Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Create an Ideal Outdoor Living Space for Your Evanston Home


This is a great time of year in Evanston as we anticipate the warm weather months ahead.  Those living in Evanston find themselves seeking the outdoors whether venturing along biking or walking paths, swimming in Lake Michigan, frequenting downtown restaurants with outdoor seating in Evanston or meandering through a park.  But what if you wanted to enjoy the long awaited summer in your own backyard?
Creating an outdoor living space will not only bring value to your Evanston home, but will be a great way to gather with family and friends while visually extending the square footage of your home.  If you already have an outdoor living space; it may be a good idea to give the area a facelift with new furniture or a new feature!  
Of course, not everyone has the resources to create a dream outdoor living space with an outdoor kitchen, fireplace or water feature, but using the budget you have an trying to incorporate the following three elements will ensure you create a space you’ll enjoy all season long!
1. Fire- According to a recent national survey, landscape designer Michael Glassman, noted that the #1 request for an outdoor space is a kitchen. While designing and installing an entire outdoor kitchen can be very costly, there are other ways to get this same feel. Make an outdoor fire-pit, purchase a potbelly stove, or just use your charcoal grill. On cooler evenings in Evanston, roast marshmallows or cozy up by candlelight and a hot cup of tea. No matter your budget or size of your outdoor space, you’ll be able to find a way to creatively incorporate fire!

2. Water- The sound of trickling water always seems to have a calming effect. If you’re not ready to invest in a backyard stream or pond; there are other options for creating the serene water effect. A simple tabletop fountain or a pond or stream beside your patio or deck will bring the essence of tranquility and quiet to your outdoor living area. Just be sure to utilize the water you want in your space and keep out the water you don’t!  A rainy day can put a damper on your outdoor activities, but having an awning or gazebo with naturally growing vines can offer the protection you need from a passing shower.

3. Earth- Since this is an outdoor room, be sure to include as many earth tones and natural objects as possible in your design. You want to maintain that outdoor feel instead of simply mimicking an interior space. Use things like rocks, branches,wooden objects or natural furniture to add interest. Of course the changing seasons will be the backdrop of your outdoor room, so be sure to play off the colors and vibrancy of the Evanston season.
We hope this inspires you to take your outdoor living space to the next level!  You’ll be sure to enjoy the investment and, if you’re ever in the market to sell your Evanston home; it will be a bonus for potential buyers!
If you have questions about living in Evanston, the current Evanston Real Estate market or are interested in buying or selling a home in Evanston, please feel free to contact us today!  Our Shoreline Property Advisors team of trusted real estate advisors and Prudential Rubloff Real Estate agents are here to help you navigate through the Evanston Real Estate market.
We look forward to talking with you!
Shoreline Property Advisors
@ Prudential Rubloff

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