photo courtesy Trees 'n' Trends

Living Outdoors 2011

The distinction between “indoor” and “outdoor” rooms is becoming more blurred each day, according to Linda Sinclair of Rediscovered Rooms.

Homeowners are naturally invigorated by redecorating, updating, and refreshing their living spaces, says Sandra Nichols of Sandra Nichols Landscaping LLC. “As the old trend of ‘buying bigger’ in house size continues to wane, the trend toward quality over quantity is stronger than ever before.

“Homeowners are more inclined to vacation at home, and once the amenities are in place the proper landscaping finishes the scene with effortless color through the year’s seasons."

Sinclair says, “Many upscale outdoor furniture designs now resemble indoor furnishings and are sold as such. “Sectionals are being designed for both spaces and the choices available now in furniture, materials, flooring, fabrics, accessories, and appliances have become so overwhelming that today’s projects often require the project management of a qualified interior designer.”

New fabrics, including Sunbrella’s Outdoor Sheer, offer improved looks for outdoor spaces, according to Camille Moore of Interior Treatments by Camille Moore. “The translucent sheer is perfect for draperies, curtains, side panels, gazebos, and other architectural effects, inside or out.

Moore adds that hardware companies are now offering products warranted against rust for five years, and that new foams allow moisture to drip through without molding

Most homeowners have more square footage outside than they do inside, thus allowing for more creativity outdoors, says Amanda Sweeney of Just Design This. “Clients are doing more entertaining outdoors and they want a comfortable deck or patio. And designers must be aware of the latest trends and be adept at incorporating outdoor fireplaces and tranquil water features within the outdoor space.”

Joel Tomlin of The Office of Joel Tomlin III LLC says his clients want a complete, total outdoor living space that accomplishes quality landscape architecture as it relates to the house and property layout while including all the outdoor living decor and accessories they want.

Expectations for comfort outdoors have grown as homeowners have expanded use of their outdoor space as an extension of their home, according to Jamie Dickey of Mosquito Squad.” In addition to control of outdoor pests, homeowners are seeking more comfortable and family-friendly seating.

Privacy fences can be part of creating outdoor spaces, according to Charles Deaton of Elite Gate Company. “Clients are choosing fencing that enhances their property value and custom fences are created to compliment the decor of the home.”

Lighting, too, expands the useable living space outside the home. “Exterior lighting makes activities such as cooking, entertaining, and relaxing outdoors much more comfortable and enjoyable,” says John Skelley of Southern Light Inc.

Walkway and step lighting are offered for safety, while uplighting and downlighting enhance the outdoor mood. LED lighting and digital controls allow greater control of a home’s exterior lighting and offer greater energy efficiency

Many outdoor living rooms include lounges or sofas, televisions and/or sound systems, fireplaces or fire pits, and a pool or game area. Even if budget doesn’t allow for all the desired features now, proper planning can make them easier to add later

Homeowners are choosing to invest in their current property by renovating instead of purchasing new homes, according to Jim Sokol of Unique Outdoor Solutions. “An outdoor living space can add real value to a home’s value,” he says.

There are a number of sources for outdoor living spaces in the Nashville area including:

20th Century
Franklin
615/ 790-2790

Bear Creek Gardens 
Columbia
931/ 840-0030

Elite Gate Company
Nashville
615/ 612-3010

Just Design This
Auburntown
615/ 578-4738

Office of Joel Tomlin III, LLC
Franklin
615/ 445-5694

Mosquito Squad
Nashville
615/ 620-2847

Rediscovered Rooms
Nashville
615/ 838-9607

Sandra Nichols Landscaping LLC
Brentwood
615/ 776-2140

Southern Light Inc.
Nashville
615/ 256-0122

Teacup Gardener
Nashville
615/ 262-7441

Trees 'n' Trends

Franklin

615/ 591-4601

Trees 'n' Trends

Goodlettsville

615-859-3518

Unique Outdoor Solutions
Franklin
615/ 368-3385