Winters can seem claustrophobic when the cold air and shorter days keep one indoors for a majority of the season. 
The lack of sunlight can dampen a person’s mood. However, just because the winter is upon us, this does not meant that one must stay cooped up indoors for months on end. A variety of ways are available to utilize your home’s outdoor space and spend time out-of-doors.
An outdoor space can be luxurious or inexpensive, depending on what your budget allows. Many elements of an outdoor space are simple for a homeowner to build on their own, such as using a kit to create an outdoor pizza oven, or a guide to install a heated patio.
In order to utilize your outdoor space in the cold weather, it is imperative that you install a heat source. This could come in the form of fire pit, an oven, or a radiant heat system. You should also add light sources, as the sun sets in the early evening. By bringing the indoors to your outdoor space, the winter will soon melt from your mind.
The following article from The Epoch Times illustrates the benefits of installing a heat source in order to take full advantage of your outdoor space during the winter. Now you will be able to enjoy the natural outdoor space that you crave during the chilly months, without having to suffer through frozen fingers.
Winter Uses for Outdoor Space
From dramatic fireplaces and radiant flooring to heated outdoor entertainment spaces, with winter upon us, how does one enjoy outdoor living space? Bringing the indoors out has long been desirable for those looking to enjoy their outdoor spaces year-round.
An outdoor living space can be just that: a living space that serves as an additional room. Because of this, outdoor kitchens and fireplaces have always been desired luxury items, and the fire pit is also quickly gaining popularity as an immensely desirable alternative to a traditional outdoor fireplace.
Outdoor Kitchens
From outdoor grilling to full-blown kitchens, who doesn’t like to cook outside and dine alfresco? Outdoor kitchens, while often the standard in many luxury homes on the West Coast where warm nights are more plentiful, can truly be an extension of any home, no matter the geographic location.
Outdoor kitchens have a lure and appeal all their own. Outdoor kitchens, just like indoor ones, can truly serve as the “heart” of any outdoor living environment. Some of the must-haves for an outdoor kitchen include a grilling surface and small refrigerator. Want to splurge? Why not add an oven, and a fixed seating area like an elevated bar or built-in bench seating.
Outdoor Fireplaces
From residential homes in popular vacation and entertaining destinations like The Hamptons to outdoor nightclubs in destinations such as Ibiza and Mykonos, I have experienced and appreciated outdoor fireplaces as a key décor element as it relates to creating a luxury environment and a seductive mood.
There is something desirable about an outdoor fire. Whether it is for warmth or for aesthetic reasons, there is simply a certain amount of romanticism associated with fire. These days, especially as people want to maximize space and enjoy their homes year-round, people are often looking for ways to create a sense of coziness and purpose with their outdoor space. An outdoor fireplace can serve as both the center of a dramatic and luxurious space for entertaining and as a more subdued and rustic experience, perfect for quiet nights spent around the fire with loved ones.
Fire Pits
The fire pit, unlike other outdoor projects, is relatively affordable; and depending on the desired size and look, it can be a relatively straightforward outdoor project. Additionally, a fire pit can be transportable and mobile, if desired, meaning it does not have to be a permanent structure and can be moved around one’s property.
Even so, fire pits can be quite elaborate, ranging from the rustic to ultramodern, and can be executed as built-in stone or concrete structures, sunk into the ground, or even built above ground to include dining surfaces and even bowls.
Whether it’s a modern or rustic setting, I love the integration of stone and concrete into a fire pit. As an interior designer, one of my favorite companies for fire pits is Concrete Works (www.concreteworks.com). Their Diablo Fire bowl is simply spectacular.
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Whether you are looking to purchase a fire pit or have one custom-made by a professional mason, I believe the integration of stone, concrete, and wood is one of the most desirable combinations. Concrete is a great choice for those looking to achieve a sleek modern look, while the use of stone and wood lends itself seamlessly to a more rustic and natural environment.
Just because the summer heat is gone, this does not mean that grilling should disappear with it. Consider adding a grill grate to your fire pit or using a grill in your outdoor space. With a grill added to your outdoor space, you can simultaneously keep warm and cook delicious cuisine.
If a fire pit or oven does not appeal to you, or does not work well with your current outdoor space, consider a heated patio. Radiant heat systems can be installed under pavers in order to produce heat for those enjoy the outdoor space as well as melts any ice and snow that may prove to be hazardous.
If you are interested in purchasing materials to upgrade your outdoor space, Camosse Masonry Supply can provide what you need. Located in Central Massachusetts, Camosse supplies homeowners and masons with the best products for improving any outdoor space. Contact us today.
