outdoor living

Outdoor living rooms have been a leading trend in landscape design for several years. The only apparent drawback: our harsh Canadian climate. No need to worry though. With good design and some well-informed shopping, you can turn your backyard into a cozy enclave tailor-made for autumn entertaining.

Turn up the heat

Nothing heats up a backyard like a hot tub. More than just an outdoor whirlpool, today's latest models now feature anywhere from 30 to 70 jets, and everything from an iPod or MP3 dock and pop-up speakers to programmable lighting and aromatherapy systems.

These features elevate the hot tub design-wise, but the real secret to creating a modern-day hot-tub refuge in your outdoor space is seamlessly integrating the tub into your backyard design. For example, instead of placing the tub on top of the deck, install it directly into the deck surface to create the look of a sunken tub. The same approach can be used on a stone patio, where a hot tub takes on the appearance of a small pool. Another option is to construct a designated spot for the hot tub. One option is to add an extension to the deck where your hot tub is the focal point of a special relaxing zone, or you can create your own outdoor island-style spa by situating the tub under a gazebo or pergola. On its own, a hot tub can also be surrounded with a privacy screen of trellis or tall evergreens to create intimacy and impact.

Warm up the atmosphere

Another great way to stretch the summer season is to use patio heaters: They take the chill out of an autumn night and make eating out and entertaining on the patio or deck not just possible, but thoroughly comfortable. (They're also great accessories for your hot tubs.) Aside from classic styles, on a stand fuelled by propane, new options include models that run on natural gas, plug-in electric heaters designed to attach underneath patio umbrellas, tabletop heaters, as well as small decorative heaters (encased in 10” x 10” cube containers) that use canisters of gel fuel, and can be placed anywhere to add a warm glow and accessorize your great outdoors.

Fire up your imagination

Sitting around a fire is a longtime, favourite Canadian pastime and most of us can enjoy that experience right in your own backyard with a portable fire pit. (Do, however, check your local bylaws before collecting your kindling, as some restrictions and curfews do exist for backyard open-air fires in some cities.)

The latest range in portable fireplace designs make it simple to choose one that suits your décor taste—whether you prefer the sleek, modern look of iron and steel, a traditional fire pit placed on a wrought-iron or wicker-look stand, or a more authentic take on the campfire with a fire pit surrounded in stone.

Cozy up outside

For another way to warm up your backyard experience, think comfort. Cozy outdoor furniture with plush upholstery and living room-like details fits the bill. Comfy sofas and sectionals, arm chairs, ottomans and coffee and side tables, in either streamlined contemporary looks or more traditional styles, extend your living space and your outdoor entertaining season.

If you want to take the indoor-outdoor idea further, there's also the option of creating a literal outdoor room—whether a screened-in porch, an addition or even a refurbished garage or shed—that is a wired and heated home away from home where you can lounge until the snow falls.