Designed for living

As summer is unfolding, our back yards have become integral parts of our lifestyle and well-being. They’re where we can relax and connect with nature, enjoy dining outdoors, and just hang out with friends and family. And even though fall is looming around the corner, homeowners can enjoy their yards well into the year—especially if they design functional outdoor areas that mirror indoor rooms.

“When remodeling homes, we seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor living spaces, from designing backyard kitchens that look like they belong indoors to remodeling bathrooms that let the natural light stream in,” says Kristen Chiera, who, along with her husband Joe, owns Impact Landscaping & Home Remodeling. “We renovate kitchens, bathrooms and basements year-round, and, in the spring, summer and fall, we also focus on backyard projects.”

To make your back yard a true extension of your home that can be used three seasons, here are three ways to take advantage of the outdoors.

1. Shelter Under a Pavilion

Impact Landscaping & Home Remodeling specializes in building outdoor pavilions. One of the reasons pavilions are so popular is they allow you to enjoy the outdoors in inclement weather. Even on a rainy day, you can still hang out in your back yard.

Pavilions often are designed to have everything a house does, such as a ventless fireplace, a kitchen with sink, refrigerator and grill, bathroom, TV and music speakers, electric heaters and lighting. 

“We design pavilions so they can be used three seasons,” Joe says. “We also build sunrooms and other enclosed spaces you can use year-round.”

2. Relish Alfresco Dining

The inside of your home is divided by rooms for various activities. Your back yard should be, too. Make sure to create a distinct area for dining.

By having a dedicated area for an outdoor grill and dining table, you can cook and entertain outdoors without having to keep going back inside.

“We are designing outdoor kitchens with everything from built-in grills with granite countertops to pizza ovens and smokers,” Kristen says. “To create a cozy ambience, we can add string lights or ceiling fans above the dining area. We also recommend growing herbs in pots or flower boxes by the outdoor kitchen or planting a raised vegetable garden nearby. This way, if you have a pizza oven, it is so convenient to pluck some fresh oregano and basil.”

3. Fired Up

A necessity in Northeast Ohio, fire pits, fireplaces, patio heaters and fire columns allow homeowners to extend outdoor living well into November.

Homeowners also may want to consider installing a hot tub, as they can soak in warm water even when there is a chill in the air.

“We often incorporate outdoor heaters as part of our overall landscape designs,” Kristen says. “In all our designs, our goal is to create a natural look and incorporate elements from nature like boulders and plants along with functional items.”

Impact Landscaping & Home Remodeling is located at 1410 Medina Road in Medina. For a free estimate, call 330-848-0036. Visit ImpactMyHome.com for more details.