Pergolas, Patios, and Outdoor Kitchens for Style & Functionality

An outdoor living space can expand your home’s usable square footage, enhance curb appeal, and increase resale value. Whether you’re considering a patio, pergola, or outdoor kitchen, a well-designed outdoor area creates an inviting space for entertaining and relaxation while making your home more attractive to buyers.

At Artisan Exteriors, we specialize in custom outdoor spaces that maximize both aesthetics and functionality. Here’s how you can transform your backyard into a high-value living space.

1. Why Outdoor Living Spaces Increase Home Value

Homes with functional outdoor areas are in high demand, especially in regions with warm climates. A well-designed patio, deck, or outdoor kitchen can add significant resale value by making the home feel larger and more luxurious.

Top Benefits of Outdoor Living Spaces:

✔ Boosts Home Value – Outdoor upgrades offer an average ROI of 55-75%, depending on materials and design.
✔ Expands Living Space – Adds usable square footage without requiring a home addition.
✔ Enhances Curb Appeal – Well-designed outdoor areas attract buyers and make the home stand out.
✔ Encourages Outdoor Entertaining – Perfect for hosting barbecues, family gatherings, or relaxing evenings.

💡 Pro Tip: Even small improvements—like adding a fire pit or pergola—can increase your home’s resale appeal.

2. Designing a Patio or Deck: The Foundation of Your Outdoor Space

A patio or deck serves as the base for your outdoor living area, providing a solid and stylish foundation for seating, dining, and entertaining.

Best Patio & Deck Materials for ROI:

🏡 Concrete Patio – Affordable, durable, and can be stamped or stained for a high-end look.
🏡 Paver Patio – Aesthetic appeal with customizable patterns and colors.
🏡 Wood Deck – Classic and warm but requires regular maintenance.
🏡 Composite Decking – Low-maintenance and weather-resistant alternative to wood.

Must-Have Patio Features:

✔ Built-in Seating – Maximizes space and convenience.
✔ Overhead Covering – Pergolas, retractable awnings, or gazebos provide shade and protection.
✔ Lighting – String lights, lanterns, or built-in LED fixtures enhance ambiance.

💡 Fact: A well-designed patio or deck can recoup 60-75% of its cost when selling a home.

3. Pergolas & Shade Structures: Style & Comfort

A pergola or shade structure adds visual interest, protection from the sun, and increased usability for outdoor spaces.

Types of Outdoor Shade Structures:

🌿 Pergolas – Open-beam structures that provide partial shade and create a stylish focal point.
🌿 Gazebos – Fully enclosed with a roof, perfect for all-weather use.
🌿 Retractable Awnings – Adjustable and great for balconies and patios.
🌿 Covered Patios – Solid roofing extensions that blend with your home’s design.

💡 Pro Tip: Pergolas covered with climbing vines or retractable canopies create a shaded retreat with natural beauty.

4. Outdoor Kitchens: The Ultimate Entertaining Space

An outdoor kitchen is one of the most desirable backyard upgrades, especially in warmer climates where people enjoy grilling and dining outdoors.

Key Features for an Outdoor Kitchen:

✔ Built-in Grill – The centerpiece of any outdoor kitchen.
✔ Countertop Space – For food prep and serving.
✔ Storage Cabinets – Weatherproof storage for utensils and cookware.
✔ Refrigeration – Mini-fridges and beverage coolers keep drinks cold.
✔ Outdoor Sink – Makes cleanup easier and more convenient.

💰 ROI: Outdoor kitchens can recoup 50-75% of their investment cost, depending on size and quality.

💡 Pro Tip: Use weather-resistant materials like stainless steel, stone, or concrete for long-lasting durability.

5. Fire Pits & Fireplaces: Extending Outdoor Use Year-Round

Adding a fire feature creates a cozy atmosphere and extends the usability of your outdoor space into cooler months.

🔥 Popular Fire Feature Options:

• Built-in Fire Pits – Gas or wood-burning for a social gathering spot.
• Outdoor Fireplaces – Adds a luxurious focal point for patios.
• Tabletop Fire Bowls – Compact and stylish for smaller patios.

💡 Fact: Fire pits offer up to 80% ROI and are one of the most cost-effective outdoor upgrades.

6. Landscaping & Lighting: The Finishing Touches

No outdoor living space is complete without landscaping and lighting to enhance ambiance and safety.

Smart Landscaping Upgrades:

🌿 Low-maintenance plants for year-round greenery.
🌿 Walkways & Garden Paths to define spaces and improve navigation.
🌿 Privacy Screens with hedges, fences, or trellises.

Outdoor Lighting Ideas:

💡 Pathway Lights – Solar-powered or LED for safety and aesthetics.
💡 String Lights – Creates a warm, inviting glow.
💡 Recessed Deck Lighting – Adds modern elegance to patios and stairs.

💡 Pro Tip: Smart outdoor lighting systems with timers and motion sensors improve security and convenience.

Final Thoughts: Is an Outdoor Living Space Right for You?

✔ Adds resale value and curb appeal.
✔ Creates a functional space for entertaining and relaxation.
✔ Extends usable square footage without major renovations.
✔ Provides a great ROI with features like patios, outdoor kitchens, and fire pits.

At Artisan Exteriors, we specialize in custom outdoor living spaces that enhance your home’s beauty, functionality, and value.