Whidbey Island attracts people who are drawn to its natural beauty and outdoor lifestyle. Do you want to host dinner parties under the stars or enjoy casual family meals surrounded by nature? With thoughtful design you can turn your outdoor spaces into delightful places to share.
Incorporating the Island’s Natural Beauty
Without a doubt, you’ll want to identify the best views and take them into account when designing your custom home. Large decks, terraces, and patios can be oriented to take advantage of the stunning sunsets over the Sound or the sweeping mountain vistas. Additionally, the architect or interior designer will specify natural materials like wood, stone, and slate that will further create a seamless transition between your home and the landscape.
Some custom homes by Boren Construction feature cantilevered flat roofs. What a distinctive feature! Also note the wide stair steps on this modern Whidbey Island home.
Covered Spaces for Almost Year-Round Enjoyment
While Whidbey Island’s summers are idyllic, the Pacific Northwest is well known for its rainy seasons. By incorporating covered outdoor spaces, such as pergolas with retractable canopies or fully covered patios, you ensure that your outdoor dining and entertaining areas are usable year-round. Heating options like fire pits, outdoor fireplaces, or infrared heaters can add warmth on chillier evenings, extending the outdoor season well into the fall and possibly the winter months.
Outdoor Kitchens: A Practical Entertaining Hub
For those who love to entertain, an outdoor kitchen might be a desirable option. A fully equipped kitchen with a built-in grill, a pizza oven, and even a refrigerator allows you to prepare meals without having to continuously walk back and forth into the house. Adding storage, prep spaces, and a bar area ensures your outdoor kitchen can handle a variety of ocassions from casual family barbecues to large gatherings with ease. Choose durable materials like stainless steel and weather-resistant countertops to withstand the elements and keep your space looking pristine.
Custom Homes on Whidbey Island by Boren Construciton; This dramatic hilltop home features multiple outdoor entertainment spaces as well as sliding doors that open up the living and dining rooms to the outdoors.
Creating Cozy Dining Areas
Designing intimate and functional dining spaces outdoors is key to creating an inviting atmosphere. Consider incorporating custom-built furniture or built-in seating around a central dining table. Weather-resistant cushions, rugs, and lighting help soften the space while adding comfort and ambiance. String lights, lanterns, or hanging pendant lights can provide a warm glow, making your dining area perfect for both daytime and evening entertaining.
Landscaping and Privacy
One of the benefits of a custom home on Whidbey Island is the ability to design your landscape to complement your outdoor living spaces. Strategic landscaping can help define your dining and entertaining areas while providing privacy from neighbors or passing wildlife. Native plants, water features, and stone pathways can enhance the natural feel of your home’s exterior. Tall trees, shrubs, or even privacy screens can create an intimate space where you can relax and enjoy your meals in peace.
This porch is inside the foot print of this home by Boren Construction which makes it a little different. It’s a particularly cozy inside and outside design.
Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Options
For environmentally conscious homeowners, there are several sustainable design choices you can make for your outdoor dining areas. Opt for energy-efficient lighting, such as solar-powered lights or LED fixtures. Reclaimed wood and recycled materials can be used for decks, furniture, and even outdoor kitchens. Additionally, installing rainwater collection systems or native, drought-tolerant plants in your landscaping will reduce water usage and align your outdoor spaces with the eco-friendly values of Whidbey Island living.
Smart Technology for an Enhanced Experience
Some custom homes take entertaining to the next level with smart home technology. Integrated sound systems and automated lighting controls can create the perfect ambiance with just the touch of a button. Imagine cuing the music for a quite dinner or a lively gathering without ever having to leave your seat. These tech-savvy features add a modern touch to your custom outdoor space.
By focusing on these design, landscaping and sustainability elements your custom home on Whidbey Island will perfectly reflect the natural beauty of the PNW region.
