We all know the feeling of being cooped up indoors for too long. After a while, the walls start to close in and we just need to get outside. But what if your outdoor space isn’t as inviting as you’d like it to be? Well, it can be! With a little bit of planning and design, you can transform your yard into the perfect outdoor living space for entertaining, relaxing, or simply enjoying the fresh air. Here are a few tips to get you started.
Define the Space
The first step is to define the space. You need to decide how big or small you want your outdoor room to be and what purpose it will serve. Do you want it to be a place for entertaining guests or a quiet retreat where you can relax and enjoy the outdoors? Once you have a clear idea of what you want your outdoor room to be, you can start planning accordingly.
Pick a Focal Point
One of the most important things to do when designing any kind of space is to create a focal point. This will be the element around which everything else in the room will revolve. In an outdoor space, a good focal point could be anything from a cozy fireplace or fire pit to a water feature or beautiful garden.
Having a focal point will help you to create a space that is both visually appealing and functional. For example, if you have a great view, you’ll want to position your seating so that everyone can enjoy it. Or, if you have a beautiful garden, you may want to create a path leading up to it.
Create Zones
Just like indoor spaces, outdoor spaces can be divided into different zones depending on their purpose. For example, you might have a conversation area near your focal point with comfortable seating for entertaining guests. Or, if you love to cook outdoors, you might create a dining area with a table and chairs. By zoning your space, you can make sure that each area serves its purpose.
Think About Functionality
Another important thing to keep in mind when designing your space is functionality. After all, what good is a beautiful backyard if you can’t actually use it? When thinking about functionality, consider how you want to use your space and who will be using it with you. For example, if you have young children, you might want to design a space that includes a playset or other kid-friendly features. Or, if you love hosting parties and entertaining guests, you might want to include an outdoor kitchen or dining area in your design.
Choose Your Furniture Carefully
When it comes to outdoor furniture, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. First of all, choose durable materials like teak or cast aluminum that can withstand the elements. You don’t want to have to replace your entire set every year because it couldn’t stand up to the elements. Second, think about comfort. You’ll want furniture that’s not only stylish but also comfortable enough that you’ll actually want to spend time relaxing in it.
Finally, keep in mind that less is sometimes more. Don’t try to cram too much furniture into your outdoor room or you’ll end up feeling cramped and claustrophobic. Instead, choose a few key pieces and arrange them in a way that promotes conversation and relaxation.
Accessorize!
Once you have your furniture picked out, it’s time to accessorize! Add some Throw pillows for comfort and style, and don’t forget about some good lighting. String lights are always a popular choice for outdoor spaces because they add a touch of romance and whimsy. Candles are another great option but make sure they are in lanterns or hurricane glasses so they don’t blow out in the wind.
Add Some Greenery
No outdoor room is complete without some greenery. Not only do plants add visual interest, but they can also help purify the air and provide much-needed shade on hot summer days. If you are not exactly green-thumbed, don’t worry — there are plenty of easy-to-care-for options out there that even the most novice gardener can handle. Succulents and cacti are always good choices because they don’t require much water and can tolerate harsh conditions. And if you really don’t have time for plants, artificial plants can also work just as well.
Incorporate Different Textures and Materials
When most people think of outdoor living spaces, they envision lots of green plants and grass. But there’s no reason why your space has to be all about nature. Incorporating different textures and materials will give your space more visual interest. Consider using stone or brick for your patio or adding some wood elements such as built-in benches or planters.
Make Use of Lighting
Lighting is important for any space in your home, but it is especially important for outdoor living spaces since you’ll be using them at night as well as during the day. Not only does it create a warm and inviting atmosphere after dark, but it can also be used to highlight certain features or areas of your space. String lights are always a popular choice, but you might also want to consider solar-powered lanterns or LED landscape lighting.
Don’t Forget About Comfort
Don’t forget to make your outdoor living space comfortable! This means adding cushions and pillows to seats and benches, installing an outdoor ceiling fan or misting system to keep things cool on hot days, and adding a fire pit or chiminea for warmth on cooler evenings. By adding these finishing touches, you’ll create an oasis that everyone in the family will want to spend time in all season long!
Make It Your Own!
The last tip is to make sure your outdoor room reflects your personal style. This is YOUR space so make sure it reflects YOUR taste. This is where you can really let your creativity shine! There are endless possibilities when it comes to adding personal touches to your outdoor living space. Want to add some color? Consider planting a beautiful flower garden or adding some brightly-colored patio furniture. Looking for something more rustic? Incorporate stone pavers or natural wood elements into your design. The sky’s the limit!
Bonus Tip
Designing your perfect outdoor living space is within reach with these helpful tips. Whether you have a small patio or an expansive backyard, there are endless possibilities for designing your perfect outdoor oasis. By following these tips, you will be well on your way to enjoying lazy summer days and evenings in your own personal paradise.
For more inspiration, be sure to download our Ultimate Guide To Outdoor Living Spaces. This comprehensive guide covers everything from considerations to choosing a contractor — everything you need to know to create an amazing outdoor space that suits your unique style.
And, if you need help with the design or construction of your project, our team at Penn Construction + Design is here to assist. We have over 15 years of experience building custom outdoor living spaces and we are ready to turn your vision into reality. Give us a call today!
