Sometimes an existing outdoor space just doesn’t work. You may try to make the most of it but there comes a point when you realize it’s just never going to be the backyard that you love. An outdoor living area like this can actually start to have a negative impact on your overall enjoyment of the outdoors—and for that reason (among others), may be worth renovating.
That was the case for this Leola, PA landscaping project. This Leola, PA family had a poolside area that just wasn’t working for them. In fact, it looked as though the outdoor kitchen area had been designed in complete isolation from the nearby pool; the two spaces really didn’t work together well it at all.
Beyond aesthetics and an awkward layout, another negative was the lack of shade, protection from the rain, and outdoor kitchen features and amenities. As a result of these concerns, the homeowners were looking for a complete redesign of the outdoor living space adjacent to the pool.
Unifying Two Spaces in this Leola, PA Landscape Design
Tasked with creating a brand-new outdoor living area, it was important that this time the patio blended seamlessly with the adjacent pool area. Whenever working with existing elements, it is a primary goal to make everything look unified—as if both existing and new elements had been created together from the very start.
One of the key ways that this was achieved was by repeating colors and textures that were found in the pool area, which also included a pool house. The pool was surrounded by a stamped and stained concrete that is next to impossible to replicate in color but we found travertine pavers that blended.
The existing space also had masonry steps with flagstone treads and veneer stone risers that we were able to repeat in the new space. By making the new patio area a step up (six inches higher than the pool patio), we were able to repeat the materials from the existing steps. This elevational change also allowed us to better define the new space.
Starting from the Dislikes to Create the Ultimate Outdoor Kitchen
Because this family had lived with an outdoor kitchen that was not functional, they had a clear idea of what they actually wanted. Because of that, we spent quite a bit of time talking to these homeowners about what didn’t work with their existing patio/kitchen arrangement in order to create one that they’d love.
The answer to many of their problems came in a galley style kitchen layout that offered all of the features and the functionality—as well as increased their number of appliances—in a way that corrected what didn’t work for them previously. All of this was under the roof of their brand-new pavilion.
Outdoor Kitchen Appliances Which Create an Interactive Experience
In addition to flowing better with the galley style design, the new kitchen is also loaded with amenities that really helps it live up to what the homeowners desired. Along with being big entertainers, the couple also loves to cook. The wife enjoys stir fry cooking in particular. The addition of an EVO grill allows them to cook outdoors, hibachi style. And with a raised counter for seating directly across from the grill, it allows for an interactive experience between the chef and her guests!
The kitchen also features a built-in traditional gas grill for other forms of cooking along with a power burner, a sink, two refrigerators, a built-in trash can, and plenty of storage.
Lounging By the Fire and Watching Television
Just off of the kitchen is a cozy lounge area featuring a fireplace with a mounted television. The television is situated in the ideal spot so that the homeowners can also view it from the pool.
With this additional area, when guests have finished dining, they can move over to the lounge spot for after-dinner drinks and conversation. This area also features a paddle fan that mimics one found in the existing pool house—another link unifying the two spaces.
Though there’s no question that this family is big on entertaining, they say that they use their new covered outdoor kitchen area daily—whether they’re entertaining or not. It’s where they enjoy having meals, spending time watching television or even just hanging out as a family (with or without guests!).
Finding Landscapers in Leola PA
While plenty of companies offer landscaping in Leola, PA, the fact is, for a complex outdoor living area like this one, it’s important to find the right company for the job. The very fact that this family did not like their first outdoor living space is a testament to this. When you’re investing in an outdoor living area, you want to love it. The last thing that you want is to end up with something that you have to completely re-do because it falls short of your dreams.
Although it’s always easiest to start from scratch with a blank slate, this project is also a testament to the fact that renovating may be the answer if you aren’t in love with your existing outdoor space. You shouldn’t have to live with something that doesn’t work for you. You deserve to have a space that is functional and brings you joy.
These homeowners say that they’re happy they took the leap and got the outdoor living space they truly desired. With their new covered kitchen/living area, now they’re finally able to fully enjoy their time outside.
If you’d like to start a conversation about how you can renovate an existing outdoor living space or create a brand-new one at your York, Reading, Lancaster, Lebanon, or Hershey, PA home, contact us for a free consultation or give us a call at (717) 276-9447.
