Here
in Indiana, we have a heightened sense of appreciation for our outdoor
living spaces, since we don’t get to use them year round. Expanding
living spaces to include patios, decks, gardens and poolside areas
are becoming second living rooms and great rooms.
“The only limit to the design of these unique outdoor living spaces
is the imagination of the homeowner,” says Karl Lundberg, local
owner and operator of Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Indianapolis. “Today
many families are choosing design schemes that are an extension of their
home’s interior. And some of the results are pretty amazing.”
Lundberg suggests that his clients think about these primary considerations
when planning their outdoor room:
Usability - What functionality do you wish the space to have? Will the
time spent there be intimate, and used for quiet relaxation? Or, do you
plan on entertaining groups of family, friends and neighbors? Will you
be cooking outdoors, or need a food preparation area? Thinking about
these questions will help you decide how to design the space efficiently.
Furniture – “Visual continuity is important in establishing
a welcoming, uninterrupted flow into your new outdoor living room,” adds
Lundberg. “You’re wise to consider furniture, fixtures and
accents that reflect the same personality, tone and manner of your home’s
interior.”
Lighting – How
will you use the outdoor space? How many moods do you wish to create?
What kinds of activities will take place there? These questions and
more need to be taken into consideration when planning the critical
element
of mood lighting and task illumination. Well-designed landscape and
architectural lighting can make all the difference as the perfect compliment
to your
outdoor living room.
Karl and his designers are true artists when it comes to creating
the perfect illumination plan and design. “We talk to the homeowner,
consider their unique wants and needs, and then suggest design enhancements
that will add value, safety and security to both the inside and outside
of their home.”
