You just moved into your new custom Florida home, and one of the things atop your to-do list is furnishing your outdoor living space.
Never mind that the moving van hasn’t arrived. Florida’s outdoor lifestyle is high priority for many folks who move here, and you’re ready to enjoy it. Even if you eat out of a cooler for a few days!
We at ICI Homes understand. After building new custom Florida homes all over the state for 45 years, we know the appeal of a great backyard oasis, large or small.
That’s why every ICI Homes floor plan includes a lanai — a Hawaiian term for a covered, open-air outdoor living space. Lanais are associated with temperate, subtropical and tropical climates, and have been a classic Florida architectural feature for decades.
Some ICI Homes customers might describe lanais as a porch, patio or veranda, but whatever you call it, your new lanai is the entry point to one of the most compelling aspects of Florida living.
Here are some tips for turning your new lanai into an outdoor living space.
Starting with a blank slate
Your first priorities probably are indoor furnishings, unpacking and so on. Or, you sold or donated the outdoor furniture from your previous home. Or, this is your first home with an outdoor living space, so you’re starting from scratch.
Seating is important. You need it if you want to grab a beverage and enjoy a Florida sunset from the new lanai. Lounge chairs? Rocking chairs? The folding chairs you use for kids’ soccer games are comfortable only for so long.
If your new lanai includes a summer kitchen, you’ll need weather-resistant outdoor furniture like a dining table and chairs, and good lighting. For the latter, think outdoor-rated sconces, lamps, and twinkle lights along the edges of your lanai ceiling.
Another essential is an outdoor-rated ceiling fan. If you don’t have one, ask neighbors for electrician recommendations and replace the existing light fixture with a ceiling fan that includes a light kit.
Also bookmark these suggestions if you haven’t moved yet, or are in the beginning stages of buying or building a new custom Florida home with ICI Homes. Your future self thanks you.
Have furniture, need decor
You bought new outdoor furniture, or pieces from your previous home fit your new lanai.
Bring on the planters and potted plants. Position them where they don’t pose a tripping hazard and fill them with favorites or bright tropical bloomers and shrubs.
Have a new pool and cage enclosure? Attach more string lights around the top of the cage.
Indulge in a portable fire pit for marshmallow roasts and atmospheric evenings on cooler nights.
Customize it
ICI Homes is known as Florida’s Custom Home builder. Bring your ideas to a complimentary customization meeting and one of our designers will help you transform your lanai into a personal oasis.
Ready for your new custom Florida home? Talk to ICI Homes here.
You just moved into your new custom Florida home, and one of the things atop your to-do list is furnishing your outdoor living space.
