It is a standard design element to bring the outdoors in, but what about bringing the indoors out? In a state with plentiful sunshine and purple mountain majesties, an outdoor living space has become must-have in Colorado living. From full kitchens and weatherproof furniture to pergolas and fire pits, the options are endless when creating an outdoor space.
A key aspect of any outdoor living area is usability, and most homeowners investing in this type of space want to use it as many months out of the year as possible.
Scott Hamling, a real estate appraiser and Denver-area native, began his outdoor project last year and says it has been worth every hour of work and every penny spent. “This space is an extension of our home,” Hamling says. “We use it every day of the year. Just because it’s snowing outside doesn’t mean you have to stay inside.”
The ideas for the outdoor living area began when the Hamlings bought their 1902 farmhouse in the neighborhood Scott grew up. Sitting on a 17,000-square-foot lot, the house had an abundance of potential with lots of room to be creative.
“The house was previously owned by friends of my family and we jumped at the chance to buy in this neighborhood,” Hamling says. “And since we entertain quite a bit, the lot was the perfect size to fit our needs.”
The space was designed with three areas in mind – the living area, the dining area and the garden. The living and dining “rooms” are situated on each side of a two-sided fireplace, creating the perfect ambience for a sophisticated dinner party or an evening at home with the kids.
For entertaining friends and family, Scott and his wife, Kirsten, designed an in-place, concrete table that seats up to 12 guests and has a stainless steel trough down the center for candles, ice or drinks.
But this dining area is not just for summer barbeques. In the winter, the Hamlings put up a tent that surrounds the room and encloses the fireplace for festive gatherings during the holidays.
“The idea of using a tent came to us when we were planning a large Christmas party,” Hamling explains. “When we entertain, we like to make our guests feel special and incredibly welcomed. I think we accomplished that with the tent because everyone was so surprised when we went outside to our own little venue.”
The outdoor living space wouldn’t be complete for the Hamlings without a beautiful garden to enjoy throughout the year, and for a project of this magnitude, they knew they needed to call in a professional. With the help of landscape architect Wendy Booth, of the Ivy Street Design Group in Denver, the garden became one of the most important elements of the overall design.
“With this project, we wanted to create interest throughout the seasons,” Booth says. “And with Scott and Kirsten’s love of entertaining, it was important to plan a garden that would be beautiful and visually pleasing all year.”
The garden is an element of the design that not only provides beauty every day of the year, but also provides privacy for the Hamlings. Lined with trees on two sides, the garden includes a fish pond and water feature, as well as a nearby seating area.
Booth, who won an Award of Excellence from the Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado (ALCC) for this design, was recommended to the Hamlings through family friend and landscape contractor Paul Tighe. Through Booth’s design, Tighe built a spectacular fireplace, brick patio and concrete table.
Hamling says that when working with any professional, it is important to communicate throughout the entire process. “Paul, Wendy and I worked very closely together on this project,” Hamling says. “We listened to each other, tossed around ideas and were able to easily adapt to any obstacles thrown in our path.”
As with any major home improvement, consideration must be given to the primary reasons for remodeling the space. For many, the improvement provides a place to spend more time with family or to entertain guests. For others, it is a place to unwind in the peace and tranquility of Colorado’s fresh air after a long day. For the Hamlings, it is an extension of their home.
“This is our last home, the place we want to be for the next 30 to 40 years,” Hamling says. “This project made our house a perfect home.”
Emily Jack is a Longmont-based freelance writer.
Photos provided by Ivy Street Design Group in Denver.
