have improved greatly,” comments Cristie. “I love using sintered materials for countertops and backsplashes. These easy-to-clean, highly compact porcelain and quartz slabs are thinner and lighter weight with gorgeous stonelike patterns—Neolith and Dekton are two brands we specify,” she notes. This high-tech process of sintering involves an accelerated version of the change that natural stone undergoes when subjected to high temperatures and pressure over thousands of years. “I think the use of sintered materials is going to the biggest and most long-lasting trend,” she says. “You can build an outdoor kitchen that looks luxurious—like it was meant to be indoors—through the use of these strong heat, frost, and stain-resistant panels.”
In addition, there are now outdoor-rated options for quartz and granite—not all types can be used outside due to the resin content applied in the manufacturing process that yellows over time. Cristie advises homeowners to be aware that using materials unauthorized for outdoor use may also void any warranties. For more information on outdoor kitchen countertop options, visit HGTV.
Our deepened desire to connect with the outdoors has prompted earth tones to emerge once again. Experts at Werever Outdoor Cabinets report that “shades of ocean blue, terracotta, beige, brown, and emerald green embody this color palette,” and influential brands like Benjamin Moore have named the soothing hue Aegean Teal as the Color of the Year for 2021.
“When it comes to color, we see a strong interest in gray as well, whether lighter or darker in value,” says Whitney. “We also introduced sapphire blue to our collection for spring 2021, and this is quickly becoming a favorite. Rich dark brown espresso still remains our most popular color year after year and throughout the entire country,” she notes. “Navy blue kitchens are trendy in lake and coastal areas and can provide a beautiful deep-toned yet eye-popping aesthetic.”
Whitney reports that the other end of the earth tone spectrum is also popular, with warmer hues and woodgrain finishes making a comeback. Undoubtedly, earthy shades align with our recent quest for all things organic. The overall look emanates a refreshing outdoorsy vibe, something that lake homeowners—and people everywhere—celebrate wholeheartedly after a year spent on lockdown.
As the world reopens and we begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel, it’s exciting to realize the long-term benefits of an outdoor kitchen. Aside from increasing the value of our lake homes, they now have become an essential component of our “new normal.” With a heightened consciousness of indoor dining risks, we’re all likely to continue outdoor get-togethers regularly and long into the future. With that in mind, Cristie offers these common-sense tips:
Build a kitchen that fits the style of your home and doesn’t look like an afterthought.
Keep in mind the sun’s direction when most of the cooking will occur, and strategize where to provide the appropriate type of shade.
Prepare for cooking outdoors year-round—rain, snow, or sleet.
Make sure your space can handle the outdoors’ wear and tear and meet your cooking needs—and always buy the best quality grill you can afford.
So head outside and get cooking! When the time comes for all of us to gather once again, our outdoor kitchens will be there, offering a relaxing oasis where good times always happen.
Whether you’re enjoying lunch on the patio or relaxing on your boat dock, outdoor umbrellas provide the necessary protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays. In addition to wearing sunscreen, an umbrella adds an extra layer of UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) to keep you safe. This summer, patio umbrellas are an absolute must-have item on the lake. Check out some of the newest patio umbrellas on the market that will give you the summer shade you need!
This patio umbrella was ranked the “best overall” by The Spruce’s list of the best umbrellas for 2021. Perhaps its most outstanding feature is the push-button tilt that allows the umbrella to sit at an angle so that you can position your shade directly in front of the sun. The water-resistant and UV-resistant fabric will keep you free from burns while you enjoy the afternoon. Durable and easy to use, this patio umbrella is made to last for many years at your lake house.
Specifically built to withstand winds, the Market Umbrella from EliteShade is designed with three tiers of ventilation. These vents allow both hot or cold air to filter through without knocking over your umbrella. Plus, the crank open pole makes this product much stronger than others on the market, offering even more protection from toppling over. For those of us in particularly windy lake areas, this umbrella is a dream! It also comes in a variety of colors, from Macaw Green to Royal Blue, that will stand out in your backyard.
If your outdoor space is on the smaller side, this 9’ patio umbrella from SunnyGlade might be perfect for your lake house. Made from 100% waterproof polyester with a sturdy aluminum pole, this product is made to last. Its size is perfect for a table with four to six chairs, making it ideal for small gatherings with family or friends. Although this product comes in various colors, the navy and white stripes evoke a particularly stunning nautical design vibe.
