Hot Housing Trends for 2008 - Courtyards, Ramadas & Outdoor Entertaining Spaces

Here in Arizona we enjoy beautiful weather year round with plenty of sunshine and very little rain. That makes it easy to understand why outdoor living and entertaining spaces have become such a hot commodity in this area. Many homebuyers are seeking spaces that combine the elements of outdoors and indoors to create flow through spaces and outdoor living and entertaining rooms.

Some custom home builders, architects and designers throughout the Valley have responded to this trend. Several new home designs like this one (pictured on the left) by Dean Drosos incorporate large gated entry courtyards that welcome you to the home. It sometimes even appears as if the courtyard gate is the main entry to the home.

Also cropping up are many designs that incorporate central courtyards like the one seen here (pictured on the right) that allow you to see into the courtyard as soon as you enter the home, and move easily from indoors to outdoors anywhere in the home.

Expansive covered patios, ramadas and gazebos provide shady retreats in the backyard. Incorporate with that a sparkling pool with a rock waterfall, a built-in BBQ or a full outdoor kitchen, and you have a resort style yard that is ready for everyday use or your next big event.

Home builders who recognize the benefits of these outdoor spaces, are also incorporating sound systems, ambient lighting and additional electrical outlets, creating a more welcoming atmosphere.

Bringing the elements of water and fire into an outdoor space tends to make it more attractive and inviting. Incorporating a fireplace can provide ambiance in the evening and offer warmth during the cooler winter months. Water features can be used for decorative effect and to create soothing sounds for a relaxing atmosphere. Some unique features, such as this one created by custom home builder Rising Sun Development, combines both water and fire in a central courtyard to create a stunning and dramatic effect.

New designs in outdoor furniture are making it easy to decorate your outdoor spaces for comfort and style. A variety of materials including iron, wood, aluminum and wicker offer options to fit with any decor. Many manufacturers are using Sunbrella fabrics which come in a variety of color combinations and are designed to be fade-proof and stain resistant for long lasting style.