According to some studies, homeowners could see up to a 75 percent return on investment for the addition of a patio or deck to their property. cAnd a 2016 “Consumer Reports” article suggests that adding a patio or deck could boost the sale price of your home by 3-5 percent! Besides the added monetary value, a deck or patio can provide years of enjoyment and extra entertainment space for any homeowner.

I caught up with Nikki and Jeff Murale of Westfield, who completely renovated their patio this summer and have already been enjoying every square inch of it. I asked Nikki why they decided to expand the patio, and she replied: “We both grew up in homes with fairly small backyards. So when we bought our home with a relatively nice size yard, we knew from day one that we would renovate it someday.  The existing patio was in good condition, but since we both have large families and like to entertain for family, friends and neighbors, expanding the patio seemed like a natural choice for our lifestyle.”

The Murales’ original patio was a basic stamped concrete square, not large enough for their entertaining goals. Achieving those goals was a multi-step process, which started with years of contemplation and then coming up with their own patio design, which a contractor then implemented. According to Nikki: “The existing concrete patio was ripped out and the yard was graded. A much larger patio made out of paving stones including a border and inlay around the perimeter was installed. We installed a retaining wall including a curved sitting wall, flanked by two lighted pillars, which not only provides function but gives a cohesive look to the patio space. The final touch was installing an outside kitchen/bar, which was customized around our existing equipment of a grill, refrigerated prep table, and beverage refrigerator. The end result is exactly how we envisioned it would be.”

As you can see from the photos, the patio combines beauty with spaciousness and functionality, and the area has truly become an outdoor room. Up next will be the landscaping aspect of the Murales’ backyard. Nikki said, “Landscaping is what we’re calling Phase II, which is scheduled to begin in this month. We’ve been advised by many that the best and safest time to plant trees is in the fall. Future landscaping concept includes trees bordering the entire backyard for privacy as well as beautifying the space. We also plan on planting some small shrubs and dwarf trees on the area where the patio ends and the grass begins. Finally, we intend to start a small vegetable garden for our children to tend to – their idea so it’s their baby!”

Nikki has some valuable advice for those who are considering similar renovations to their property: “The beauty is in the details. Give long and careful consideration on how you plan to use the space. Make it your own. Consider the placement of the grill in relation to where the dining table is, the distance of the kitchen to the sliding doors and the outside entrance point, the flow of the space, etc. To take a small patio and convert it into an outdoor entertaining area that feels like an extension of the house takes time to plan and think through. We found this was best accomplished while sitting outside having cocktails with a sketch pad next to us. So crack open a bottle of wine and let the ideas flow! We are so happy that we did.”

I can’t wait to see the Murales’ patio in the spring with the added landscaping in bloom! I have no doubt that they’ve added value to their already beautiful home, and now they can enjoy it all the more with their kids, their extended family, and their lucky friends!