Outdoor Living

Hampton Real Estate Magazine takes a look at outdoor living spaces now a must when building a new Hampton’s home.

Summer in the Hamptons may evoke the gorgeous Atlantic shoreline, but after spending a great day at the beach, your outdoor excitement has only just begun. Now you can entertain, wine, dine and watch huge flat screen TV’s all while keeping cozy by the fireplace in your own backyard. From BBQs to fully loaded kitchens to well-lit pergolas over your dining area, outdoor entertaining even includes the kitchen sink.

Al Giaquinto, President of Plum Builders in East Hampton says, summer in the Hamptons is “all about the outdoors.” He says, “The summer kitchen is very popular featuring a BBQ, prep area, under the counter refrigerators for veggies and drinks, a dishwasher, stainless steel cabinets, and the kitchen sink.” Pergolas over the dining area let the sunlight in and also provide shade. Covered porches with roll down screens keep the heat in and the bugs out. Sitting by the fire pit or fireplace will keep you and your guests cozy in the evening. And the enclosed pool house is fun for entertaining at night.

Bill Williams of Sotheby’s International Realty in East Hampton says the trend in outdoor entertaining has “become more elaborate over the past five years.” In addition to full outdoor kitchens with grills, refrigerators, wine chillers, and plate warmers, there are stand-alone outdoor chimneys and fireplaces featuring wood-burning pizza ovens. Big flat screen outdoor TV’s hang over the mantle of the fireplace or on the side of the house. Outdoor furniture made of cedar, mahogany or teak, weathers well. Pergolas let in light over the deck while rollout awnings provide shade. Strings of hanging lights and tabletop candles provide ambiance for nighttime dining.

Susan Breitenbach of The Corcoran Group in Bridgehampton says, “Outdoor living is in style with large outdoor kitchens, dining areas, bars, living rooms, fireplaces, pergolas, and even hot tubs and showers.” Pool houses for entertaining are trendy with sliding Nano doors opening up to the outdoors. Also cool are roof decks with comfortable outdoor furniture where you can relax and enjoy the ocean view.

Steve Pryzby of Farrell Building Company in Bridgehampton says, “The stand-alone outdoor fireplace and in-ground fire pit have become part of the landscape.” The fireplace is usually off the kitchen area, made of brick or stone and can be two stories high. The fire pit has walls around it with semi-in-ground seating. He describes the outdoor kitchen with all the amenities, including a separate big island with surrounding tall stools. Also trendy are bifold doors folding into each other opening the entire inside of the home to the outside.

Zerach Michel, Manager of the Patio Department at Hildreth’s in Southampton says, “Stainless steel and teak combos are very popular for contemporary and traditional outdoor furniture, including benches, tables, chairs, sofas, club chairs, and love seats.” Loom wicker and synthetic wicker are also chic. Neutral colors like whites, off-whites and lighter grays are in style for cushions and slings on chaise lounges. Much of the furniture is fully upholstered in Sunbrella fabrics that are water resistant. For extra shade, huge cantilevered umbrellas made of heavy fabric stand elegantly on the patio. Fire pit chat sets are trendy for keeping warm at night. And for loungers, hammocks and even Queen size beds are fashionable.

After a fun-filled day at the beach, prepare a gourmet meal in your outdoor kitchen. Then dine under the stars with lights hanging from the pergola. Sit in comfort by the fireplace and enjoy the great outdoors. When you’re ready for sleep, lie down on your luxurious chaise lounge and snooze off into paradise.

Ruth Thomas, a freelance writer on the East End enjoys history, music, literature, art, nature, the beach, and her cute dachshund, Clancy. She can be contacted at [email protected]