We’ve been cooped up indoors long enough. Now that the sun’s (mostly) shining and spring is well underway, it’s time to start thinking about migrating outdoors. While a pool is always a welcome addition to any backyard, wow factors like an outdoor living room, dining area and kitchen also can make a splash.
If you’re not sure where to start to upgrade your outdoor entertaining area this season, or if you’re simply looking for inspiration for a future project, check out these open-air spaces, all of which have been featured in NJ HOME and its sister publications, BERGEN and MORRIS & ESSEX magazines.
This Washington Township backyard was once a wasteland, according to the homeowners. But Arapahoe Landscape & Pool Contractors turned the space in Bergen County into an entertaining go-to, creating five tiers of outdoor living, including a lagoon-style pool, kitchen and lounge area.
A Wyckoff backyard was turned into a seaside resort thanks to the folks at Thomas Flint Landscape Design & Development. Once a heavily wooded section of the property, the space was outfitted with a pool, patio and full pool house with an outdoor shower, kitchen and searing area.
Designer Wellington Gomes of SJ Pools and Landscaping spearheaded the renovation of this Englewood yard, which features a custom-built hot tub that perfectly aligns with a deep-end fire pit. Lounges with integrated cabanas provide the perfect perch, while a pergola area includes kitchen facilities, seating and a screen for entertainment.
Landscape designer Miles Kuperus of Farmside Landscape & Design and B&B Pool and Spa had a relatively blank slate with which to work in this Chester yard. They filled the mostly grassy space with a vanishing edge pool, entertaining area, pergola and fire pit.
Rich Andreu of Exclusive Stoneworks helped turn an uninspired Pompton Plains backyard into a stunning entertainment haven. Today, a cobblestone walkway connects the driveway to a pergola-covered patio with barbecue island, a fire pit and the main deck.
At this Kinnelon home, the infinity pool and landscape design by SJ Pools and Landscaping was inspired by the builder’s family ski trips to Colorado. Palm trees, surrounding plants and fire table spread the vacation spirit.
The team at CLC Landscape Design squeezed everything the owners wanted into their Franklin Lakes backyard. Once completed, the design included an outdoor kitchen and eating area, a living room and fireplace and a water feature with spa.
Want to see more New Jersey home projects? Click here to read the latest issue of NJ HOME.