Learn How to Gain Maximum Use of an Outdoor Space with Backyarding
We speak with the owners of Creative Living about the art of indoor-outdoor living.
Outdoor Living The trend in outdoor furniture is comfortable yet durable luxury fabrics as seen in this sectional and chaise by Salinas. Outdoor spaces are designed as complete rooms with rugs, accessories and artwork. | Photography courtesy of Creative Living
Backyarding: verb, to gain maximum use of an outdoor space in the back of a home by adding features such as kitchens, seating and dining areas. To increase a home’s living space by expanding amenities into the backyard. The art of blurring the line between indoor and outdoor living.
During the pandemic, when every one was looking for ways to maximize space and connect with nature, we saw the emergence of a new type of “backyarding.” No longer content with a couple of lounge chairs and a barbecue grill, people wanted to create comfortable, functional out door spaces where they could entertain family and friends.
Recently CH&L spoke with Jeff and Micheline Stone, owners of Creative Living, about the trends they’ve seen emerge and the continued strength of backyarding.
Fire Pit “People are able to extend the amount of time they spend outdoors with the installation of fire pits,” says Jeff Stone. One popular design features a border surrounding the fire pit convenient for perching drinks.
WHAT WAS THE FIRST CHANGE YOU SAW DURING THE PANDEMIC?
Jeff: At first, like all businesses, we were waiting to get our bearings. In April 2020,
after we all realized it was going to stick around, we started getting orders for pizza ovens. People would call up, order a pizza oven and we had curbside service; they could drive up and we’d load it into their vehicle.
Micheline: It was that time when everyone was making sourdough. I had experimented with sourdough pizza crust, and we were sharing the recipe. Everyone moved from making bread to making pizzas.
Jeff: One of the beautiful things about our business—we didn’t need to go inside anyone’s home. You could place an order and pick it up, or we could deliver it to your backyard.
Pizza Oven Pizza ovens are still one of the most popular outdoor amenities, in addition to woks, griddles and grills.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE TRENDS THAT EMERGED FROM THAT TIME?
Jeff: Fire pits. Our customers wanted fire pits to extend the time they could comfort ably sit outside.
Micheline: Creating outdoor rooms with rugs, art and furniture. Spending more time outside, our customers want to upgrade, selecting com fortable furnishings for entertaining. We help create outdoor rooms complete with hanging the art, placing rugs and arranging furniture.
Jeff: Outdoor kitchens are another trend—with all the gadgets. In addition to pizza ovens, griddles are extremely popular—and woks. And beautiful porcelain countertops that are weatherproof and don’t stain; also stainless steel cabinets that can be powder coated in a wide range of colors.
Outdoor Rooms Gone are the days when a backyard area might include a couple of lounge chairs and a barbecue grill. Today’s homeowners are designing the space with intention, creating inviting areas to entertain family and friends.
WHAT ABOUT MOUNTAIN HOMES?
Jeff: The trend is a shift to year round use, where previously people might have accessed their mountain homes in summer and winter. They want comfortable outdoor space with fire pits, kitchens and bars to maximize time outdoors.
Outdoor Kitchen The line between indoor and outdoor living has blurred as innovations in outdoor kitchen design meet bespoke demands. Water-resistant hard surfaces, commercial grills and hoods, and gas-fired pizza ovens are a few of the popular amenities that come together to create chef-style kitchens ready for outdoor entertaining.
AT WHAT STAGE IN BUILDING OR REMODELING SHOULD PEOPLE CONSIDER OUTDOOR NEEDS?
Jeff: Builders and architects are starting to include drawings for patios, decks and terraces in their plans—as opposed to creating them as an afterthought, after a home is finished. We often work with architects at the beginning of a project so the outdoor space is integral to the design.
IS BACKYARDING HERE TO STAY?
Jeff: The lifestyle sells itself. And I don’t see that changing—we are all using the backyard as an additional room.
