Memorial Day is just around the corner, the unofficial start to the summer season here on Long Beach Island and beach towns around New Jersey. Being outdoors, soaking up the sun and having fun is what summer at the Jersey Shore is all about. Parties and barbeque food for the holiday is a must-do on everyone’s list. So we thought we would list some of our favorite outdoor “must-haves” to include in your new custom beach home to make your summer more spectacular than ever!
Spill Over Spas – A Spill over spa is the perfect complement to any deck or pool. While you are relaxing in a therapeutic spa, your friends or kids can be splashing away and swimming beside you in the pool. These spas have special pumps and plumbing that allow them to circulate pool water. They constantly fill up with pool water, then waterfalls via the spillover channel to your pool. They work beautifully with flagstone or decorative decking.
Pergolas – A well designed and constructed pergola not only provides filtered protection from the sun, it can add beauty and definition to any deck or backyard area. Pergola’s can also be an extension of the home, or can stand-alone and provides protection for an open terrace. There are many designs, shapes and materials that can be used to create a Pergola, so the options are endless.
Fire pits and fireplaces – Fire pits have come a long way, they aren’t just a dirt hole in the ground with some sticks and wood. Today you can find bar height gas fire pits to place your drinks on, stone and concrete fire pits built right into your patio, and coffee table fire pits with fire glass. A fire pit may be better for entertaining because more people can sit around it. A custom outdoor fireplace offers an intimate setting for just a few people. It encourages intimate conversation and a romantic ambience. On cooler summer nights and even during the fall a fireplace place or pit can be just what your new custom home needs!
Outdoor kitchens- Outdoor kitchens continue to be one of the biggest outdoor trends this year. It can be as simple as a grill or as elaborate as a fully functional kitchen with a sink, beer station, countertops, pizza oven and refrigerator. Entertaining in your outdoor kitchen is a breeze and allows the hosts to engage their guests while preparing meals, drinks or snacks. Be sure that whatever kind of outdoor kitchen you decide on you have plenty of seating away from the heat source (grill, etc.) so that guest are comfortable. An outdoor kitchen is the perfect way to throw a barbeque for Memorial Day!
Outdoor living rooms – going hand in hand with the outdoor kitchen, outdoor living rooms and screened porches are also a big trend for this year. These extensions of your indoor space think beyond terraces and decks and offer better furnishings and can be combined with your fire pit or fireplace to create a warm, cozy relaxing oasis. Some homeowners even use curtains to define the space and include luxuries such as outdoor televisions and entertainment centers for added luxury.
With some or all of these outdoor living features you can not only have the best summer ever – you can extend the usability of your outdoor living space into the fall. For more information on building a custom home on LBI, contact Stonehenge Building & Development today and enjoy next Memorial Day in your new custom home!