Take It Outdoors!

Transform Your Backyard into a Relaxing Outdoor Retreat This Spring

by Karyn Brodsky

Are you searching for a beautiful space to embrace the outdoors? Your backyard is the perfect solution! Outdoor living areas provide a unique blend of leisure and celebration, seamlessly integrating high-tech gadgets, stylish appliances, custom features, and premium furniture right at home. It’s an ideal venue for hosting gatherings and building connections with family, friends, and neighbors.

“An outdoor living area provides more bang for the buck than any other room. The return in Texas is about 150% of your investment.” - Ann O’Blenes, Broker-Associate, RE/Max Dallas Suburbs — “An outdoor living area provides more bang for the buck than any other room. The return in Texas is about 150% of your investment.”
– Ann O’Blenes, Broker-Associate, RE/Max Dallas Suburbs

Ann O’Blenes, Broker-Associate with Performance Partners Group at RE/Max Dallas Suburbs, reports a notable increase in demand for outdoor living spaces, including designated areas for grilling, dining, and socializing. She highlights trending outdoor designs that range from cozy fire pits to elaborate fireplaces—pizza ovens are even gaining popularity!

Pat Wilson, manager at Ed Kellum & Son in Dallas, shares, “We’ve seen a significant rise in sales for pizza ovens!” She highlights the appeal of a fully equipped outdoor kitchen, combining the convenience of indoor cooking with the joys of the outdoors. “A built-in grill is essential, and we offer a broad selection from top brands. But outdoor retreats are evolving,” Wilson emphasizes. “Today’s designs often feature under-counter refrigerators, ice sinks, wine chillers, pizza oven stations, and beer taps.”

“Outdoor retreats are getting more elaborate. Many include under-the-counter refrigerators, ice sinks, wine coolers, pizza oven prep stations and beer taps.” – Pat Wilson, Manager, Ed Kellum & Son

The upgrades don’t end with the kitchen. Chris Vaughan, a sales manager for the acclaimed audio-visual retailer Starpower, emphasizes that they provide outdoor TVs that are entirely weatherproof. “These outdoor TVs are encased to withstand the elements; they can be cleaned with a hose!” Vaughan explains. “The picture quality remains outstanding, even in bright sunlight.” He mentions a trend among customers toward purchasing larger models, typically starting at 55 inches for their outdoor spaces. Advanced audio systems allow sound to fill the yard beautifully. Discreet speakers resemble landscape lights and buried subwoofers enrich the overall audio experience. Plus, the systems are managed via smartphone.

“Outdoor TVs are completely encased and weatherproof; if they get dirty, they can be hosed off, and the picture is great, even in direct sunlight.” - Chris Vaughan, Sales Manager, Starpower — “Outdoor TVs are completely encased and weatherproof; if they get dirty, they can be hosed off, and the picture is great, even in direct sunlight.”
– Chris Vaughan, Sales Manager,
Starpower

An ideal outdoor area is also enhanced by thoughtfully selected furnishings. Designer Deborah Cowart from Beaver Creek Interiors in Frisco suggests incorporating a variety of materials while extending indoor color schemes outdoors to maintain a cohesive look. She recommends selecting neutral-tone sofa and chair cushions and using colorful pillows and accessories to add vibrancy. “Invest in high-quality cushion fabric initially,” Cowart advises. “Since many items may not withstand the intense Texas sun, it’s wise to opt for affordable accessories that can be easily replaced.”

Are these enhancements worthwhile?

Absolutely, according to O’Blenes. She boasts a stunning outdoor area with retractable screens, gas heaters for winter, and an advanced misting system that cools the space by 20 degrees compared to the outside temperature during summer months, allowing for year-round enjoyment. O’Blenes asserts that outdoor living spaces yield greater returns than any other part of the house. “In Texas, the return can reach about 150% of your investment.”

The advantages extend beyond financial returns—your outdoor oasis can facilitate connections with neighbors. Stephanie Liebbe, marketing coordinator for Republic Property Group, points out that in Light Farms, a master-planned community in Celina, residents are fostering relationships by utilizing shared outdoor spaces. RPG has introduced multiple amenities in Light Farms, including bike trails, tennis courts, resort-style pools, and expansive green spaces. Liebbe notes that builders at Light Farms are responding to buyers’ desires for closer community ties by designing homes with outdoor living areas that serve as extensions of the main interior space. “Neighbors contribute to a community,” comments Liebbe. “A home is more than just your address; it’s a place for friendships to grow.”

Whether you’re looking to host gatherings or simply want a tranquil escape without leaving your home, an outdoor living area might be the perfect solution!

Contact Information:

Ann O’Blenes, RealtyPerformancePartners.com
972.898.6600 | ann.oblenes@tx.rr.com

Pat Wilson, Edkellum.com
972.503.6000 | Pwilson@star-power.com

Chris Vaughan, Starpower.com
972.503.6000, ext.1049 | Cvaughan@star-power.com

Stephanie Liebbe, Republic Property Group/Light Farms, lightfarmstx.com