10 Outdoor Living Spaces for New House Construction
If you’re considering building a lake home, there’s likely one main reason you’re thinking about it: you adore the outdoors. That’s the great thing about lakeside living: every space can be an escape, even if it’s outside. If you’re considering new house construction on the lake, don’t forget to work with your builder to design that perfect outdoor retreat into your home.
The trend in outdoor living spaces has been ongoing and it won’t be going away any time soon. As a lake home builder that focuses on new house construction, we’ve pulled together a collection of inspiring porches, decks, and patios—filled with inviting outdoor dining spaces, comfortable furnishings set around toasty fire pits and fireplaces, dreamy lighting, and natural flooring— that will help you get started.
Enjoy these 10 inspiring ideas for new house construction that will bring spring and summer enjoyment to your outdoor spaces.
Go Boho-Chic
The Bohemian lifestyle is unconventional and filled with life and culture. Our idea for creating a Boho-chic outdoor space embraces that lifestyle and gives you an outdoor haven for lounging alone or with an entire group of friends and family.
This backyard’s wood deck serves as a platform that entices togetherness. Find comfort in cozy rattan seating that surrounds an outdoor movie screen for unforgettable night-time enjoyment. Add a simple, but functional bit of comfort with inflatable mattresses, which can be covered with sheets and hand-knitted throws for warmth during the lake’s cooler moments.
Create a restful spot under the shade of trees with a hammock made of natural blankets—perfect for naps or reading a book. Then finish it off with lanterns and string lights to create a retreat that’s the envy of the neighborhood.
Dine in the Outdoors
Make every meal more memorable with a breathtaking outdoor dining room space. You’ll never want dinner to end with an outdoor space that makes every gathering more special.
Consider setting the stage with stone pavers and gravel to make this outdoor space as low-maintenance as possible. If you like the natural look, surround a table made from salvaged wood with vintage chairs and stools or benches that will easily withstand the weather.
Add a touch of ambiance with patio string lights and greenery like ferns or ivy to create a humble, but extraordinary space.
Contain Yourself
A covered patio can be an inviting outdoor space that feels every bit as cozy and breathtaking as one that’s more open.
This patio space brings pops of bright color that draw in the eye. The flooring features a bold Moroccan stencil that uses deep blue and turquoise against dark woods for a peaceful, but exotic look.
A large sectional sofa is accented with summery throws while a hanging rattan chair provides optimal space for relaxing.
It’s finished off with hanging Boston ferms and tropical plants, making it an enviable space for any home.
Furnish Your Patio
Centering your patio around a main focal point and extending your outdoor space using unique furnishings can make it a desirable spot for entertaining.
In this patio, Bluestone Texada pavers extend the footprint of the patio beyond the covered bar and sitting area and is housed within a 20’ by 30’ space. The bar, which is shorter under the roof and bar height on the outside, fits comfortably within that location to open up additional seating and to serve as a great space for beverages and snacks.
Create a conversation space with a patio fire bowl and add teak lounge chairs for ultimate comfort. Finish it off with greenery and outdoor lighting to create nighttime memories for years to come.
Get a Little Traditional
Southern-style patios offer a traditional flair with a hint of romance and are a perfect addition to any lake home.
In this patio, the outdoor seating area is designed around a breathtaking stone fireplace that serves as the focal point in any conversation. Consider flanking the fireplace with wide benches and lounge chairs for close, conversation-enhancing proximity.
For an added touch, a pergola and lanterns create an alluring ambiance, along with throw pillows, candles, and a coffee table that make it a dreamy spot for summertime enjoyment.
Make the Most of Lakeview Living
Pull out all of the stops on a lakeview patio, where you can enjoy the calm of lapping water from the comfort of your outdoor relaxation space.
With this patio, the fireplace is the focal point, which is surrounded by a blend of Chilton weather edge and limestone materials. A natural wood mantelpiece can hold a television so your family can watch the big game while cozying up to a warm fire. It’s entertainment at its best.
The outdoor seating sits upon Bluestone pavers for a natural, low-maintenance beauty you’ll appreciate any time of year.
Make a Statement
Are you a natural entertainer and want to incorporate an impressive outdoor area to your new house construction? Wow your guests with an outdoor space that will leave them in complete awe.
A classic white pergola made with pressure-treated wood, framed with composite veneer and cross members, is a visually stunning and unforgettable place to entertain your guests. Designed with simple pavers that allow for a hint of ground cover, it’s an idyllic space for parties or just a simple dinner.
Finish the design off with a long table, as well as bench seating and rattan dinner chairs for an added touch of sophistication.
Lounge in Style
Focusing on a front porch harkens to the days when families spent time on their front porches, waving at their neighbors. It can create immediate curb appeal for your home, too.
Adding a front porch swing to your home gives you a chance to enjoy fresh air and sunshine while still in the shade. Adding depth to the swing will give you the opportunity to get wrapped up in a good book or take an afternoon siesta.
The porch is designed with natural Bluestone, and a ceiling fan and throw pillows give you maximum comfort in the shade.
Commune with Nature
If you’re looking for an outdoor space that’s a bit more intimate, consider creating something that feels like a secret garden.
Here, a stack-stone retaining wall is beautifully decorated with succulents, flowers, and ferns that make it a perfect little hideaway. A fire pit and comfortable seating will create cozy conversations time and time again.
The space is complete with flagstone flooring for a natural aesthetic and trimmed with grass and greenery. Just add a view of the lake to make it complete.
Create a Private Oasis
Is an outdoor space that’s a haven away from the everyday your thing? Then consider a patio area that’s designed to truly be an escape when planning your new house construction.
We adore the upcycled coffee table in this space, built from palettes, which creates undeniable visual interest. Built-in bench seating surrounds the table, while a graphic area rug adds pops of color and grounds the space.
The trellis on this outdoor space serves as more than a home for growing vines and greenery. It’s also decorated with string lights and a lantern for soft mood lighting. Finish it off with more outdoor plants and pillows for a private oasis you’ll never want to leave.
Start Planning Your New House Construction
If you’re ready to start planning your new house construction on Lake Keowee, work with a builder that can help you every step of the way. More than just custom home contractors, Total Quality is your real estate agent to help you find the right lot, your designer to give your home what you envision, and your financial advisor to help you work within your budget and stay on track.