We all love lounging under an umbrella on hot summer days. But what about when those days start turning into nights? There’s a crucial window of time somewhere between 6 pm and 8 pm where you need both shade and light. Enter the solar LED umbrella. In addition to highly durable fabric, this patio umbrella also boasts 24 built-in solar-powered lights that last for 6-7 hours at a time. This umbrella will bring a newfound ambiance to summer nights.
Who said that all umbrellas needed to be round? This rectangular market umbrella from North Bend is essentially two umbrellas in one, providing maximum canopy shade. The rectangular shape makes it perfect for a double set of lounge chairs or a balcony. With water-resistant, anti-UV fabric, this product protects you from both rain and sun. What more could you need for life on the lake?
One of the key ingredients for a quintessential summer night at the lake is outdoor lighting. With the right lights, the barbeque party doesn’t have to end after the sunsets. You can keep enjoying the outdoors, as well as the company of friends and family.
Previously on the Lake Homes Blog, we’ve covered a popular outdoor lighting choice — fire pits and various kits that make the setup easier. However, a fire pit isn’t the only option for lighting up the night in your backyard. There’s no shortage of creative ways to illuminate your landscape, from practical ideas like floodlights to more decorative options like lanterns. Today, we’ll be covering a non-exhaustive list of possibilities for inspiration.
Made to illuminate a stairway, entryway, or garage door, floodlights are perhaps the most functional of these outdoor lighting options. Designed to discourage intruders, floodlights emit a strong spotlight on a specific area of the home. Since they’re usually fixed to the home’s exterior, they are less useful in providing direct light to your backyard. However, these lights will help you and your guests easily navigate back to the house. Check out the best types of floodlights to include at your lake house.
As lake homeowners, we know curb appeal has two sides — the front yard and the lakefront. Path lights are perfect for installing along the walkway from your driveway to your home or on the pathway from your back door to your boat dock. Soft and moderately light, this form of outdoor lighting helps with both navigation and aesthetics.
Two primary options for path lights include solar or low-voltage wired lighting. If you have an outdoor outlet (also known as a CFGI outlet), you can run low voltage wired lights. Compared to solar outlets, these offer extra features like photo sensors and clock timers. They also may last longer because they don’t depend on the battery charge from a solar panel.
String Lights
String lights always give off a calming ambiance. The low voltage light and soft glow add perfect accent lighting for your yard that isn’t too harsh. These twinkling lights would look particularly stunning in a smaller enclave of your backyard, such as a gazebo or boat dock, especially on a top deck. The closer you get to the lake, the more critical it is to ensure that you’re choosing waterproof string lights.
Another way to protect these lights from water is to look for battery-powered or solar-powered lights. This way, you’re not reliant on electric plugs, which may be in danger on a rainy day. Lake Living Guide’s blog offers some insight on different types of outdoor string lights to choose from.
Another soft outdoor lighting option, lanterns are typically installed closer to the home to shed light on a front or back door. Usually made of glass and metal brushed with a metallic or black finish, lanterns evoke a classic and traditional look. However, lanterns also come in various styles, such as these rattan lanterns that showcase a more bohemian feel. You can also opt for the DIY paper lanterns route, following instructions like these from A Practical Wedding.
Embedded within the wood of an outdoor deck, these lights give off a medium to high-intensity glow. Usually installed on the stairs, they’re designed to help people navigate steps at night to avoid falling. Aside from their safety features, deck lighting also illuminates your nearby garden — functioning both for beauty and practical support. We hope these outdoor lighting ideas help you enjoy the summer at your lake house!
After a long winter, there’s nothing more blissful than springtime at the lake. This is the season for planting, getting back outside, and bringing nature’s vibrant life into our lake homes and outdoor spaces. The perfect way to do this, especially in a lakeside setting, is with container gardening.
We’re undoubtedly happier and more relaxed when surrounded by the natural beauty that comes with lake living, but not everyone has ample space for in-ground gardening. No worries. You can still enjoy the beauty without all the fuss by setting up container gardens on your deck, porch, patio, or entryway.
Even if you don’t have much outdoor space, using containers and planters can bring joyful color and fragrant greens to any area on your property. To help you get started, we spoke to two gardening experts for some inspiring tips.
“Container gardening can lend an incredibly decorative accent to your lake home,” says Melanie Evans, a master gardener and a gardening consultant for Factory Direct Hose based in Middleton, Idaho. Melanie has assisted clients with their gardening and product needs for more than 15 years in all climates, including some of the top golf courses in the country as well as the U.S. Embassy in Russia.
