Building an Outdoor Space for Entertaining

An outdoor entertaining paradise in Orange County, NY — designed and installed by Landworx of NY. 

When designing your Hudson Valley outdoor kitchen area, it’s important to understand that the space will not only be used to cook but also for entertaining your family and friends. It should be designed with comfort and function in mind so that people end up staying longer and making memorable moments they will remember for years to come.

Let’s face it—the kitchen often ends up being the favorite room in the house. And this is true for outdoor living spaces as well. That said, be sure to plan a space that flows nicely between the designated cooking areas and the more ‘living room’ style spaces. Here are a few key essentials to consider when designing a backyard landscape that is ideal for outdoor entertaining in NY.

Furniture

Create an outdoor space that allows individuals to enjoy the beautiful weather outdoors while basking in the comforts of interior features. Furniture is important when it comes to outdoor entertaining as it gives people a place to sit back, relax, and unwind as they catch up over food and drinks. Choose durable furniture that has very comfortable outdoor cushions. Consider getting chairs that stack in case you want to host many people as this helps to save space when they are not in use. Today, you can also find amazing hammocks, chaise lounges, and daybeds all designed for outdoor performance and style.

Shelter

To enjoy using the space all year long for outdoor entertaining in regions like Orange County, NY, some type of shelter has to be considered. There are numerous options available allowing you to choose the one best for your particular backyard. For instance, you can opt to have a pergola, shade umbrella, awning, or gazebo that will allow you and your guests to enjoy your home’s outdoor space more days throughout the season. A recent trend is a pergola fitted with a retractable sunshade manufactured with outdoor fabrics from companies like Sunbrella.  

Lighting

Lighting cannot be overlooked when you want to take advantage of space that will be utilized for outdoor entertaining. This is especially important if most of your entertaining is done after dark as it allows everything to move along without any interruptions. When you choose the proper type of lighting and have it placed correctly by outdoor lighting professionals, it can also offer a warm and welcoming atmosphere to your outdoor living areas.

If you can, add an outdoor TV and/or weatherproof sound system to complete the space. When done properly, the outdoor entertaining area will give you a practical way to extend your home beyond the backdoor. For years to come, family and friends will enjoy spending time outdoors with the all the comfort amenities of home.

Composite Decking Anyone?

Photo courtesy of Azek. 

Composite decking is a manufactured product that has revolutionized the way people relax and entertain on outdoor decks in the Hudson Valley area and beyond. It is a low maintenance and eco-friendly building material that allows you to enjoy your deck without any worries. It is made from a rare combination of non-virgin wood products/wood materials like sawdust and recycled plastic. Stabilizers, bonding agents, pigments and additives are added to this combination resulting in a product that looks great, is very easy to maintain, and can withstand very tough weather and wear conditions. Very versatile, composite decking is available in different colors and "grains" to mimic various wood species. Here’s a bit more about this versatile product below.

Solid or Hollow?

Solid is a bit heavier than the hollow version and it appears to look a lot like real wood. This is by far the most popular version because of it’s close semblance to wood and superior durability and performance for the Northeast weather. Hollow composite has more of a man made look. Before it is installed, it is vulnerable to damage thus it should be handled with care.

Benefits?

No need to reseal- In addition to giving you a product that looks similar to real wood, you will not have to worry about resealing like you would with timber. This is simply because it does not fade or wear with time. You will be happy to learn that it does not warp or rot which goes to show that it can be used for very many years without any complications.

Eco-friendly- if you are looking for a product that will not help in the depletion of the earth's resources in its manufacture, this has got you covered. Because of the way it’s made and the materials used, this is considered an Eco-friendly product.

Cost effective- Another benefit you will enjoy with the composite deck is that it is affordable when considering life cost. Despite the fact that it is slightly more expensive than the cost of average timber decking, you will actually save money over the years. You will not have to spend money and time re-oiling, staining or sanding your deck or porch every six months or yearly. The product offers great convenience, as the only maintenance you will have to do is a quick clean once in a while

Just think, all this and it’s also fire-resistant and you won’t have to worry about little children with painful splinters!

Outdoor Privacy Screens

One of the best ways to make a Hudson Valley outdoor living area feel cozy is by effectively using privacy screens. Try one or more of these solutions for your Orange County, NY landscaping. 

