Our culture is consumed with screen time — computers, smartphones, televisions. Our garage doors go up, they go down, and we don’t even know our neighbors. People are craving to slow down. They want to stop the busyness of life and connect with those around them — to be more present. It’s time we bring family and friends together.

Outdoor living spaces help accomplish this by enticing the family to come out into nature and sit around a fire, grill food and converse, stay out later in the evenings, enjoy coffee in the mornings. It encourages neighbors to stop over and chat.

“If you build it, they will come.” is not only a famous line from Field of Dreams, it is also what will happen when you invest in an outdoor living space.

This will be a beautiful addition to your home, designed to encompass the outdoor functions you enjoy most, such as dining, lounging, cooking, fire feature and more.

Beyond your enjoyment, keep in mind a well-designed outdoor living space can increase the value of your home. It will immediately stand out from other homes, attracting more buyers.

Decide how you want to use the space and how many people will use it on a regular basis. This can range from a cozy patio with a fire feature, to a space which can host 6 – 20 people with areas to cook, dine and relax.