“The variety of containers available allow you to design your small-scale garden in a way that fits your needs and complements your lake home’s unique aesthetic,” she adds. Melanie also notes that indoor container gardens can be a great asset to your lake house’s interior design. The options and combinations are endless, from hanging baskets and window boxes to a cluster of matching pots or large single decorative containers.
“Many lake homeowners are seasonal residents, making the upkeep of a small garden plot difficult,” she explains. “Container gardens are the perfect solution for those wanting to reap the benefits of a seasonal garden without having the space get overgrown with weeds when you leave for the winter. If worse comes to worst, and the plants die, the cleanup is easy and as simple as dumping out the container,” she sums.
Growing your plants— and vegetables—in containers also allows for portability. Seasonal lake house residents have the option of taking their favorite year-round plants with them when they leave.
“On a large lakefront landscape with lots of sun, it’s best to plant one species per pot,” says Jason VanderMey, managing partner of West Coast Gardens in Surrey, British Columbia. “This will give the plants space and allow for more design flexibility with the best color contrast—plus, it will look more natural in lakeside areas,” he adds. If you plant multiple species together, carefully consider color, height, and bloom times. Make sure they have similar growing conditions, and your container is large enough to accommodate them.
Are you looking to WOW your friends and neighbors? Jason suggests planting lots of radiant flowers—like petunias. They smell wonderful, the colors are beautiful, and they’re easy to maintain. These flowering plants grow quickly and fill in densely, creating vibrant, eye-catching focal points. Plant them in decorative containers, hanging baskets, or window boxes for instant beauty anywhere at your lake home. They love full sun and grow well in most well-drained soils. “When you water your flowers, be sure to feed them with a water-soluble fertilizer like SUPER-BLOOM-15-30-15.
If you want to bring bright pops of color to your front porch, patio, or dock, there are lots of flower options. Pansies, violas, hydrangeas, calibrachoas, geraniums, marigolds, and chrysanthemums all thrive in pots.
Vegetables that are ideally suited for growing in containers include tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers (sweet and chili), peas, carrots, eggplant, green onions, leafy greens, potatoes, beans, squash, and radishes. Avoid planting pumpkins, corn, and melons, which require more space to thrive. For container veggies, remember this: the bigger the pot, the better. For tips on growing and choosing the proper container for your vegetables, talk to your local gardening specialist or visit this helpful post on Houzz.
If you enjoy cooking, herbs are the perfect thing to plant in your container garden. Herbs that thrive in containers include chives, basil, dill, cilantro, garlic, fennel, lemon balm, sage, mint, marjoram, parsley, rosemary, and thyme. “When it comes to planting herbs, keep in mind that many thrive in Mediterranean-like climates—meaning, they need plenty of sunlight and moderate temperatures,” says Melanie. Herbs can thrive in both indoor and outdoor settings if these criteria are met.
“Try having one close to the kitchen,” says Jason. “That way, you’ll always have fresh herbs on hand. I love it when I’m cooking and can reach out the window for fresh basil.”
If your containers are basking in high temperatures and bright sun, succulents and cacti are heat tolerant and incredibly easy to grow. They lend a beautiful texture accent to almost any landscape or indoor area. Make sure your containers provide proper drainage and aren’t too large. The soil will take longer to dry out in oversized containers.
Click here for more expert tips and ideas on how you can create a lush look with container gardens for your lakeside setting.
Before you get going on your container garden, here are Melanie’s simple basics that will steer you in the right direction:
Make sure to consider the shape and size of the plant’s root system before selecting a container. Keep in mind that the smaller the container, the more likely the plant will dry out. Large and deep containers are less prone to drying out and allow plants to deepen their roots.
Water your container garden thoroughly and fertilize it every week or two. With succulents and cactus, the soil should be almost dry before you water again. Regardless of the size of your container, you must make sure it drains well. If your container has no drainage holes, water will get backed up in your plant and cause disease.
If you’re in doubt, a local nursery professional can help you select the perfect plant and the ideal container.
Want to create a luxuriant lake landscape of your own using containers? We’d love to hear your story and see your results.
