Archive for the ‘Patios and Sunrooms’ Category

It may be too late where you live to have an Indian Summer barbecue, but many Americans live in mild climates with seasonally warm winters. For them, and for those of you saving up to improve your patio come springtime, let’s have a look at outdoor patio heaters.

Most consumers choose natural gas power to stoke their outdoor heaters. Models come fired by gas, wood, and electricity. There’s a dizzying assortment of heaters on the market, from free-standing table heaters to pole or column heaters, to mobile rolling models. Along with the wide range of models comes a broad range of prices. You can land a portable, table-top model for around $70, or pay upwards of a hefty $900 for standing heater with accessories.

Choosing the Model for Your Patio
There’s  an assortment of models for large jobs, similar to ones you encounter in restaurants with outdoor dining. In Britain, outdoor heaters are installed outside bars and pubs to keep patrons warm when they’re banished outdoors to smoke their cigarettes and cigars.

Depending on your model and BTU output, an outdoor patio heater can blast out a circle of radiant heat for up to 20 feet, increasing temperatures in their zone by as much as 25 degrees. That’s toasty. There are also strip heaters that focus their warmth directly where you hang or aim them.

Most portable units are powered by propane, allowing you to move them where you need them. Fixed, in-ground heaters can have a greater BTU output and are connected to a natural gas line. You’re looking at installation costs along with these more pricey models.

Safety First on the Patio
Standing-model patio heaters come fitted into a heavy foundation, resisting tipping and wind.  Some are constructed with tilt shut-off switches that disconnect the power supply when the model leans over too far.

You’ll find that many outdoor heaters powered by propane or natural gas are lighted by igniters, much in the way you fire up outdoor barbecue units.  You’ll get around 12 hours of heat from a 20-pound propane tank.

Depending on your model, you can also choose overheating shutoff switches and adjustable pilot lights. Even models with heavy bases mounted on wheels usually have disconnect sensors in case you bounce them into something. Manufacturers carry hoods and covers, too. But it’s up to you to know when the winds are simply too strong to power up your heater.

In keeping with my attraction to alternative housing, I’m naturally really excited about the Metro Cabin.  I’m also pretty convinced that one day I will live in one.  If I’m lucky. 

Just look:                       Photo Credit: Metro Shed

And the really great part? They’re pre-fab.  You and a few of your closest (and handiest) friends can assemble them in a matter of days.  I can’t stop thinking of the different ways these could solve homeowner dilemmas.  What if you have the perfect house but you don’t have a guest room?  Tragic circumstances that might otherwise mean moving to accommodate your desire to have overnight visitors right?  Well, for a pretty reasonable price, you can get the guest room you need without spending the major dollars on a room addition.  Now that’s ingenuity I can appreciate.  And, if you tend to have those guests that are a little more high maintenance (we all know who they are), what a great excuse to get them out of your space! 

Re-Shaping How We See Sheds

While guest room is just the first option I can think of…the list could get very long.  Need an art studio for that passion you’ve been wanting to explore but just never had the space to inspire? No more excuses.  Metro Cabins could make a great studio for just about any hobby.  

There’s a unique design marriage of the rustic and the refined going on with this structure; it’s not overdone, and yet it does the job gracefully.   I love the sleek lines and simple elegance.  And I have a hunch you might too. 

You might find you like it so much you won’t want to leave.  And you won’t have to if you opt for the kitchen and bathroom packages that are available.  Even more reason to love the Metro Cabin!

Just stumbled across this amazing backyard on Design*Sponge. It’s the home of Meredith Kleinman, an interior designer and painter, and she has truly made me covet her home.

The interior is beautiful, but it’s the exterior that really got my attention.

The wood deck is complete with shaded sitting area. The three sided bench is a great use of custom carpentry, and takes the outdoor patio to a whole new level, perfect for family use or social gathering. Of course there needs to be a convered dining area too. And don’t miss the concrete work making the floor. 

Then there is the small sunroom with amazing tiny tile work just behind the sitting area. I love the return of tiny tile installation like this.

Then there’s the Japanese style bathhouse complete with outdoor shower. The sunny California weather is perfect for outdoor showers. And this one, complete with wooden Japanese inspired hot tub creates the perfect space.

If this doesn’t inspire you to start creating your own backyard oasis, I don’t know what will!

(Photo Credits: Design*Sponge, Meredith Kleinman)

All right, all right. I knew it would come.

I’ve been avoiding it like every other sun worshipping summer lover, but after all the ‘fall this’, ‘autumn that,’ I suppose it’s in our best interests to concede that maybe it might be time for another season’s transition, possibly… maybe.

What the onslaught of back to school sales and plaid scarves does not have to mean however, is that we have to sacrifice our time outside.  Not only do I refuse, but with a few cleverly crafted home ideas, you can eek out every last drop of valuable sunshine before you have to say good bye to it until spring or your next trip to a tropical location.

Get More From Every Ray

One of the best ways we know how to enjoy natural light all year long is by taking advantage of a sunroom addition or an enclosed patio.  Not only are you gaining some livable square footage, you’re gaining it in an area that’s sure to qualify for some quality time.  Think of barbeques long into October, cozying up with hot cocoa to watch the snow fall in 360 degrees. As much as I hate the thought now, when the season’s in full swing, I want to be as much a part of it as I can.  After all, if you’ve got the space, why not use it as much as possible right?         Photo Credit: Lindal Additions

Your options can also be as versatile as the climate.  If you want your enclosure to be modifiable during the summer months to regulate heat, there are many options for modular enclosures that can change along with the seasons. 

Factor in Some Sun Strategies

After a more budget friendly way to get your daily dose of vitamin D during the coming winter cold?  Bay windows are a great place to soak in the December sunshine.  Just make sure you choose well insulated and efficient windows to keep your home’s heating costs down. 

As for me, I’m not letting fall get me down just yet.  There’s still plenty of sunshine left, and I plan on making every bit count until it absolutely gets too crisp.  And then I’ll just have to console myself with some time on the slopes or some pumpkin pie.  (I suppose every season has its perks!)