HOT PROPERTY

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THE LIVING IS EASY – AND POPULAR –

OUTDOORS

Here

are some of the outdoor living options trending right now according to a recent

survey of home improvement experts

“People likeagathering spot, especially for nighttime use. With afirepit, it’sanatural focal point that alsomakes it easier to usethe space in cooler months of the year,” says Cristina Miguelez, remodeling specialist with Fixr.com in Wilmington, Delaware.

Here’s proof positive that Americans are tired of being cooped up indoors due to coronavirus: 85% of home improvement experts recentlysurveyedbyFixr.com areconvinced that homeowners aremorewilling to invest in outdoor living spacesthis year.

Curious about the outdoor living trends identified by the pros polled? Fixr.com found that three in fiverespondents believe outdoor kitchens arethe mostdesirable outdoor living upgrade; nearlythree-quarters sayanindoor/ outdoor blend is bestaccomplished by using folding and sliding doors and windows;approximately48% of outdoor spacesare going to be adapted for useyear-round; and four in fiveenvision gathering with familyand friends as the mostpopular useofoutdoor space,versus relaxation (chosen by 61%).

Ralph Choeff, principal of Choeff Levy Fischman Architecture+Design in Miami, subscribes to that theory.

“Manyhomeowners arespending more time at home simplybecausethey’re working out of the housemore. Theywant to be able to walk out to their patio or deck, takea break, re-center,and enjoythe outdoors. They’re alsoentertaining moreathome, which explains whyoutdoor kitchens arethe mostdesired newamenity –nothing brings people together likegreat food and beverages and cooking and dining alfresco with family and friends while enjoying views of nature and fresh air.”

Choeff says he’sdesigned elaborate outdoor kitchens for some of his clients, including areasequipped with TVs, refrigerators,bar seating, loungesofas,exotic stone, durable Brazilian Ipe wood, and cantilevered roofs that provide shade from the sun.

Fire pits and outdoor fireplacesare hot right now, as well.

Concerned that your outdoor living dollars won’ttranslate into agood investment or payyou back at resale?Mostexperts sayyou shouldn’tworry.

“I think this trend is going to continue for severalyears.Some people maystill be wary of big crowds for awhile, while other people mayhavefound that theyreallyenjoysimply being at home nowthat they’ve hadachance to tryit,”Miguelezcontinues.“And with all of the various project types availableright now, there’sdefinitelyafitfor everyone – which should makethis desirefor outdoor amenities longer-lasting as well.”

–CTW Features

Contact us with comments or questions at hotproperty@latimes.com.

Fire pits are apopular option for enjoying outdoor spaces year-round. Photo by Matt /Adobe Stock