Planning an outdoor living area in a location with particularly nice weather is an incredible opportunity. In some of the more hospitable climates one can practically live outside year-round, and outside spaces truly become extensions of the inside of a home. Creating a truly exceptional design for these kinds of climates requires a lot of creativity and an ability to think outside the box and see what's truly possible when the weather cooperates.

A Complete Outdoor Kitchen

One of the most popular things to put outside is a full outdoor kitchen. A lot of people across the country have a little barbeque grill; only those with the nicest weather get full use out of a kitchen complete with large barbeque, stonework counter, burners, refrigerator, and sink. This kind of full outdoor kitchen is a magnificent statement piece when placed in context of the rest of the yard. It becomes a gathering space for parties, and is very effective if you enjoy entertaining. There are many varieties of outdoor kitchen available, and of course one can always be custom created. Talk with your contractor to learn more about what is possible in your particular area.

A Fireplace Outside

Even in the nicest climates the nights often turn chilly. Installing a fireplace combats the cold and makes a very effective focal point at the same time. The design of these units can be custom or prefabricated, of real stone or of a specially designed heat-absorbing compound that mimics the appearance of stone. Fireplaces can also be incorporated into a larger design as needed.

Attention Grabbing Water Features

Ponds and small lakes can add drama to an outdoor space with less maintenance than a pool. If you choose a running water feature, it is partially self-cleaning, and if you populate it with fish it becomes even more self-sufficient. There is a lot of variety possible in these features, as they are almost always custom designed anyway. If your landscape architect and contractor don't have sufficient experience, bring in a consulting expert who does. If you love water, it's probably worth it.

Gaming Courts Or Designated Game Areas

Outside games like tennis, volleyball, or horseshoes are all sized perfectly to be played in moderate backyards. In addition, they're not particularly expensive to add – it just requires a properly sized area and a few basic supplies. Think about what kinds of sports you enjoy, and whether it might be beneficial to add something allowing you to enjoy them in the comfort of your own backyard.

Walking Gardens

Gardens are a central feature of any backyard space. The sides of your walkways and the surroundings of your outdoor living area will almost certainly be planted, but you can also plan a specific garden space to be enjoyed as a walking area. This garden can focus more on fragrant and beautiful plants meant to be an attraction on their own.

Pools

Adding a pool is a great refreshing option, and can be a very interesting focus point. Adding a water fixture like a rock waterfall or a connected spa adds visual interest and takes pools from generic to highly upscale. Ask your contractor about new and interesting design materials for the outdoor living area around the pool. It's not just concrete anymore.