How to Create an Outdoor Oasis That Will Increase Your Home Value

Jul 3

Luxury residences are no longer confined to four exterior walls. In Denver, where sunshine and blue skies are abundant and 60-degree temperatures aren’t uncommon in the winter months, outdoor living spaces are nearly as essential as indoor ones. But according to a recent survey conducted by the New Home Trends Institute, the ideal outdoor space isn’t a big green yard. In fact, survey respondents—which included residential architects, designers, and builders—said that covered/open-air outdoor rooms are far more desirable among homebuyers/owners than plots of grass.

So how can you create an outdoor oasis that you can enjoy now and future buyers will find enticing later? Here, we outline six outdoor living tips and features that are sure to increase your home’s livability and deliver a return on investment.

1477 S. Fairfax St. Renovation. See Listing.

Get in the zone

To create a multipurpose outdoor space, function and flow are key. Before you splurge on the teak furniture set you’ve been eyeballing, it’s important to map out your layout and take multiple configurations into consideration. One way to streamline this process is by thinking of the different zones you want in your outdoor living space. Are you an avid gardener? Then factor a zone of raised garden beds into your layout. Do you envision hosting dinners under the stars in the summer? Make sure to include a concrete pad that’s spacious enough to fit a long farmhouse dining table and chairs. By strategically dividing your outdoor area into sections based on activity or interest, you’ll maximize the allotted space and collect accurate measurements for furniture and other design elements.

Of course, hiring a designer for this phase of the project can leave you with the peace of mind that your space planning is done right the first time. Or to cut down on timeline and costs, try an online outdoor design service like Yardzen.

Opt for low-maintenance landscaping

Lush green grass is easy on the eyes, but making it thrive in Denver’s dry climate requires a lot of water, care, and patience. By replacing a grassy yard with a variety of native, drought-tolerant plants—such as salvia, coneflower, and Karl Foerster feather reed grasses—you can create a texture-rich outdoor space that you can spend more time enjoying than maintaining. Adding no-fuss hardscaping materials like flagstone and river rock will add additional layers of dimension to your space. Tip: Keep in mind that many Coloradans are dog owners as well. Make sure to leave a small strip of grass or soft mulch that can be used as a dog run or relief area in your landscaping plans—prospective homebuyers will appreciate the built-in space for Fido.

Midcentury renovation by Iron Works Realty

Keep it private

You wouldn’t want your neighbors peering into your living room at any given moment, so the same should go for your exterior living area. By adding tall plants, trellises, pergolas, and outdoor curtains in your outdoor space, you can shield your space from neighbors and street noise. A sense of privacy is key to creating a relaxing, retreat-like environment.

Create a chef-approved alfresco kitchen

Have you ever noticed that guests tend to mingle in the kitchen during at-home gatherings and events? Food and drinks always attract a crowd, which is why many at-home entertainers have an outdoor kitchen space at the top of their wish lists. Today, full outdoor kitchens feature top-of-the-line appliances and luxury finishes just like their indoor counterparts. From wood-fired pizza ovens to deluxe wet bars, the accouterments are endless. Add on a comfortable dining area outfitted with weather-proof materials and built-in heaters for year-round open-air meals.

Set the mood with a variety of lighting

Lighting is essential for creating a feel-good ambiance. Use a combination of task and accent lighting to highlight key areas and create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Solar-powered lights, portable lanterns, string lights, sconces, and candles can add a magical touch to your outdoor oasis, while uplighting can show off your home’s architectural features once the sun sets.

Extend your entertainment options

Equipping your outdoor space with a TV and sound system opens up more opportunities for outdoor entertaining. Whether you want to watch a classic movie beneath the stars or turn on your new favorite song during an alfresco dinner, installing the right technology will help bring your favorite indoor activities out into the fresh air.

With careful planning and attention to detail, you can create a personal outdoor sanctuary that offers a perfect blend of luxury and nature and enhances the beauty and functionality of your home. Looking for more ways to boost your home’s value? Reach out to Iron Works Realty today.

Jeff Piquette

Jeff is the real estate expert behind Iron Works Realty. As an agent, he works with custom home builders to sell new builds, advises asset managers at US Bank to sell client properties, and works with residents throughout metro Denver to achieve their real estate goals. As a licensed contractor, he has built, renovated, and managed properties for more than 20 years. Today, he is building a family home in Cherry Hills and has a deep understanding of the surrounding neighborhoods and community.