At Buchanan Construction, creating exceptional outdoor spaces is as integral to our design process as crafting stunning interiors. Lindsey Kehres, our talented interior designer, emphasizes that outdoor areas should be an extension of the home, tailored to how homeowners live and entertain, not just about square feet. Here’s a glimpse into how we approach designing outdoor spaces that are both functional and beautiful.

Understanding the Homeowner’s Vision

The design process begins with understanding how the homeowner envisions using their entire property. Lindsey starts by asking key questions: 

• Are there children or grandchildren? 
• Do you want to cook in this space or is this just for relaxing?
• Will you be using the outdoor space only when it’s cold or all year long?
• What activities do you envision—cooking, entertaining, or simply soaking in the view? 
• Is this a 2nd home or primary home?

These conversations shape the outdoor space to align with the family’s lifestyle. For example, the Mills River Farmhouse  featured a pocket door (pictured below) that seamlessly connected the indoor living area to the pool, creating a fluid indoor-outdoor experience.

Tailoring to the Lot and Lifestyle: Mountain Destination

Every lot presents unique opportunities and challenges. For homes like the Mountain Destination home at Crest Mountain, Lindsey individualized multiple areas to ensure everyone could enjoy the space without feeling crowded. This included a heated tile Four Seasons room, an open grilling deck, a fire table, a hot tub, and a porch swing—each designed for distinct purposes. In another project, where the lot was unexpectedly steep, Lindsey extended the deck to accommodate a fire table, hot tub, and porch swing, transforming a limitation into a feature.

Functionality Meets Aesthetics: Mills River Farmhouse

Functionality is paramount. Lindsey ensures outdoor spaces are engineered for durability and practicality. For instance, decks are prepped to support hot tubs with proper electrical disconnects, even if the homeowner hasn’t finalized their decision. The Mills River Farmhouse home’s splash pad with a built-in umbrella pipe was designed for nieces and nephews, blending fun with safety. Fire pits, fireplaces, or outdoor kitchens are carefully planned based on usage—whether for cozy evenings or year-round entertaining.

Highlighting Unique Features

Some of Buchanan’s standout outdoor spaces include:

• Mills River Farmhouse: A pool area with a splash pad and umbrella pipe, designed for family gatherings, complemented by a purchased lot to preserve the view.
• Mountain Destination: A multi-zone setup with a Four Seasons room, grilling deck, fire table, hot tub, and porch swing, maximizing a steep lot’s potential.
• Home in Progress in Mills River: This home in progress is a French country-inspired design with a pool and a custom bar, blending classic colonial and rustic elements for a bartender homeowner.
• The Miscela: Features large screened porch with vaulted ceiling, skylights, and wood-burning fireplace and gorgeous pool

Adapting to the Environment

The lot’s topography heavily influences design. For another home currently in progress, where the backyard was inaccessible due to a steep slope, Lindsey optimized deck designs to capitalize on the stunning view. Conversely, flat lots like the home being constructed in Mills River allow for expansive pools and entertainment areas. Lindsey’s approach ensures that whether the focus is on views, accessibility, or recreation, the outdoor space enhances the home’s overall appeal.

 

Why Outdoor Spaces Matter

Outdoor spaces are more than just an add-on—they’re where memories are made. From grilling on a spacious deck to relaxing by a fire pit, Buchanan Construction designs these areas to reflect how you live. By considering functionality, lot constraints, and personal preferences, we create outdoor spaces that are as unique as our clients.

Ready to transform your outdoor living experience? Contact Buchanan Construction to start designing your dream space today.

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