“We spend our summers outside,” Linda said. “And honestly, if we can be out during the spring and fall, we are. We moved to Framingham because we love it and want to enjoy this great environment.” Linda’s not alone. Outdoor living has become a top priority for many homeowners, who intend to derive maximum enjoyment from their outdoor living spaces. This is influencing creative deck design in two primary ways: an emphasis on convenience and fun-boosting features.
“I don’t want to run into the house every time one of the kids wants a drink,” Linda said. “And let’s be real, with three little ones, someone always wants a drink.” She worked with her deck designers to create a versatile outdoor kitchen space. “We can grill. There’s space for entertaining. But my favorite, favorite part is the little fridge and the sink. It makes dealing with all those on-the-go snacks and clean up so simple.”
Other convenience boosting features include built in storage integrated into the deck’s seating. “Everyone’s not completely toilet trained at this point, so sometimes you’ve got to do an emergency change,” Linda explained. She flipped up a seat cushion to reveal an area stocked with diapers, wipes, and kid’s clothes. “This way, I don’t have to bring all of the kids indoors to change a diaper.” After her kids are older, Linda plans to use the compartment for toy storage. “As you can see, we have no shortage of toys!”
Linda’s deck isn’t just for the children. “Bedtime can be the best part of the day,” she said with a laugh. “Once the kids are asleep, my husband and I love relaxing out here under the stars.” Fire features are extremely popular deck upgrades right now, ranging from simple fire pits to built in fireplaces. In more urban areas, wood burning fire features are replaced by units that burn bioethanol.