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| Enjoying the outdoors with
a friend- Photo by Rob Felt |
The Indoors Moves To the Great Outdoors
By Shar Peters
For years, homeowners
have been bringing the outdoors in with plants,
décor and casual furnishings. Now, trends
show that the indoors is making its way out. Many
landscapers, builders and remodelers are focusing
on personalized outdoor living areas, fireplaces
and garden amenities. Larger and more sophisticated
outdoor grills are leading the way to looking
beyond the walls of the home for entertaining.
Complete outdoor kitchens are emerging and gaining
in popularity. No longer is the grilling chef
stuck outdoors while the rest of the party carries
on inside. And no longer do hosts have to worry
about spills and accidents inside their expensively
decorated homes--they just send their guests outdoors.
Creating outdoor rooms and living areas is no
small business. The US Census Bureau recently
reported that consumers spend over $40 billion
annually on upgrades to their outdoor living and
gardening areas. In many instances, the heart
of the home is moving beyond walls as homeowners
look to the great outdoors, with trees for walls
and the sky for ceilings, as their entertainment
areas. Screened porches and expansive decks might
include decorative fireplaces, musical swings,
outdoor televisions and even air conditioners
and heaters. The possibilities are endless.
According to Scott Batchelor, who along with
Shane LeBlanc, are co-owners of Selective Designs
in Peachtree City, "Just about anything used indoors
can now be moved outside, including refrigerators,
ice makers, beer dispensers, ovens, patio heaters,
fans and more."
Selective Designs is one of the firms in the
area specializing in outdoor kitchens and products,
as well as landscaping design and stonework.
Batchelor remarks, "The demand for creating outdoor
kitchens and living areas is rising. As consumer
demand for relaxing environments increases, manufacturers
are responding with more luxury products to provide
customized environments outside the home."
Robbi Martin, co-owner of Andy's Discount Nursery
and Landscape Co., Inc., in Fayetteville and Newnan,
agrees. "We've seen a huge trend in outdoor kitchens
over the past two to three years. It seems people
are entertaining more at home." Landscaping and
hardscaping are becoming necessary home improvements.
Martin goes on to say, "Homeowners are adding
outdoor fireplaces and firepits along with ponds
and water features. Plus,
people are using a lot of rock work and pavers
in their landscapes."
In order to expand entertaining and outdoor living
areas some homeowners are discovering ways to
utilize little-used existing spaces. Large, sprawling
houses with vast decks that usually run the length
of the house have always been great entertaining
areas. Underneath most of these decks, may be
cement slabs or patios.
Unfortunately, these areas get wet when the rainwater
streams through the decking boards, making them
unusable during inclement weather. In addition,
if the area under the deck rarely receives sunshine,
mildew and mold can develop making the area unappealing.
However, homeowners are finding a practical and
attractive solution for this area that gives them
additional living and entertaining space.
Theo Kadzadzis, of DeckPorch in Peachtree City,
has developed a system that consists of aluminum
interlocking panels that fit under a deck and
divert the rainwater to the gutters, keeping the
area underneath dry. Kadzadzis adds that many
customers choose to screen in the areas underneath
their decks, creating another room or porch.
"I began this business about seven years ago,"
explains Kadzadzis, "because I felt there was
a better solution than what was on the
market. At that time, the underdeck systems were
half-round tubes. My flat system is more attractive."
Victoria Sanders of Atlanta recently used DeckPorch's
underdecking products to add to the livability
of her home and increase its value. "Theo created
a 12x16 foot screened porch area on our main level
deck. The deck above the porch came off of our
master bedroom, so he used this existing deck
and his decking system to provide a ceiling for
the porch underneath."
She adds that he also put the rust-free decking
system underneath the main level deck that runs
the length of the back of the house providing
a ceiling system for the patio below and keeping
it dry. "We now have two full areas to enjoy regardless
of the weather," Sanders comments. Ceiling fans
and lights were also installed to add to the ambience
and livability of the areas. "Theo color coordinated
the materials with the existing trim color and
it looks like his system was originally part of
the house, not an add-on. It's very attractive."
Buddy Hayes of Tyrone also speaks highly of the
DeckPorch system. Kadzadzis installed DeckPorch
under Hayes' deck to keep the cement slab area
under it dry. "This added a unique, aesthetic
element to the home. It also gives us a new area
to sit that is dry. Plus," Hayes adds, "I have
no doubt that it adds value to our home."
Helping families get the most out of their outdoor
living space has been the goal of Hollingsworth
Design Group Inc. for more than 20 years. Waterfalls,
lighting, landscaping, patios, outdoor kitchens,
pool houses and pool houses--there's no dream
so far-fetched that the husband-and-wife team
of David and Carmen Hollingsworth and their army
of expert contractors can't make it a reality.
"For new construction and renovation projects
alike, we can see you through from design to installation,"
Mrs. Hollingsworth says. "Our unique design process
takes into consideration the architecture of the
home, the client's lifestyle, desires and budget
to create an outdoor environment they've always
wanted."
Empty-nesters are becoming an ever-increasing
part of their business. With the children grown
and out of the house, these couples want their
backyards transformed from a kid's play area to
a sophisticated adult hangout. In the yard of
a 1970s home in Peachtree City, the firm constructed
a patio and added a water feature with an elevated
garden. This renovation actually extended the
client's living space by creating an "outdoor
room' and a beautiful view from inside the house.
In days past, outdoor lighting meant a yellow
light bulb that attracted moths to the porch or
maybe the blue glow and sizzling sound of a bug
zapper. No more.
Jonathan Cooper and his team of experts at Light
Visions Outdoor Lighting brighten the night with
elegance and practicality. Cooper says their low
voltage landscape lighting lets them create a
work of art, enhancing the beauty and value of
the home. By creating an inviting nighttime landscape,
homeowners can double the time they enjoy in their
yards.
