The great outdoors: Today’s new living room
As summer days wind down and the inevitable chill of fall draws nigh, homeowners are frantically looking for ways to extend their opportunity to spend more time outdoors.
The trend toward indoor-outdoor living really took root more than a decade ago but it never took on so much importance until several months ago, when COVID-19 forced Americans into an involuntary solitary confinement of sorts. They hunkered down in their own homes all spring catching up on spring cleaning, tackling the reading list, and growing sourdough starter on the kitchen counter.
As the weather warmed up and medical professionals suggested people could safely gather in small numbers outside, homeowners began to venture out, at least into their own backyards. Outdoor living spaces have become almost as important as the interior family room, according to Pam Foarde, a Fairfield County real estate agent.
Those who were comfortable enough eased their isolation by inviting friends and family over for outdoor, socially distanced picnics, because, at least in Connecticut, the infection rate is low and seems to be under control.
This summer, many homeowners made improvements to their backyards, including expanding patios and decks, installing swimming pools, and adding outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, and outdoor televisions. They are all in demand right now, according toMimmo Caratozzolo, owner of Caratozzolo Stone Design inWilton.
The idea of an outdoor TV sitting in a New England backyard with this region’s unpredictable weather sounds foolhardy. But outdoor TVs are designed and built specifically to stay outside all year round, even during the winter with its freezing temperatures and snow, and even when it rains. “It doesn’t matter,” Caratozzolo said. Séura weatherproof outdoor TVs “are made to withstand all of Earth’s elements while providing exceptional and reliable performance,” according to the company website.
As more sporting events resume, the family can catch a game while lounging on the patio. Or they can have their own family movie night outside. Kids are spendingmore time at home, more quality time with the family outside for alfresco dining, relaxing, and engaging in recreational activities. In fact, Caratozzolo’swifeDawn, a real estate agent, says the first thing most potential homebuyers ask her is whether a particular property has a pool or room for installation of an inground swimming pool.
What else can they do, particularly since Connecticut has not fully yet reopened? Even when the state does reopen completely, there may be people who prefer to stay in their own backyards.
“People are definitely working on the
Photo below right: Fire pits provide ambience, warmth, and a place to roast marshmallows while allowing for social distancing, as is the case with this Westport backyard. Photo courtesy of Coldwell Banker. inside of their homes and the outside. They know they are not going on vacation so they have that extramoney. They’re spending that vacation money for improvements to their homes. They are inviting their friends over and gathering in the backyard or around the pool,” said ChrisMeier, owner of Against the Grain in New Canaan. Meier can help homeowners furnish their outdoor living spaces, and his shop carries handmade gift items — such as cutting boards and Amish toys and puzzles, and a wide range of outdoor furniture and fire pits.
Meier said he primarily carries products created by Amish builders from Pennsylvania. One of the most popular items is furniture made from 100-percent recycled plastics called Poly lumber. “It basically lasts forever. You don’t have to replace it. It’s sustainable, and it’s a great product if you are greenfriendly,” he said. He also carries Eucalyptus wood Adirondack chairs with built-in ottomans, outdoor sets, and sectionals including outdoor dining tables, and Sunbrella fabrics. Even when his store was closed inMarch and April, Meier said he was getting calls from people wanting to place orders.
With cooler weather just ahead, you might consider getting an outdoor patio heater or fire pit to extend the use of your own backyard.