Outdoor Living Spaces: A Worthwhile Investment for Your Home’s Value

Do you consider your outdoor living spaces to be a key part of your home? If so, you’re not alone. With the rise in remote work (from 6% to 16% since the pandemic!) and people spending more time at home, there’s been a major push to make outdoor spaces more livable year-round. Even in four-season climates like ours in West Michigan. 

At Eastbrook Homes, we know if you do it right, adding a thoughtful outdoor living space into your home can significantly raise your home’s value. In this blog, we’re talking about the latest trends and modern day must-haves when it comes to outdoor living. Plus, how much you should budget for each design inspiration. 

Ready to elevate every inch of your property? Let’s break ground and dig in. 

What Are the Latest Trends in Outdoor Living Spaces?

Sometimes it’s hard to know what you want until you see it. Fortunately, looking at current trends can help you understand what works for your home and your lifestyle. There is a reason why designs become trends: because they just make sense. 

Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Transitions

Imagine enjoying a comfortably heated space while watching the snow fall all around you. Picture springtime in that same room – windows open to let in the fresh breeze and sounds of birds chirping while you sip your morning coffee. Bring the green, wooded views indoors in the summer, while keeping out the mosquitoes. 

Essential to any outdoor living space in four-season climates like ours is an all-season room, like our signature Michigan Room. These rooms are marked by floor-to-ceiling windows that bring the outdoors inside. Think of a screened-in patio, but elevated with design and comfort elements like gorgeous 4-inch trim and the option to carpet. 

Explore our Michigan rooms and floor plans in person by booking a model home tour. 

Multi-Functional Zones 

Our Eastbrook designers are experts at making every inch of your home functional – and beautiful. This includes outdoor living spaces! If you want to work on your tan and your spreadsheets at the same time, your home should be ready to multitask with you. 

Bring the office outdoors with a well-designed courtyard or patio. Courtyards are the perfect way to turn the empty space between the structures of your home into an oasis. Use thoughtful hardscaping, landscaping and patio furniture to create a multi-functional zone for outdoor dining, remote work or afternoon lounging. 

Check out our patio series and courtyard designs here for inspiration.

What Are the Must-Have Features for a Modern Outdoor Living Area?

You’ve got the cozy courtyard, mindful Michigan Room or perfect patio carved out, but how do you fill it? The design elements you choose next can make or break your space. These key features add the final touches that ensure you can – and want – to use your outdoors year-round.  

Perfect Lighting

Whether you’re illuminating your patio or bringing natural light inside, lighting is one of the most important areas to get right. The perfect light can completely transform a space! For patios, consider floor lighting for a modern look that’s functional, too – especially around stairs and landscaping. For a romantic vibe, turn your dining area into your own private bistro with cozy string lights. Screened-in patios pop with lantern-style wall sconces and lighted ceiling fans. 

Fireplaces & Fire Pits

Few design elements communicate that cozy, outdoorsy feeling better than a blazing fire. In your Michigan Room or screened-in patio, a large fireplace is the perfect two-way connection point. For courtyards and open patios, a fire pit is a must! It brings ambiance and warmth to your space and invites guests to linger a little longer. Perfect for chilly fall nights or making s’mores in the summer. 

Pergolas

Pergolas add a stunning architectural element to any backyard while offering shade, privacy, and comfort. They’re perfect for defining outdoor dining spaces or framing a comfy lounge area. Want to elevate the look even further? Add string lights, hanging plants, or flowing curtains to soften the structure and bring a little romance to your evenings outdoors. Whether attached or freestanding, a pergola can make your backyard feel like an extension of your home.

Lounge Seating

Comfort is king when it comes to outdoor living. Skip the stiff furniture and invest in plush, weather-resistant lounge seating. Think sectionals with deep cushions, outdoor ottomans, and even throw pillows made for all-weather durability. Want to go the extra mile? Built-in benches, swing chairs, and daybeds can transform a simple patio into a luxury retreat.

Landscaping 

Don’t underestimate the power of good landscaping. It does more than look pretty – it helps create privacy, define zones, and set the mood. Use low-maintenance native plants to keep things beautiful year-round, and consider raised beds, border shrubs, or ornamental grasses for structure. Want even more function? A vertical herb wall or edible garden adds utility and charm.

Browse our feature gallery to see what your Eastbrook neighbors have done!

How Much Do Outdoor Living Spaces Cost?

Our homeowners are often surprised to learn how cost-effective it is to add a well-designed outdoor living space to their home. Many of our home plans even include patios or other options that are easy to add. Our Eastbrook designers work with you during the home building process to plan the best use of your square footage for your lifestyle. 

If you’re considering leveling up your existing outdoor space, even small changes can make a huge difference. Here are a few realistic budgets for various levels of designs or home additions to maximize your home’s outdoor space. 

Give It a Little Zhuzh

Most Affordable Option

Sometimes a fresh look is all you need to breathe new life into your backyard. In this tier, think cosmetic upgrades that pack a punch:

• New patio furniture in weather-resistant fabrics
• An outdoor rug or umbrella for color and comfort
• Raised flower beds or fresh landscaping with native plants
• Solar or string lighting to add ambiance for evening use
  

This is a great entry point for homeowners who already have a patio or deck and want to make it more inviting without a full remodel.

Full Redesign

Mid-Range Investment

Ready to transform your outdoor area into a showstopper? A full redesign opens the door to more permanent, functional features:

• New hardscaping like stone patios, walkways, or seating walls
• Upgraded dining or lounge furniture
• Built-in fire pits or fireplaces
• Custom landscaping with lighting and irrigation
• Defined zones for dining, lounging, and entertaining
  

This level of investment is ideal for homeowners who see their backyard as an extension of their living space and want it to feel just as polished and purposeful.

Add a Michigan Room or Screened-In Patio

Biggest Investment

For the ultimate outdoor upgrade, consider adding a Michigan Room or screened-in patio to your Eastbrook home. They’re perfect for enjoying the outdoors in any season without the bugs, wind, or weather getting in the way. These spaces offer:

• Fully enclosed three-season comfort with large windows
• Optional fireplaces, ceiling fans, or mounted heaters
• Design features like finished flooring, trim, and lighting
• Seamless integration with your home’s architecture
  

Because this type of project requires structural work, the cost is higher, but so is the return. In fact, outdoor rooms like these can significantly boost your home’s value and year-round livability, especially in four-season climates like West Michigan.

Michigan Outdoor Living With Eastbrook Homes

At Eastbrook Homes, we believe your outdoor space should be just as livable, welcoming, and personal as the rest of your home.

Browse our feature gallery to see how other West Michigan homeowners have transformed their spaces. Prefer to start from scratch? Explore our home plans with built-in options like patios, courtyards, and Michigan Rooms. When you’re ready to bring your vision to life, connect with our team to start building a home that fits your lifestyle, inside and out.