The northeast winters can be brutal. Even if you enjoy outdoor winter activities, there is nothing like that first sign of spring to build excitement around spending more time outside in the warmer weather.

Gone are the days of blasting the music from within the house so you can hear it out in the backyard. Today there are numerous options for creating the perfect backyard entertaining space that blends the indoors with the outdoors.

Music

For any great party or gathering music is one of the most important ways you can ensure people are enjoying themselves. From mounted, all-weather speakers attached to the house, to a packaged landscape speaker system designed to look like flood lights and blend in with your landscaping, to speakers that look like rocks – the options are practically limitless. A properly designed speaker system should be heard and not seen in your backyard entertaining space.

Television

You have had your annual friends and family BBQ scheduled for weeks or maybe months in advance. You had no way of predicting your favorite sports team was going to be in the make-it or break-it game of the season at the exact time of your party. In the past, you would have to take off your ‘entertaining hat’ to run inside to check the score periodically. Now, you have the option of incorporating an outdoor television into your backyard space’s design, so you don’t have to miss the Grand Slam nor your cousin’s story about his recent trip abroad. Whether the television will be in a covered outdoor space or in direct sunlight, the televisions are manufactured to withstand the elements and provide a great picture without any sun glare.

Motorized insect screens

It’s a beautiful night; light breeze, warm weather, perfect for dining al fresco. Unfortunately, while you are enjoying your food outside, the pesky bugs are dining on you. That’s no longer a problem with motorized insect screens. At the push of a button, the outdoor lounge becomes an enclosed space, so you still get the enjoyment of dining outside and not have to pour on the bug spray in order to do so.

Pool Control

It’s a hot summer day and the pool water is cooking. Lower the temperature without having to visit the mechanical room. Integrate your pool jandy with your control system and control your pool and hot tub right from any of your smart devices.

Lighting

Your afternoon BBQ is going strong. Everyone is enjoying themselves and then the sun sets. With just one spotlight off the back of the house, your guests feel like it’s last call at the bar and start to say their goodbyes. If the backyard space was properly lit, the party could easily continue into the night. Up lighting on trees & bushes, lighted walkways, and flood lights located within the landscape can help keep the fun going without skipping a beat. Lighting isn’t just for entertaining either. A properly lit home exterior can also help deter criminal behavior and keep your home safe.

Security

You’re laying in bed and you hear a noise outside. Is that an intruder or is it just an animal? Before the panic sets in, grab your iPad and check your surveillance cameras. You see it was just a racoon trying to get into your garbage. You make a mental note to double check the garbage cans are properly secured in the morning and you gently fall back to sleep. Surveillance cameras can provide peace of mind and give you an extra sense of security whether you’re home or traveling.

There are so many ways to take your outdoor spaces from ordinary to extraordinary with the proper planning and expertise. Are you ready to take your outdoor living to the next level? Contact us to learn more about how we can help you design the ultimate backyard oasis.