Lennar Resource Center

Although we’re experiencing record heat temperatures throughout the country, nothing beats relaxing outdoors in the summer.

Some of the best Tampa Bay summer weekends are spent outdoors at home barbecuing with friends and family, swimming, and enjoying your favorite cold beverage.

Having a well-designed outdoor living space at your home can make all the difference, whether you’re having a pool party or just drinking coffee on the lanai.

Realtor.com^® recently released a list of the top outdoor design trends, which we’re also seeing in our Tampa Bay communities. Here are some of the most popular outdoor living designs in Lennar’s Tampa Bay homes:          

Extended lanais

Many homebuyers choose to add an extended lanai that creates an additional living space outside.

This often includes brick pavers, and a pool with a spa to take advantage of the view of conservation land or ponds in the community. This also makes space for an outdoor living room, a concept that’s increasing in popularity as more people spend time outside.

Outdoor living rooms

Outdoor living areas can be designed similar to the inside of a home, with accent rugs, comfortable furniture and decorations. It’s best to pick an all-weather indoor-outdoor rug that maintains quality in the sun, rain and resists mold.

Expansive outdoor living areas are especially appealing in Lennar’s LH Collection luxury series in the Waterleaf community in Riverview. Many homes in the community have room for buyers to add outdoor summer kitchens with gas grills, small refrigerators, sinks and large countertops for food prep and entertaining.

Some homes also have outdoor wood burning or gas fire pits – these are for use in cooler weather, of course, but they always offer a great place to gather.

Lots of shade

Having shade in the summer is important, particularly in Florida. A stylish way to create shade is with a pergola, which is an outdoor structure that is used to create a shaded walkway or sitting area. For extra shade and an attractive look, you can grow Star Jasmine as a vine on top of the pergola.

If you don’t have a permanent covered area, you can still easily cool off with an oversized umbrella. Some stores sell 11-foot umbrellas (or larger) that provide an abundance of shade. These large umbrellas offer a canopy of shade and can effortlessly be closed and covered during heavy rain or wind.

If you want to have the ultimate outdoor living area, Lennar’s luxury homes in Waterleaf offer the space to create your own oasis. Visit lennartampa.com for more information on Waterleaf Estates homes and Waterleaf Executive homes.