Image from Ivy Clad

People like the idea of enjoying privacy and solitude in an outdoor space. Depending on the location of your home, or more specifically your outdoor patio, deck, pool, or pergola, this may seem like a near impossible task. Neighbors are wonderful and a sense of community is very important in today’s ever-digital world. However, there are just sometimes in life when you and your family just need to enjoy some peace and quiet. When used correctly in a landscape design, privacy screens can provide just what Hudson Valley homeowners need for some much needed solitude in the garden. Here are a few options for making it happen.

Hedges + Shrubs

Plants are a very good option for creating privacy. There are quite a few varieties to choose from ranging in bloom colors, size, and shape. Tall and estate-like Yews are an excellent evergreen option with dark green foliage. Some varieties of the yew can grow to heights in excess of 50 feet. For a more colorful option, Viburnum is a beautiful plant that adds a splash of soft color and fragrant flowers to the landscape.

Hedges can be a great way to add curb appeal to your home. Hedges are also a great privacy screen that blocks the view of neighbors or people walking by the house. Plant experts suggest using a fast growing evergreen hedge for the side and back of yards that are too close to neighbors inquisitive eyes. They provide the type of privacy that block their sight and can even provide a decent sound barrier. The American Holly is a fast growing choice.

Potted Plants

Surround the home with potted plants. Potted plants are perfect for that porch-deck or a small side yard that is open to the neighbors. Potted arborvitae can create a nice thick screen that is also mobile. Move the plants around at your leisure to cover bare areas during the year. The trick is to combine different types of shrubs that create a wonderful effect during the seasonal changes.

Fencing

Fences really do make good neighbors. They block out a considerable amount of noise and can create intimacy in an outdoor space like nothing else. A six-foot high, stained wooden fence will add to the beauty of your landscape and provide a great privacy screen that will last for years. For the fans of more low maintenance options, look at the incredible variety of vinyl PVC fencing on the market today. While this option is more upfront for sure, you will get your money back over the years of hassle free performance. 

Related: Choosing Plantings that Look Like They’ve Been There for Years

Don't Forget the Planters

Photo by Woonstijl.

Sometimes, the seemingly small finishing touches put on outdoor living spaces can make all the difference. And while things like pillows, outdoor rugs, and lanterns are often added as afterthoughts, the placement and design of planters should not wait too long after the design/build process is complete. 

In fact, one could certainly argue that leaving deliberate spaces open for planters, or even better grouping of planters, is practice that can reward the overall design with personality and style. 

But one thing is for sure, regardless of when the planters are nestled into their homes, the character and sophistication potted plants can bring to the party is not to be missed. Beautiful container plantings for your Hudson Valley entryway, back deck, or patio, should extend the color scheme of the exterior of your home. 

Choose plant combinations that mix contrasting textures and bold colors. Planters are a great time to get a little wild. There are plenty of companion plants that work well in potted designs and the staff at Landworx in Goshen, NY would love to help you add them to your home.

If you go at it alone, just remember the designer's golden rule of combining plants with vertical, horizontal, and cascading growth habits in each container. 

Your Unilock Authorized Contractor. Right here in Orange County, NY.

The Landworx team putting the finishing touches on a sweeping, graceful front entrance built using Unilock products. 

Unilock, one of the largest manufacturers of concrete pavers and walls for your Hudson Valley outdoor living project, selects and certifies landscape contractors that you can trust. A very small percentage of businesses are awarded this Authorized Contractor status, and Landworx of NY is one of those few. What does this mean for your home and your project? Let's take a look. 

Selecting a landscape contractor to bring your outdoor paradise to life can be a very challenging and nerve-racking task. You are trusting someone with your family's home and it's important that you hire a true professional. Landscape design and installation requires a specialized set of tools, equipment, and experience. Make sure your contractor of choice can provide you with past client references and has a body of work that is fitting to your project. 

But outside of the these basic checklist-type items for narrowing down your search, how can today's homeowner get peace of mind that they are in good hands? We think the backing of an international manufacturer of superior landscape products that has been in business for over 40 years sure helps. Landworx of NY, servicing the greater Orange County in areas like Warwick, Goshen, Florida, Chester, and Monroe, is a landscape installer backed by experience and size of Unilock. In fact, they guarantee it. Give us a call to learn more about how we can help you with your Hudson Valley outdoor living project—oh yes, and rest assured you are hiring a certified industry professional.