Spring is here and summer is on the way, which means plenty of time to spend outside enjoying nature. Is your outdoor living space little more than a patch of grass to mow and a place for the kids to play? When was the last time you got to sit outside and relax and take in the beauty of a special outdoor place that you call your own? If you want to enjoy spending summer at home, (especially during a pandemic), now is the perfect time to think about adding a patio or deck to safely entertain at home with family and friends. Today I am sharing some design tips for outdoor living spaces. *This post contains affliate and/or sponsored links.
Frontgate
Until a few years ago, indoor entertaining areas such as home theaters were the rage. Today, however, it’s the outdoor space that sets a house apart. Homeowners are are striving to create living areas outside that are truly unique in design.
Choose a Use
The first thing a homeowner needs to ask themselves is how they wish to spend their time outdoors. Does the homeowner enjoy spending time in a pool for swimming or water sports? Do they enjoy spending the evening with friends over dinner and candlelight? Maybe the outdoors is where the homeowner likes to enjoy a movie on the big screen or just lounging on an outdoor sofa.
Regardless of the time of day that is ideal for outdoor activities, the homeowner should consider the natural lighting to make maximum use of the space. Otherwise, special accommodations should be made for any activities that will take place after dark. This includes installing lighting for pathways or lights to illuminate features such as bar-b-ques, swings, and other furniture.
Stylish Garden and Outdoor Architecture with Patio Covers
If you have a pool or other body of water, keep in mind that it should be protected by fencing to prevent accidents involving children.
Design with a Focal Point in Mind
A vast majority of homeowners select one or two central activities for their outdoor living space’s focal point. These might include a pool, a putting green, a tennis or basketball court, a sunroom, patio, deck, or some other feature. Obviously, due to advances in modern materials and technology, (brick, stone, wood, composite decking, etc.) the materials that any of these could be made from are numerous, so it’s a matter of deciding what you like and letting your dreams take flight.
From a design perspective, it’s a good idea always to have a focal point for an outdoor area. That focal point could be a pool or hot tub, or maybe a seating area, an outdoor kitchen, or a piece of art. It doesn’t matter what the focal point actually is, as long as it serves as the center around which everything in the back living area revolves. If you are going to incorporate an outdoor kitchen that ties in with your outdoor water line or if you if are simply concerned with having a healthy water source, it might be a good idea to invest in a water filtration system check out this best home water filter article from Water Filter Authority.
Bringing the Indoors Out
Many homeowners who choose to relocate where they spend a majority of their at-home time like the idea of bringing the indoors and all of its amenities outside. In the past few years, the line between inside and outside has become blurred to an extent never seen before. Fortunately, things such as sliding glass doors and French doors make this not only possible but highly desirable in terms of design.
Today you can furnish your outdoor entertaining space in style with decor and lush furnishings that are just as comfortable and beautiful as indoor furniture.
A nearly complete outdoor kitchen is one feature that a growing number of homeowners turn to when they decide to increase the amount of time they spend outdoors. With friends and neighbors outdoors to socialize, cooking becomes a pleasure, especially when there is a complete kitchen to entertain around. Virtually anything a homeowner can envision located in their indoor space can be brought outdoors. If you have an older patio, you might consider an outdoor kitchen renovation.
Making the Most of Space
One common problem for many homeowners who move the emphasis of their living space from inside to out is storage. In many cases, most homeowners don’t like to bring furniture and other items outside the house. Many homeowners struggle with storage space for outdoor toys, gardening supplies, or misc. outdoor junk. For this reason, it’s a good idea to either create particular areas for storage or purchase furniture that has storage space included, such as a bench with a seat that lifts for storage underneath. Additionally if you have a pool, be sure to have the pool supply and maintenance products neatly hidden away in storage that is easily accessible to your outdoor living area.
Create Privacy
For any homeowner who has problems with nosy neighbors or simply enjoys alone time, privacy is essential. A homeowner can create their private oasis outside of prying eyes by using screens, umbrellas, lattice, or privacy fencing to conceal an outdoor living area.
It’s also possible to make privacy beautiful when it comes to integrating privacy features into the landscaping to block unwanted spying. Add potted plants, vertical gardens, or a green wall outdoors near your seating area. In organization solutions, natural materials like wood or stone can be combined in furniture and decor with similar effectivity to establish a link between the two worlds. These features not only add to the look of a landscape but also help create an easy and inviting atmosphere.
Anyone who has ever wanted to escape to someplace really special to either be by themselves, with someone else or even just a good book, would appreciate a secluded place in a garden or quiet corner.
If you are looking for more ideas on how to spruce up your outdoor living space and gardens, check out my post on Beautiful Outdoor Entertaining Areas.
Do you have already have an outdoor oasis or entertaining area that you enjoy or are you looking to create new outdoor entertaining space? I love hearing from you, dear readers! Thanks for visiting today!
Amber
2 Comments
I love a screened in porch for dining. outside without all the flying critters. Loving that gray fence and gate for a secluded area. We bought outside hanging string lights last year, but still don’t even have them up. maybe soon!
July 17, 2020 at 11:41 pmI absolutely would love to have a screened in area. I hate mosquitos (and the diseases they carry!) so I would definitely be more comfortable with a small screened in porch.
I would love to see your hanging string lights!
July 18, 2020 at 12:05 am