Outdoor Living and Entertainment

Five Items to Include in your Outdoor Room Design for Maximum Fun

Outdoor living and entertainment along the coast - well, nothing can compare to the fun we have along the coast with outdoor dining, grilling, pool time or just being under the stars at night.  

Outdoor spaces are our personal places to escape to at the end of the work day - our personal resort to relax and unwind to escape work, computer, phone and television. It is your place to build fun memories with friends and family.  It is also the place that, if planned correctly, can increase the value of your home according to the American Institute of Architects.  For more information, read here. 

Here are the five items each outdoor space should have.  A bonus is included at the end.

1) Conversation Area

It may be basic but it still needs to be included.  The first space you want to plan for is your conversation area.  This is your main space to entertain guests or gather as a family.  Decide how people/chairs you should plan for.   Also, consider end tables or coffee table you may want.

Outdoor coffee tables are a favorite to provide extra storage or to put the feet up and relax.  While you may think an outdoor coffee table is not that important, a few things to consider is: Due to limited space, will this coffee table have dual functions such as coffee table or dining table if the space is not adequate for an outdoor table?  Remember as well, fall fire tables become summer coffee tables.

Outdoor cushions with deep seating are a favorite for added comfort for your family and guest.  Consult with one of our outdoor room designers to ensure you are purchasing the correct foam for your outdoor seating to last for many years of outdoor fun. Schedule here

Conversation area with deep seating for added comfort with fire table used as coffee table in the warmer weather. Made of solid cast aluminum and powder coated- resist rust, peeling and fading with Sunbrella fabric

2)  Fire Table

Summer coffee tables can soon turn to cool weather fire tables for dual purpose while providing year-round fun for an outdoor room.  I have been pleasantly surprised with how much we have enjoyed our outdoor fire table.  There are so many choices out there to coordinate with your design aesthetic and outdoor room. 

Fire tables are excellent on a chilly night to curl up with a good book and glass of wine, or invite friends over to chat, or enjoy S'mores with the kids by just flipping a switch.  No need to gather firewood.

For design inspiration: view our collection of outdoor fire tables.

3).   Retractable or Decorative Outdoor Screens

Quite often wind, sun or mosquitos can ruin your outdoor fun.  Screens are the perfect solution and these days, you have several options to choose from.  If you want to keep the 'open feeling,' an excellent solution is roll down/retractable screens.  Or, something unexpected and yet with a high-end look is the decorative screen.  Or stick with the basics, the standard DIY, enclosed screen. 

For design options:  view our outdoor screens

4).  Outdoor Table for Dining

Nothing brings people together more than food and let's face it, outdoor dining or BBQ with family and friends is the best!  You are no longer limited to a standard dining table but one with decorative features as shown below. Imagine impressing your guest with this outdoor dining table.  

At Riviera Outdoor Decor, we can coordinate comfortable cushion seating, outdoor curtains and placemats to coordinate your entire outdoor room. 

View our Collection of Outdoor TableCloths and Placemats

View our collection of: Outdoor TableCloths and Placema

Outdoor dining table with center fire feature- table, custom outdoor cushions, placemats and outdoor draperies available through Rivera Outdoor Decor

5).  Outdoor Kitchen

People love to gather where food is being prepared.  An outdoor BBQ or Grill is the perfect way to bring guest and family together.  Add in the right outdoor appliances with a social grill and everyone joins in the fun.  For those hot days, include an ice maker and refrigerator.  For added comfort, add in the right outdoor fans and screens for sun glare and pest control and find out how comfortable it is to dine under the stars.

At Riviera Outdoor Decor, we have an extensive collection of outdoor kitchens to select from - solid cast aluminum, stainless steel and marine grade stainless steel all powder coated to resist rust, peeling or fading.  European style and design with numerous options for outdoor appliances.

View our collection of outdoor kitchens

Cast aluminum outdoor kitchen and appliances by Riviera Outdoor Decor with custom outdoor cushions.

6). Bonus

Create a zone for outdoor games, dance floor and more.  With careful planning and a well designed outdoor room and kitchen, you will find you can get an excellent return on your investment.  Read our Blog regarding a study by the American Institute of Architects. 

View our collection of Outdoor Games