Low voltage lights, strategically placed throughout
the property, are better choices for security
than high voltage floodlights that leave dark
shadows and uneven lighting. They can accent the
shapes and textures of a landscape and its structures
and are excellent choices for illuminating walkways
and entranceways. Low voltage lighting uses about
one-third the electricity of high voltage lighting.
Want a quick room makeover from the ground up?
The area rugs sold at their Peachtree City store
are an easy and relatively inexpensive way to
go, says Michelle Meigs of Kemp's Dalton West
Carpets, which opened in 1976 and has locations
in LaGrange and Newnan, in addition to Peachtree
City.
Wall-to-wall carpet is still the most popular
floorcovering, Ms. Meigs says, with frieze carpeting,
a new twist on the old shag, leading the way.
"It's tightly woven so you get the benefits of
the Berber loop, but softer." Softness is the
current buzzword. New fibers are making it possible
to combine tight texture with comfort for the
feet.
The timeless beauty of hardwood flooring will
probably always be the choice for many homeowners.
A dustless refinishing system used by Dalton West
can help the floors regain their warmth, while
keeping the mess to a minimum. Ms. Meigs said
the color can even by changed on some floors.
There is no question that outdoor projects done
right add worth to new and existing homes. It
will be exciting to see what novel products and
accessories will make their way outdoors. Look
for innovative landscapers, homebuilders and remodelers
to continue to bring the comforts and conveniences
of the indoors to the great outdoors. Who knows,
your new kitchen and family room may be right
out your back door.
6 Small Ways to Make a Big
Impact on Your Home
(For under $1000)
Improving your yard and home shouldn't take a
second mortgage. In fact, you can dramatically
change the look of your property without even
hiring a professional. Although the thought of
making big changes can be overwhelming, don't
worry! Just because you do it yourself doesn't
mean you have to do it by yourself. Once you have
an idea, visit your local equipment rental store,
such as Nickell Rental, and they will help you
with the rest. Need help coming up with ideas?
Try these simple ways to make your home as inviting
on the outside as it is on the inside.
Project:
Redesign Your Landscaping
Estimated Cost: $987
Supplies: Mini Skid Steer, 2 to 3 trees, some
bushes, flowers, bedding
Give your yard a complete makeover by changing
the plant life and the shape of the beds. New
flowers and trees can give your yard the color
and
texture it needs, and by
using a mini skid steer, you'll
have it done in no time. Don't be fooled; if you
can steer a shopping cart, you can use this piece
of equipment.
Project: Install
aSprinkler System
Estimated Cost: $714 for a 1-acre lot
Supplies: Walk-Behind Trencher & a Do-It-Yourself
Sprinkler Design Service like those at www.rainbird.com
Keep your lawn watered and your neighbors jealous
by adding a sprinkler system. The days of dragging
the hose around your yard and seeing dry, brown
patches of grass are over.
Project: Clean Your
House, Driveway and Sidewalks
Estimated Cost: $495
Supplies; Towable Bucket Lift, Pressure Washer,
Hydro Scrub
Make your house sparkle by pressure washing it.
Driveways and sidewalks are often overlooked,
but cleaning them can be a quick and easy way
to make your house look like new. Want at cheaper
option? Replace the Bucket Lift with a Ladder,
and drop the cost to about $260.
Project: Beautify
Your Flower Beds
Estimated Cost: $336
Supplies: Tiller, Bedding Edger, Flowers
Upgrade that worn-out flower bed and opt for
a more contemporary style. Keep the flowers looking
their best with freshly tilled soil and the borders
clean with an edger.
Project: Ease Drainage
and Erosion Problems
Estimated Cost: $331
Supplies: Mini Excavator or Mini Backhoe, River
Rock
Tired of seeing your yard wash away with a bad
rainstorm? Add a dry creek bed to keep dirt in
its place.
Project: Get Green
Grass Year-Round
Estimated Cost: $157
Supplies: Aerator, Spreader, Lime, Winter Rye
Make your yard look like it's done by the pros.
During the winter, prepare your soil to get greener
grass in the summer by aerating and liming your
lawn. Then, overseed with Winter Rye to keep your
yard green in the winter months. Winter Rye also
helps to control weeds and erosion.
For more helpful tips and
ideas, call Nickell Rental at
770.253.4242 or visit them online at www.NickellRental.com.
FloorCo & West Georgia Decorating
FloorCo
Having just finished its first year in business,
FloorCo fills a unique niche in the design, builder
and renovation community south of Atlanta. Inspired
by the Miami Circle concept, owners Regan and
Belinda Williams have created a true designer
showroom for FloorCo members.
The 6,000 square foot design center showcases
one of the broadest selections of flooring in
the Atlanta area. From traditional broadlooms,
hardwoods and ceramics to the more exotic corks,
stones and boutique tiles, the FloorCo member
has access to a full design palette.
West Georgia Decorating
At West Georgia Decorating, Inc., experience
and high standards are the guidelines for every
residential and commercial job they handlewhether
it's an addition, basement or whole house renovation.
A design and build company, they specialize in
kitchens and bathrooms.
Personalized attention is the watchword at West
Georgia Decorating. The staff works very closely
with clients, wanting them to be on hand so they
can design to meet their needs. Since they've
been in insurance restoration and home improvement
since 1970, they have a long list of satisfied
customers.
"Each of our lead personnel has years of experience
in their field," says Ron Reets, Head Estimator
& Project Manager. "We use quality materials
and perform 90% of our work with our own crews
so that we can control the quality of the work."
West Georgia Decorating features Wellborn cabinets,
an industry leader, and their installers have
been factory trained.
