Beautiful weather and warmer temperatures mean we're all ready to spend more time outdoors enjoying Hawaii’s natural beauty. And if we’ve learned anything from the last few months of limited travel, it’s that the right outdoor living space is crucial to enjoying time at home.

While most Hawaiians consider some type of outdoor living space as a standard feature of island life, the home construction trends for 2021 indicate that true outdoor living means more than just setting a few chairs out on the patio.

Today’s homes include outdoor spaces fully integrated with the rest of the home, and many even incorporate the same smart tech and high-end construction materials used indoors.

This means that whether you’re cooking in the kitchen or out on the patio, you’ll still be able to control the temperature, access the wifi, and protect your investment from the occasional inclement weather. 

So whether you’re building a new home or remodeling an existing space, here’s a few ideas to consider when planning the ideal outdoor living space. 

• Large scale living: Time to consider your outdoor space an extension of the actual home. This means designing a larger space that can incorporate outdoor furniture, dining options, and even entertainment options like music or movies. 

• Make the outdoor living space accessible from a common area of the home, like the kitchen or living area. And whenever possible, use sliding or retractable doors between the indoor and outdoor spaces to allow for a  full integration of the two spaces. 

• Invest in high-quality furniture that can withstand occasional exposure to the elements, but isn’t out of place with your indoor furniture and design aesthetic. And don’t forget to think beyond the standard dining table and chairs—a great outdoor space includes lounge furniture as well. 

• Consider equipping your outdoor cooking area with more than the standard grill. Outdoor refrigerators, food prep stations, and wet bars can help make outdoor space truly feel like resort-style accommodation.

• Hawaii may be known for its relatively temperature weather most of the year, but both the rainy season and the hotter summer months can wreak havoc on outdoor spaces. Make sure to include to protect your outdoor space with retractable roofing and walls, shade panels, or screens. 

• Get smart with technology that helps manage your space, from installing ceiling fans that can be managed via app to stay cool, adding solar panels to help power appliances, or just making your patio wifi accessible, the right tech can help transform the back deck into a home office, living room, or even entertainment center. 

Want more tips for outdoor living spaces? Check out our post on Lanai Living for a uniquely Hawaiian perspective on enjoying the beauty of nature from the comfort of your home. 

Remember, regardless of what your plans are for Summer 2021, an outdoor living space can only add to the value of your property— while also improving your time spent at home. Contact us today for budgeting tips, contractor recommendations, and design inspiration to make your home a true island oasis.