Over the last ten years, weather patterns in the Pacific Northwest have become increasingly unpredictable. Extreme temperatures are now more common in both the winter and summer seasons, while floods are larger and more frequent year round. As the climate continues to change, experts anticipate a much stormier Pacific Northwest. They expect the number of extreme weather days to increase by a quarter by the end of the century. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Americans became more aware of climate change and its consequences. Wildfires, floods, droughts, heat waves and other disasters along the West Coast exposed our many vulnerabilities. At the same time, Americans became more appreciative of nature and prioritized time spent outdoors. Because of this, many West Coast residents have begun rethinking how we design, build and live in our homes. On the heels of the pandemic, residents want spaces that are more resilient and more adaptable. According to recent reports, homeowners have already started transforming their homes to meet these new expectations. Despite an economic recession, 2020 saw the greatest number of home improvement projects in US history. Market watchers expect 2021 to beat this new record, with homeowners focusing primarily on outdoor spaces. Writing for Forbes in March, Pamela N Danziger declared 2021 the “‘Year of the Yard.’” According to Danziger and a recent survey, “90% of Americans agree that their outdoor living space is more valuable than ever before.” Almost 80% of respondents to this survey “upgraded their outdoor living areas in 2020.” However, a surprising “88% of Americans are [still] dissatisfied with their outdoor spaces.” In the Pacific Northwest, homeowners are searching for ways to enjoy an indoor-outdoor lifestyle all year long. To transform your own outdoor space, follow below for eight ways to create a year-round outdoor space in the Pacific Northwest.
As we transition into Fall and the rainy season begins, entertaining guests in your backyard or on your patio becomes less appealing. However, there are a number of ways to make outdoor entertaining more feasible during the chilly, rainy months. Host al fresco dinner parties and weekend brunches all winter long with our tips for creating a year-round outdoor space in the Pacific Northwest.
By choosing indigenous plants, homeowners can mitigate these issues. Native plants of the Pacific Northwest are well-adapted to its unique terrain and climate. As such, adding indigenous species can help prevent a yard from flooding and puddles from forming. These species may also attract pollinators and other wildlife, creating a sustainable ecosystem in your backyard.
Easing the transition between outdoor and indoor spaces will make both the interior and exterior of your home feel larger and more inviting. Choosing flooring materials and furniture that match the interior of your home can also help ease the transition.
When choosing furniture for your transitional indoor-outdoor space, consider pieces with durable upholstery, sturdy frames and adaptable designs. If exposed to the elements, the wrong patio furniture will fade, crack and/or grow mold. For patio furniture that survives Pacific Northwest weather, avoid hydrophilic materials like wood and wicker. Also avoid metals that easily oxidize when exposed to moisture or are light enough to blow away on a gust of wind. Similarly, plastic furniture might discolor when exposed to the sun or crack if tossed by the wind.
Above all, The Washington Post writer Helen Carefoot recommends homeowners “buy the best-quality pieces [they] can afford.” In her article “How to choose outdoor furniture that will last,” Carefoot recommends opting for wrought iron or stainless steel pieces with “powder-coated finishes.” When picking upholstery for your patio furniture, opt for treated materials “that are protected from moisture and UV damage.” Consult with a designer for best results.
Plush rugs, insulated curtains and cozy blankets certainly help. However, they might not be enough to keep you and your guests warm on chilly winter nights in the Pacific Northwest. Make your outdoor living space more habitable year-round by installing a variety of heating implements. Consider working with a designer to install heated floors on your deck or patio. Purchase heat lamps, find a dining table with a built-in fire pit or invest in an outdoor fireplace. Consult with a professional before adding heating implements to your outdoor space to ensure adequate ventilation and reduce fire risk.
Outfitted with bars, stove tops and grills, outdoor kitchens provide the perfect place around which to gather and enjoy these activities together. Not sure where to begin? Work with a designer to determine the best way to layout your outdoor kitchen.
Keep your outdoor living space feeling fresh and fun all year-round by diversifying the layout. Instead of always gathering around the table on your covered porch, add a pair of bistro tables to your greenhouse for intimate dinners. Plant a vegetable garden near your outdoor kitchen to reinforce the idea that your yard is part of your living space. For a list of vegetables you can harvest in the Pacific Northwest through fall and winter, check out this gardening catalog from Washington University. Creating zones in your outdoor living area will prevent you and your guests from feeling stuck in a single space all winter long.
As mentioned above, numerous backyard and patio renovations require understanding of complex building codes, permitting processes and appropriate materials. When designing an outdoor living space in a climate as mercurial as that of the Pacific Northwest, working with a professional is vital. Ensure your deck stands up to high winds, your patio repels moisture and yard resists flooding by working with a design-build firm. With more than thirty years working in Snohomish County, the team at Vanderbeken Remodel understands how to tackle Pacific Northwest weather. Schedule a consultation to learn more.