The Sonoran Desert, breathtaking and undoubtedly Arizona’s most impressive feature, provides its residents with year-round opportunities to delight in the outdoors. However, fall’s beauty has proven to be especially irrefutable. The season’s cool weather and pastel skies effortlessly lure us outdoors. Further indulge in fall by transforming your outdoor living area into an ultimate luxury outdoor oasis. The pros at Camelot Homes, dedicated to encouraging “buyers to turn their backyards into a place they can go to unwind from the day,” have provided us with advice on how to “connect the indoors with the outdoors” during better weather. Camelot recommends focusing on a firepit, pool, water features, lights and greenery.
Being that it is a timely activity, Arizonans adore sitting around a fire. To take advantage of marshmallow-roasting season while obtaining a luxury outdoor living area, Trent Hancock of Camelot Homes recommends installing a firepit. The pros, also concerned with maximizing relaxation, suggest including swivel rockers “to add comfort and encourage conversation.” Experts in hospitality as well, when asked “Gas or wood firepit?” Hancock responded with, “Gas for its simplicity.” Low-maintenance allows hosts to “focus on guests rather than tending a fire.”
More frequent than firepits, most locals own a pool and take careful measures to keep it healthy during the colder months it is unused. Fortunately, the pros at Camelot recognize that pools can and should be used long after August. “Heated pools allow for year-round usage regardless of the season,” says Hancock. To add to the luxury of a heated pool, homebuilders propose mimicking a resort pool through, “cabanas, swim-up bars and in-water loungers as an alternative to standard deck furniture.” Additionally, Camelot hopes to aid homeowners in acknowledging their pool’s potential. “We make every effort to ensure that our pools resemble pieces of yard art that just happen to function as swimming pools. Raised negative-edge pools that resemble reflection ponds,” says Hancock. “Deck jets that create shimmering arcs of water from the deck into the pool are very popular.”
However, the innovative homebuilders suggest homeowners should not feel limited to pool features. They also propose water fountains such as “the in-ground fountain at [their] Cheval model at White Horse is an unexpected feature that welcomes visitors as soon as they enter the front courtyard.” Add to the attraction of water features by remaining eco-friendly and “installing/converting to a saltwater system, LED lighting, using a solar heater, using a cartridge filter rather than sand and using fewer chemicals.”
To continue the conversation on eco-friendliness, Camelot Homes was sure to point out the rising relevance of low-maintenance design. “Low maintenance design is always on the forefront, with an emphasis on sustainability,” says Hancock. “Multi-function landscape design is very popular – people no longer want to just admire their backyard space, they want to put it to use and get the most out of every area.”
Eco-friendliness is charming and so are outdoor lights that complement the desert stars. Hancock says, “Incorporating down-lighting in your landscape plan creates a warm, inviting ambiance after dark, and overhead string lights add a festive touch whether you’re staying in or entertaining a crowd.” Homeowners interested in additional electronics may consider “speakers, outdoor fans and automatic shades.”
Finding ways to spend more time with our beloved landscape by bringing the indoors, outdoors is exciting but the pros at Camelot Homes have not forgotten the grace of greenery. With falls arrival, they encourage planting “winter grass and lots of seasonal flowers.”
Camelot Homes can assist homeowners in crafting the perfect luxury outdoor oasis by guiding their selection process and educating them on up-and-coming practices. –Aubrey Martin
