Building Luxury Outdoor Living Spaces In the Desert
Your outdoor space is an extension of your home and should be treated with as much care as your interior.
Around 76% of those with a yard say it’s one of the most important areas in their homes.
You may think that because you live in the desert you can’t make your outdoor space inviting, but that’s not the case.
There are many factors to consider when building luxury outdoor living spaces.
Create spaces that are perfect for lounging in the sun, enjoying a meal, or sipping on your morning coffee.
Extend the square footage of your home by designing a well-functioning desert climate living space.
Designing desert outdoor decor is so much more than an umbrella and picnic table.
This blog will discuss some of our top tips and tricks for creating an outdoor sanctuary.
Create lasting memories with your loved ones.
Planning Your Desert Outdoor Living Space
Sketching out your vision for your backyard and compiling a feature wishlist are two of the first things you should do.
Do you want to create a fully functioning patio, complete with an outdoor kitchen and bathroom? Perhaps you want a shaded area by your pool for people to gather.
You should also check out your natural surroundings.
There may be some aspects of your yard that you want to keep intact instead of having them ripped out.
Creating a plan before you contact a professional will help keep your vision in check during the design process.
Creating Comfortable Seating Areas
We recommend using high-end outdoor furniture in your outdoor design space.
Furniture made with cast aluminum or all-wicker is suitable enough to withstand high temperatures.
One of the easiest ways to designate your seating spaces is by installing a shaded structure.
Shaded areas are essential in the desert.
The type of structure you choose depends on your style and preference.
Gazebo
Gazebos typically have six or eight sides.
They’re usually open to the air and may have a railing or a half wall.
These structures are built similarly to a house and can be designed to mimic your current home.
Pergola
Pergolas sometimes have retractable or full roofs if you’re using them mostly for shade.
Some pergolas just have beams hanging intermittently across the top.
You can install shade cloth across the top.
Outdoor Kitchens and Dining Spaces
Imagine preparing a family meal or hosting a barbecue under the stars in your outdoor space.
One of our top luxury patio ideas is to create kitchen and dining spaces.
It is important to keep your outdoor kitchen completely shaded.
Preparing food in direct sunlight can be very uncomfortable.
The sunlight can also make your appliances get very hot.
Consider building your outdoor kitchen on the shadiest side of your home.
Some of the things you can use to add shade include:
- Canopies
- Awnings
- Umbrellas
You’ll want to consider the layout of your outdoor kitchen just like you would your indoor one.
Create a space for you to prepare and cook food without your guests getting in the way.
The appliances you have installed in your outdoor kitchen depend on your needs and preferences.
Popular choices include:
- Grill
- Vent hood
- Pizza oven
- Sink
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Smoker
Landscaping for Luxury Desert Spaces
While desert landscaping does present unique challenges, you can overcome them by choosing temperature-hardy and drought-resistant plants.
A few things you’ll need to know ahead of time include:
- Your home’s hardiness zones
- Where the light falls in your yard
- Your soil
- Where the wind is the strongest
The desert’s climate is full of extreme temperatures – it can be very warm during the day and get chilly in the evening.
You’ll also want to think about different ways to enjoy your outdoor space depending on what time of day it is.
Consider incorporating desert color palettes into your landscaping.
While the majority of colors in these schemes are muted, there are ways to add subtle or bright colors.
Examples of plants that may work for your climate include:
- Cacti
- Succulents
- Desert wildflowers
- Russian sage
- Lavender
- Salvia
- Rosemary
Container gardening is a popular choice for those living in desert climates.
Planting directly in the soil can be challenging due to the rocky, dry, and sandy soil.
You’ll also have creative freedom in the colors and styles of pots you choose.
We recommend incorporating gravel, stone, and water features into your landscaping.
This is a great way to add visual interest to your space.
Fountains also create the idea that your yard is an oasis in a sea of sand.
Enhancing Your Desert Outdoor Space With Luxury Features
There are no limits to the luxury features you can add to your backyard.
A few of our favorite things to include in backyard designs include:
- Outdoor fireplaces and fire pits
- Koi ponds
- Spa or hot tub
- Swimming pool
- Pavilion or gazebo
- Outdoor shower and bathroom
- Outdoor movie theater
- Outdoor bar
- Sports court
- Outdoor sound systems and lighting
Lighting isn’t just a way to add sophistication to your yard – it’s also an important safety feature.
Solar or electric lighting can set a specific mood and create a focal point.
Lighting options include decorative sconces to hanging lanterns.
Another one of our favorite luxury features is misting systems.
These systems use the power of flash evaporation to instantly cool a space.
Misting systems can lower the temperature of your patio from around 15 to 20°.
Get Help Building Luxury Outdoor Living Spaces in Phoenix
A lot of thought goes into building luxury outdoor living spaces.
Not only do you want to create an inviting and attractive space, but you also want to create an environment that’s welcoming to go into when it’s warm.
That’s why partnering with an experienced builder in Phoenix is your key to success.
The team at 4 Gen Homes hopes our desert landscaping tips get your creative juices flowing when thinking about your yard.
We have experience working on luxury homes throughout Phoenix, creating amazing outdoor spaces.
Contact our office to schedule a consultation with one of our outdoor designers.
Looking for an Outdoor Construction Contractor in Phoenix?
Discover excellence with 4 Gen Homes. We specialize in luxury custom outdoor construction projects, transforming your outdoor space into a dream area! With our expertise, we bring your vision to life. Contact Us for Your Outdoor Construction Needs Or call (602) 694-7030 today to set up a consultation!