Outdoor Oasis Ideas: Luxury Waterfront Exterior Design Tips

Posted by Dave Kotler on Monday, February 27th, 2023 at 12:18pm.

Outdoor Design Tips for Your Luxury Waterfront Home

Many people buy a luxury waterfront home for its location, so it's essential to make the outdoors as accessible and enjoyable as possible. Depending on location and access to amenities, there are a few key changes many property owners can make to see a marked improvement in their space and usage options. Keep reading for a closer look at a few design tips for luxury waterfront home outdoor spaces.

Begin With Beautiful Landscaping

Set the stage with a beautiful landscape design. Adding a dock may be an option for those who live on the lakefront itself, depending on local rules. If there is a small stripe of sand, it helps to clean it up and make it usable. If not, consider adding a green, grassy area, and plant a garden here if desired. The key is to transform the landscaping into a space that fits the home's luxury feel.

With enough property, it is possible to create various areas for numerous needs. This may include placing a few hardscaped features, like a retaining wall, to form flower beds or create a floral garden. A few trees, especially those that can provide shade during the summer months, may also be an ideal investment.

Traditional grass cutting can be challenging when living near the water, especially if the yard remains wet longer. For this reason, it may be ideal to plant a low-maintenance garden. Choose larger rocks, mulch-filled flower beds, and even a few walkways. It is possible to add in plants that grow without requiring a lot of trimming or overall care.

Make Admiring the View Easy

For luxury waterfront homeowners, the view is often everything. Make it possible to enjoy it fully. To accomplish this, focus on simple ways to relax and unwind outdoors. For example, it is possible to add a gazebo or a pergola to the home to create outdoor seating space and perhaps even a table for dining by the waterfront. It may also be a good place for some lounge chairs spread out so visitors can sit, relax with a drink, and watch the sunset around them.

Even an open-air patio can contribute to this. The right outdoor furniture that creates an inviting experience can help homeowners and visitors watch the sunrise and sunset steps away from their living room. Choose comfortable and easy-to-maintain furniture, especially if it will be exposed to the elements. That way, it maintains its luxury feel for longer.

If there is a dock near the home, it may also be possible to create a landing near it to get right up close to the waterfront itself. This is a great way to enjoy the feel and sound of the water from a few chairs and may also make an excellent place to do some fishing on early Saturday mornings.

An Outdoor Kitchen Makes Entertaining Easy

Host Guests with an Outdoor Kitchen

Adding an outdoor kitchen to the backyard creates a brand-new area to entertain and welcome people. It allows guests to stop by for dinner on the weekend, enjoy the view of the lake or river, and eat a fabulous meal while they do. An outdoor kitchen also allows homeowners to spend more time outdoors than being stuck inside over the stove.

An outdoor kitchen may include everything from a grill to a pizza oven. Consider a built-in, wood-fired oven for something a bit more luxurious. Another option is to add an outdoor bar. A bar with refrigerators and running water can be a perfect choice for those who do not want to prepare many meals outside but still want to entertain.

There are many benefits to an outdoor kitchen, including lower energy bills, less smoke and odour in the home, and increased property value. Outdoor kitchens can feature a custom-built table or bar area, many décors, and even a fireplace for those long nights into the fall.

Install a Private Dock

A private dock is an essential component of a luxury waterfront outdoor design. Why go out to the local marina when you want to use your boat if it can be docked right outside your back door instead? Installing a dock provides convenient access to take your boat out on the water, with no need to travel. It can also act as an attractive focal point that adds to the overall aesthetic value of your outdoor space. 

When choosing a dock, consider the type of boat you plan on using with it, how long you intend to keep it in the water during the year, and what materials will work best for your climate and conditions. Your dock should be designed to fit your specific needs and preferences but also be durable enough to withstand the elements.

Before you make any arrangements to purchase and install a dock, make sure you check with your HOA and local government to ensure that it's alright to build one. Some areas don't allow private docks, and even if they do, there may be certain restrictions or limitations you need to adhere to. 

Bring Everyone Together Around a Firepit

One of the best ways to enjoy cold nights is with a firepit. Once in place, they will become a favourite among those who want to spend more time at home while socializing. They can be large or simple and small for a more intimate experience.

Firepits come in all styles and shapes. They should be in an area where a fire can be safely built and maintained while people sit around it. The simplest models use stone or brick surrounding an opening for the fire, while others include metal fire rings. A few chairs around them, and everyone is sure to migrate to these areas to sit and talk well into the evening hours.

Highlight Your Work with Great Lighting

With all of these features in place, it is critical to have proper outdoor lighting to make spending time outside more enjoyable and comfortable. It's possible to choose from a range of lighting styles to create the desired ambiance.

Be sure to choose lighting that adheres to dark-sky standards that help protect the views of the stars above and create more of a feel of seclusion. At the same time, lights can be placed along pathways and patios to ensure safety while using these areas.

Explore the Ideal Luxury Waterfront Home

For those who long to have these amenities and features, the first step is to find the ideal luxury waterfront home. There are many reasons to create that outdoor feel desired, and for many people, this is what makes living a bit more meaningful and unique. Take a closer look at some properties in your area that could make outdoor living a part of your life.

Dave Kotler

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