What is an Outside Living Area Called?

In the modern home design industry, there are endless terms and jargon that can confuse the average homeowner. One of the terms you might have heard thrown around in recent years is an “outside living area”. But what exactly is that? Let’s clear up the confusion and make it crystal clear for everyone!

The Concept of an Outside Living Area

When we say “outside living area,” we are referring to a carefully designed and constructed part of your house where the beauty of indoor living fuses perfectly with the charm of outdoor experiences. Right here, you enjoy the best of both worlds. Some call it an outdoor living room, some say it’s the patio, others say it’s the verandah or the lanai. But all these are just parts or specific types of the whole that make up the outside living area.

Different Terms for the Outside Living Area

Depending on personal preferences or regional dialect, an outside living area may be known differently. Let’s look into some of the well-known terminologies:

Patio: The term ‘patio’ comes from the Spanish word which means ‘back garden’ or ‘backyard’. Patios are generally uncovered, paved areas directly accessible from the house.

Verandah: This comes from India, and it describes a roofed platform along the outside of a house. It’s level with the ground floor and often enclosed by a railing.

Deck: Decks are usually constructed from wood, raised from the ground, sometimes even extending from the upper floors of the house.

Lanai: This term originates from Hawaii. A Lanai is a type of roofed, open-sided veranda, patio, or porch.

The Magic of Outside Living Areas

Irrespective of the name, an outside living area adds a magical touch to your home. It serves as your private escape zone, a place where you can enjoy nature up-close, entertain friends, or simply spend quality time with your family sans walls. What’s more, an aesthetically designed outside living area can substantially increase the value of your home!

Conclusion

So now you know, an outside living area doesn’t just refer to one structure but multiple ones under an all-encompassing umbrella. Whether it’s a patio, a deck, a verandah, or a lanai, it’s about extending your living space beyond the traditional four walls of your home and merging it with the captivating beauty of the outdoors. So, get ready to transform your outdoor spaces into your new favorite hangout spot!