Your home is your sanctuary, where you come to regroup, recharge and relax. But sometimes sitting outdoors is even more wonderful, as outdoor living spaces have become a heavenly extension of the home.

When designing your outdoor living space, there are a few things to keep in mind. Writing down what you want or expect out of the finished product will be key in the designing process. Be sure to group pieces together in a way that encourages comfort, conversation and a good view of your property or nature.

Finding inspiration can be the most exciting part. We know you scour the internet, various home design websites, magazines and of course, the new leading visual social media site, Pinterest! Pin or organize your ideas and decide what would be best for your space and budget.

Choosing furniture, pillows, candles, rugs and other accessories should create continuity in your design but also make it come alive! Choose 3 or 4 colors for your theme and try to stick to these when choosing fabrics and textures. Reds, blues, neutrals and garden greens are top picks for the season, and metallic finishes are also very popular for outdoor spaces.

There is nothing quite like an outdoor bonfire, so incorporating your very own fire pit in your outdoor space is a wonderful way to create a relaxing, reminiscent mood for your evenings with friends and family. Choose a fire pit that is stylish and useful during all seasons- in the warmer months, it can be a fun way to star-gaze while roasting marshmallows and bringing a bit of warmth to a chilly evening; when the weather cools down, you can all throw on your favorite jackets and gather close to keep warm, while breathing in the crisp fall air.

In addition to the beautiful light a fire brings, it is encouraged to consider other means of lighting your outdoor living area. “Lightscaping” the art of creating the perfect ambiance through various lighting sources in your space, can bring just the right amount of illumination to amaze your family and guests. When planning this portion of your design, try to use as many “green” or eco-friendly lighting sources as possible. Your electric bill will thank you!

Most importantly, make your space a reflection of you. Create it to be a place where you can enjoy the people and fresh air around you! We would love to see your outdoor living spaces- post pics on our Facebook page.

How could a home boast vintage accents, be composed of bold contemporary lines, and yet encompass glamour from the inside out? Triton Custom Homes seems to have mastered this style combination, creating a unique paradise in the Rough Hollow Community.

From the beginning, the vision of this home was to create an open floor plan with ample natural light, while using an inviting outdoor space and pool as its focal point. As you enter through the asymmetrically hinged front door, the fountain beckons you toward the courtyard. At the same time you are enchanted by the limestone plank floor pattern, the home’s crisp lines, high ceilings and expansive glass areas leading to the outdoor space, which is the heart of the home. This 850 square foot area is complete with a covered patio, geometric-shaped pool, which repeats the motif expressed by the interior stair, a grilling area, an outdoor kitchen and a suspended bed, making it the perfect place to entertain or relax.

Though the outdoor living area is beautiful, the indoor space is equally striking. Mosaic tile wall features and custom wood floors throughout the home give it an older, vintage feel. You are also sure to be drawn to the luster of the contemporary chrome accents and hardware and the sleek lighting fixtures. These features, matched with the home’s dark wood tones and cabinetry, natural light streaming through the tall windows, and an inviting fireplace give it a warm, welcoming feel, while still maintaining its sophisticated appeal.

The main living area is open to the dining area and kitchen, which features dual marble countertops and an island, and a gorgeous hill country view from the kitchen sink. The hand-scraped, custom wooden floors lead to the study and the luxurious master bedroom and bathroom. Guests are welcome to stay in a private suite open to the outdoor courtyard.

Encompassed within the walls of this 4 bedroom, 4 bathroom, 4,237 square foot home is a study, a wet bar, a 1000 square foot garage with contemporary metal and glass doors, easy access to a spacious attic, walk-in closets in each room, an upper level media and game room, and of course, glamorous, vintage touches throughout. This home embraces its outdoor space, and you are sure to be enchanted with its inviting openness and its unique combination of past and present style inside and out.