Investing in your home's outdoor living spaces is one of the most sound decisions in remodeling today. According to a 2014 study by RealEstate.com, landscaping and hardscaping can bring returns of up to 150%—passing traditional kitchen and bath remodels in the ROI department. 

Backed by the reassurance that developing your landscaping is a great idea, now it's time to decide on what size space is right for your family's needs. Traditional speaking, the patio becomes the hub of your Hudson Valley outdoor space, so it's important to size it correctly. 

How to choose the best size for new patio?

Considering how you will actually use your patio is the best way to solve for the sizing problem. How big is your family? Do you like to entertain regularly? What type of furniture do you like and what are the dimensions? Questions like these are extremely helpful in making sure to not go too small or too big. 

We've included a handy guide from the Concrete Network which shows the average square footage it takes to accommodate different furniture arrangements. Planning should start from the essentials like a dining set and expand from there. Once the fundamentals are met, you can access what's left in the budget and how you would like to allocate them. 

Handy Tip: Thinking of your outdoor spaces, just as you would your indoor living room and kitchen, is an excellent way to get a feeling for the space. Considering the trends in outdoor living today, chances are pretty good that you will find yourself using your landscape spaces just as you would your indoor home. 

What outdoor living features should I include?

Now that you have an idea of the budget you have remaining for special elements, it's time to dive into the world of outdoor living accessories. You are pretty much only limited to your imagination and budget here, so it's time to get creative. 

Outdoor fire pits and outdoor fireplaces are incredible ways to extend the useable months outside, while also bringing the family together for some quality time around the fire. Water features are also very popular in the Hudson Valley and bring an amazing focal point and soothing sounds to the party. 

With everything from fully functional outdoor kitchens to overhead structures that add shelter and shade, outdoor living spaces can truly become a seamless extension of your indoor home.