During the pandemic, outdoor kitchens have become increasingly popular additions to lake houses. To start with, lake houses themselves are becoming a better investment. Their remote location, larger spaces, and natural surroundings make them an ideal place for social distancing. When hosting guests at your lake house, outdoor dining is a safer alternative than indoor dining. As such, outdoor kitchens are a perfect solution. You can socialize with guests while cooking, and guests can grab their own food and drink without entering the house. Not to mention the closer proximity to an incredible lake view. With the rise of outdoor kitchens in mind, we’re taking a look at 2021’s newest trends for outdoor kitchen designs.
One surveyhas deemed 2020 as the “Year of the Comfort Food Comeback.” So, it’s no wonder that people are making and ordering pizza, among other favorite comfort foods. In keeping with this, Heloise Blause, kitchen blogger at Home Kitchen Land and private chef, mentions that outdoor pizza ovens are becoming a popular trend among her clients. She notes, “Outdoor ovens make such a great focal point for a backyard kitchen, and some of the newer models that are coming out are truly amazing.” She adds that a high-end gas-powered oven cooks almost just as well as a traditional wood-burning pizza oven. Once lockdowns eventually lift this summer, homemade pizza will be a great addition to backyard parties.
When the outdoor kitchen trend first rose in the late 2000s, outdoor kitchens were designed to be as compact as possible. Today, the trend is to make these spaces larger with a more open concept to integrate cooking and dining areas into the entire outdoor kitchen space. For example, L-shaped kitchens create more countertop space. They also allow your guests to be able to sit on counter stools while you’re cooking.
A good countertop can make or break your outdoor kitchen designs. James Upton from DIY Tile Guy says that the biggest trend he’s seen in outdoor kitchen designs is tile panels used for kitchen countertops. He notes, “These thin panel sheets are denser and more stain-resistant than granite or quartz. Plus, they are UV-light resistant, making them a great choice for outdoors.”
Aside from tile, natural countertops have also been a popular choice. Dan Bailey, president of WikiLawn Los Angeles Lawn Care, mentions that materials such as reclaimed wood, granite, slate, and other natural materials are popular as countertops. Instead of brushed metal looks favored for interior designs, the natural look blends with the outdoors. Their durability allows them to hold up in various climate conditions, although they are trickier to maintain. Bailey advises that you’ll need proper sealants for any wood (such as water or oil-based lacquer). Additionally, your outdoor space should be covered to protect your kitchen from the elements. The overall look aligns with a trend we’ve seen over the past few years of intentionally incorporating nature into designs.
Similar to designing weather-resistant tile panels, covered patios are now a new trend for 2021. Since we’re all spending more time outside, our outdoor kitchen patios need to be fit for all weather conditions. Open-air patio structures allow protection from the sun, rain, and other elements while enjoying outdoor dining. It also benefits your outdoor refrigerator, protecting it from the summer heat. Since outdoor refrigerators use up more energy when exposed to sunlight, a covered patio will keep electricity bills from skyrocketing.
Fire pits have been trending at lake homes for quite some time. However, the newest element of this feature is its multifunctionality. Bailey says that one recent trend is utilizing fire pits not only as a “central feature for entertaining but also for cooking.” He mentions this might be a “flash in the pan trend” since fire pits are more difficult for amateur cooks to work with. However, if this is something you can utilize, it’s perfect as a dual source of comforting warmth and heat for cooking.
What home-cooked meals have you made in your outdoor kitchen this year?
If you spent the better part of this year debating whether to replace your furniture, you’re not alone. According to The Washington Post, more people than ever are shopping online for furniture during the pandemic. Plus, since we’re spending more time outdoors than indoors due to social distancing, outdoor furniture has gotten more of our attention. After all, who wants to sit on pollen infested cushions and a plastic chair that’s on its last leg? To fully enjoy your lake views, it’s time for an upgrade. With the start of the new year, we’re here with updates on the top 2021 outdoor furniture design trends from leading experts in the field.
On a broad level, one trend is versatile furniture. In other words, people are attracted to furniture that works both indoors and outdoors. One of these features is nautical styles. Traditionally, nautical elements are a part of interior design, but luckily for lake homeowners, the nautical look works outdoors too. Alice Benjamin, principal and owner of Alice Benjamin Interiors, expects “lots of caning” trending in the new year. In the same vein, design experts also see lamps, rugs, and even bars being transferred to outdoor spaces. “It’s truly becoming an extension of the inside,” Alice adds.
