3 Must Haves for Creating the Perfect NJ Outdoor Living Space

 
Fresh air, sunshine and plenty of space – what more could you ask for from your outdoor living space? Outdoor living areas provide the perfect extension of the home and are ideal for entertaining guests or enjoying quality time with the family. If you’re looking to build one, or give your existing area a reboot, here are some absolute essentials to include into your design to reap even more benefits from your outdoor living space.
 
Cooking area
Be it the simple addition of a gas grill or smoker, or a fully equipped outdoor kitchen complete with fridges and a wet bar, an outdoor cooking area is an absolute must for the avid barbecue chef. An outdoor kitchen provides the comfort of indoor cooking with the space and luxury of outdoor living. Building your cooking area into your outdoor social setting will reclaim cooking as a social event and contribute greatly to the value of your home. With the addition of an outdoor kitchen, you’ll increase the usage of your outdoor living space and enjoy the added practical benefits of being able to do your cooking outside. It’s also no secret that food cooked outdoors just tastes better.
 
Fire Pit or Fireplace
Extend the use of your outdoor area well into the night or prepare your outdoor space for those cool fall evenings with a fire pit or outdoor fireplace. Outdoor fireplaces are ideal for adding a cozy, romantic atmosphere to your outdoor space and will also bring with them an added element of shelter and privacy, guarding against the wind or prying eyes with an extended back wall. Fireplaces can capture the intimate fireside ambience of a log cabin or be used to make a bold structural statement. Both ornate and functional, outdoor fireplaces can also be fitted with a gas line for convenience. Fire pits on the other hand have a far more outdoorsy feel to them, capturing the simple pleasure of a campfire while providing a sense of openness to your backyard surroundings. Fire pits are perfect for gatherings of large groups, providing more room for seating and wider dispersion of heat. Both are sure to bring an added element of enjoyment and versatility to your outdoor living area and keep you and your guests warm and comfortable. Check out Unilock’s Design Ideas Catalog for ideas for creating your fire feature!
 
Overhead Covering
A simple pergola covering will maintain the open, flowing feel of the outdoors while providing shade for your outdoor entertaining. A pergola might not keep out the rain, but it will give you and your guests a place to take refuge from New Jersey’s hot summer sun. If shelter from a summer cloud burst is something you’re looking for, extending a solid wood or tiled roof over your outdoor living space is definitely the answer. Propped up on stylish posts, a solid covering still allows for the free flow of air while protecting against the elements. Even partial covering will allow your barbecues to continue unimpeded by the weather. For something a little less permanent, shade sail canopies offer the perfect solution, being both stylish and easy to erect when needed. Besides keeping out unwanted weather and adding to the aesthetics of your outdoor living area, overhead coverings can also be used to ensure privacy and maintain an intimate social setting in your outdoor space.