Outdoor Living in the Hamptons

Outdoor living is in vogue. Whether a fully equipped outdoor kitchen, hidden speaker system, graceful pergola, or gorgeous garden, your outdoor space adds another dimension to your Hamptons lifestyle. The trend now is towards more natural design with aesthetics in mind. Choose neutral colored sofas or wooden garden sculptures, or a repurposed bench from natural cedar branching. Use minimal soft lighting. Combine traditional with contemporary styles and exotic plants with natives. Here are some landscape designers and builders to help you create your outdoor space into a ‘destination.’

Brian McAuliff, founder and President of Bri-Tech, says, “The trend in home design is to integrate electronic systems discreetly.” As a leading designer and integrator of high-end home systems, Bri-Tech customizes and installs systems with aesthetics in mind, especially for outdoor living. Near the pool and cabana, TVs can be hidden in waterproof underground wells and can pop up and turn 180 degrees while you’re relaxing in the pool. By placing speakers in different zones for volume control, sound can be intelligible without overpowering conversations. Speakers can be hidden in planting beds or other outdoor structures or designed like little lights, known as bullet speakers, placed throughout the landscape. Security monitors for alarms, lighting, and temperature can be remotely controlled and ideally integrated with entertainment systems. Brian notes, “We design our electronic systems for long-lasting value and enjoyment.”

Frederico Azevedo, award-winning Brazilian landscape designer, who founded Unlimited Earth Care in 1993, says, “Clients are looking to have more interaction and be closer to nature within their homes.” Vegetable gardens are popular placed in elevated beds or in planters. Cutting gardens are great for fresh flowers in the home. Neutral colored outdoor sectional sofas around a fire pit or cast iron vintage furniture near the garden are stylish. Large and small planters with colorful flowers beautifully frame an outdoor room. Lighting using iron lanterns around patio furniture, or hanging light fixtures from tree branches illuminates outdoor spaces. Compliment the garden with garden sculptures made from fiberglass, iron, or wood. Blend exotic plants with natives for unusual landscapes. Create long borders by planting the same species of flowers, shrubs or trees for repetition of color, texture, and shape. Frederico believes, “The garden is a space of harmony, balance, and emotion.”

Creative Director Roxine Brown, who founded Harmonia Inc in 2003, states, “We have a profound passion for creating landscapes and gardens that coexist, in perfect harmony, with the natural surroundings that grace each property.” The day extends into the evening with fully equipped outdoor kitchens, complimented by lounge spaces accented with a fire pit. As sustainable living is much more in focus now, vegetable and herb gardens have become more popular. Outdoor furniture such as a hammock, natural cedar branching repurposed into a bench, or even simple logs cut and finished as sitting stools utilize nature’s elements. Rather than bold accent lighting, minimal and soft lighting allows you to see the stars of the night skies. Soft up lighting of structural trees can often be enough to show off the evening landscape. Roxine emphasizes, “Our work is always a reflection of how you will enjoy your property for years to come.”

Julian Munoz, owner and founder of Terra Construction says, “Outdoor living is an integral part of the Hamptons lifestyle.” Stone patios, decks, fire pits, built-in BBQs, pizza ovens, wood-burning ovens, and bar areas are very fashionable and make outdoor areas more comfortable. Shaded and protected outdoor spaces with retractable screen areas, awnings, and pergolas are also popular. As for outdoor furniture, we find that wood and weave textures in light beige colors, medium grays or dark metals are trending with color accents provided by ottomans or cushions. Down lights demarcate outdoor spaces with accent lights highlighting a nice tree or backyard area. Outdoor sconces add character. Custom planters in wood or concrete can create separate spaces or paths. Sound systems are controlled wirelessly from your phone. Julian observes, “The options are endless. The outdoor space of your dreams can be built effortlessly when the right builder understands the needs and budget of a client.”

John C. Kean, President, CEO, and founder of Kean Development Company for over 35 years, says, “Kean creates ‘destinations’ in home design.” Unique pools feature negative edges, stunning spas, and sun shelves for submerged lounge chairs. Expansive pool houses have great rooms and marble kitchens. Cutting-edge fire pits are works of art. Picturesque awnings canopy terraces. Pergolas provide shade for sports courts and gardens. Fully equipped outdoor kitchens feature juice and espresso bars, elaborate BBQ grills with smokers, rotisseries, and pizza ovens, and wet bars with refrigerators, ice makers, beer taps, and wine coolers. ‘Smart’ homes integrate interior and exterior spaces with automatic glass doors and screens. Porches and loggias display outdoor TV screens, speakers, accent lighting, and outdoor gas and wood-burning fireplaces. Extraordinary rooftop putting greens offer ocean views, unforgettable sunsets, and competitive fun!! John reflects, “Our modern approach to design is the amalgam of traditional and contemporary elements.”

From discreet electronic systems to elaborate outdoor kitchens to putting greens on top of rooftops, your outdoor living space can be designed with multiple options. Most importantly, create an outdoor living space that best compliments the natural elements of your property. Add the features of outdoor lighting, furniture, sound systems, BBQ grills, fire pits, and more to compliment, not overwhelm the natural beauty of the Hamptons. With some expert advice, you will enjoy your outdoor space in style.