Who hasn’t enjoyed a front porch nap or two (or several) to get through 2020? Perhaps due to our collective embrace of naps this year, swinging beds are a trending feature of outdoor furniture designs. Harold K. Hardesty, blogger/co-founder at The House Wire, says, “outdoor daybeds are not a new concept, but they’ve certainly grown more popular over the past few years… they come in a million different styles and sizes, but I’m partial to the canopied ones I’ve been seeing all online lately.” Whatever your style, this trend is certainly not one to snooze on.
Some trends never go out of style. According to Harold, wicker furniture is still very popular due to its timeless, woven look. However, he notes, “today’s wicker furniture looks different than ten or twenty years ago… we’re seeing more oversized chairs that look more like living room recliners than outdoor furniture.” Although for us living the lake lifestyle, reclining chairs are an unbeatable, comfortable way to enjoy a view of the lake from your outdoor patio. As such, it’s worth checking out some reclining wicker chairs, such as this one by Hanover.
Instead of seeing bright pops of color, outdoor furniture design experts notice that more monochromatic looks are trending. Nisha Varma, interior designer and founder of NV Luxe Interiors, advises incorporating Sunbrella all-weather fabrics in monotone colors that mimic the colors of nature. For example, monotone blues resemble the sky or ocean, yellows reflect the sun or flowers, and greens denote grass and trees. “This is all about bringing nature closer to you through outdoor furniture design,” she says. Another way of incorporating elements from nature into designs is by adding scents. For example, a gardenia plant or scented candle will complete the mood.
We hope these tips help you take your outdoor furniture designs to the next level in 2021!
Photo courtesy of @photomasha_symchych via Twenty20.
During the holidays, we often write on the Lake Homes Realty blog about hosting. From hosting a game day event during football season to inviting guests for Thanksgiving, we’ve got you covered.
Our interest in hosting is because we understand the importance of sharing your lake house with friends and family. With stunning views of nature, more outdoor space, and generally cozy vibes, it’s a perfect venue for hosting.
Unfortunately, during the pandemic, we can’t celebrate the holidays in the same way. The CDC is recommending small gatherings, wearing masks, and minimizing travel. So, we have to get creative. This holiday season, try some of these social distancing friendly alternatives at your lake house!
Since the pandemic began, loneliness has been on the rise. Since indoor dinner parties with out-of-town guests are no longer an option, we’re feeling the lack of connection more acutely this holiday season.
However, thanks to technology, Zoom dinner parties are “a next-best” alternative. You can send a video chat invitation to multiple guests for Thanksgiving, and everyone can join from their dinner tables. You can even do activities like “show and tell,” where each guest gets a chance to show off their cooking skills for the evening.
If your guests do not all know each other, utilize Zoom’s “breakout rooms” feature to enable your guests’ side conversations.
According to experts, spending time with others outdoors (and with a mask) presents a lower risk for catching and transmitting COVID than indoor gatherings. Outdoor events are where lake houses have an advantage.
There’s usually plenty of outdoor space to celebrate the holidays at the lake! Utilize the backyard of your lake home to create a venue for a socially distant gathering. If it’s chilly outside, center several chairs six feet apart around a heater or fire pit. You can encourage guests to bring blankets to stay warm!
If you host an in-person gathering, it’s an excellent opportunity to decorate your backyard. String lights, tablecloths, and a bar cart can evoke a welcoming atmosphere for your guests. You can even set up a speaker outside for some background music!
Of course, Secret Santa is not the same virtually. There’s no pool of wrapped gifts in the center of the floor, and countless thank-you hugs as gifts are exchanged among friends and family.
Just because we’re far apart doesn’t mean the celebration has to end. It’s still possible to host a gift exchange online! Just be sure to plan ahead of time. Using a website like Sneaky Santa or Elfster, enter each participant’s name into the drawing. Once each person has been assigned a Secret Santa, allow plenty of time for mailed gifts.
After everyone’s mail has been received, host a Zoom event for each member to reveal their gifts and guess their Secret Santa. To make the event more celebratory, ask your guests to wear their favorite holiday sweater!
Although Halloween has already come and gone, you can still host a fun costume party for another upcoming holiday like New Years Eve. Whether it’s a costume party (and contest) or another fun theme that you choose, everyone can show off their fun outfits. Consider hosting it over Zoom or another video chatting platform for New Year’s Eve. This could be the year to begin some new traditions.
At Lake Homes Realty, we understand how tough it is to navigate hosting at your lake house during the pandemic. However, we hope these tips help you to stay as connected to your loved ones as possible during the holiday season!
