Summers in Summit County, Colorado, are a celebration of nature’s grandeur. With crisp mountain air, panoramic alpine views, and abundant sunshine, it’s the perfect time to extend your living space outdoors. Whether you’re nestled in Breckenridge, Silverthorne, or Frisco, crafting a luxurious and functional outdoor area can transform your home into a summer sanctuary.
Positioning your outdoor space to capture the majestic mountain vistas is paramount. South-facing decks bask in sunlight throughout the day, ideal for morning coffees and evening gatherings. East-facing patios greet the sunrise, offering gentle morning warmth, while west-facing areas provide stunning sunset backdrops. Understanding the orientation not only enhances the visual appeal but also optimizes comfort by considering sun exposure and prevailing winds.
Creating a fluid transition between indoor and outdoor spaces enhances the overall living experience. Incorporating features like sliding glass doors or retractable wall systems blurs the boundaries, allowing for easy movement and a cohesive design aesthetic. This seamless integration invites natural light indoors and encourages frequent use of outdoor areas.
Fire Features: Mountain evenings can be cool, even in summer. Incorporating fire pits or outdoor fireplaces not only provides warmth but also creates a cozy ambiance, encouraging longer outdoor enjoyment Next Luxury
Outdoor Kitchens: While Summit County’s summer is brief, outdoor kitchens can still be a valuable addition. Opt for compact, efficient designs equipped with essentials like a grill and prep area, allowing for delightful al fresco dining experiences.
Durable Furnishings: Select furniture made from weather-resistant materials like teak, metal, or all-weather wicker. Incorporate plush cushions and throws in earthy tones to reflect the surrounding landscape and provide comfort.
Utilizing native plants such as Colorado blue spruce, aspen, and Rocky Mountain juniper ensures resilience and low maintenance—though keep in mind that some, like juniper, may be considered fire hazards in certain areas and could impact insurance. These species are well-suited to the local climate and bring year-round visual appeal to your outdoor space.
To add structure and seasonal color, consider planter boxes or raised beds filled with hardy, high-altitude-friendly plants. Cool-season vegetables like kale, lettuce, and radishes thrive in our short growing window, while flowers like violas, snapdragons, and alyssum provide early and long-lasting blooms. For a pop of color and to attract hummingbirds, look for the vibrant hanging baskets like those along Main Street in Breckenridge each summer—many local nurseries like The Garden Path and Neils Lunceford Landscaping offer similar baskets perfect for patios and porches. These not only elevate your space but also support pollinators and wildlife.
Extend the usability of your outdoor space into the evening with thoughtful lighting. String lights, lanterns, and built-in LED fixtures can add warmth, visibility, and a welcoming glow. Well-placed lighting also improves safety and draws attention to architectural details and landscape features, helping to create an inviting and polished outdoor environment.
Keep in mind that many areas in Summit County have regulations requiring outdoor lighting to be dark sky compliant. This means fixtures must minimize light pollution by directing illumination downward and reducing glare. When planning your lighting design, be sure to choose options that meet local guidelines to preserve the natural night sky and stay in compliance with town or county codes.
Ready to transform your outdoor space? Contact The Skinner Team today to explore properties with exceptional outdoor living areas or to get expert advice on enhancing your current home’s exterior.
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