Picture this: a serene oasis right in your own backyard, designed so that every moment feels like a blissful escape from the seriousness of every day life.
With the warmer months upon us, many of us are looking for ways to refresh our outdoor living areas for another season. We want to spend as much time as possible soaking up the fresh air, sun, and nature in general.
We are planning more gatherings with friends, as well as more quiet time and relaxation. All in all, we are envisioning our outdoor space to be comfortable and inviting for a variety of scenarios. Those spaces are extensions of our homes and should be taken advantage of, whenever possible.
Whether it be a patio, deck, sunroom, or even a small balcony…with a little creativity, a few practical tips, and must-have elements, you can turn your outdoor area into a retreat you’ll never want to leave.
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Cost And Value
Can you make your outdoor living area into a nice little sanctuary on a budget? Of course you can!
With just a few small accessories, you can add some life back into your current space for $100.00 or less. If you are thinking of adding more extensive features like a hot tub, fire pit, kitchen, etc., then you can expect to spend a few hundred dollars or more.
The nice thing is that with any kind of upgrade, the value of your home will increase overall. So while your outdoor space ultimately serves to make your environment your sanctuary, it also serves as a long term investment in your property. Win/win!
Layout And Design
Whether you are designing your outdoor living area for the first time or looking to rearrange your current set up for the new season, you should always start by assessing the space available to you, and what it will be used for primarily.
Will you be using the space more for relaxation and quiet time? Will you be using it often for outdoor meals and entertaining? Sunbathing? Does it need to be pet or kid friendly?
In the end, you want to create a space that is practical, visually appealing, and includes features that are most important for your comfort level.
Zones
Once you have decided on the main purpose and requirements for your outdoor living area, it’s time to begin thinking in terms of zones.
For example, you may want to have a dining area somewhere within the space, and maybe a reading nook in another area. Perhaps you want a lounge setting with comfortable couches, chairs, and a fire pit for entertaining. Maybe you envision a small bar as part of the set up.
The point is to decide what areas of the space will be used for what functions.
Before you settle on any one purpose for a specific area, it is always wise to observe how weather affects the various “zones” of your living space.
For example, if you are including a dining area, you will want to choose an area that doesn’t get much direct sunlight or wind during meal times.
Perhaps you prefer to have a large lounge area for entertaining. You will want ample chairs, couches, and table surfaces that are comfortable and strategically placed to accommodate your entertaining needs. You will also want to include a bit of shade from trees or an umbrella.
If you have a pool, of course you will want appropriate seating options along the side.
If you desire a reading nook or corner of your patio for star gazing. Maybe that’s where you would put a swing or hammock.
The point is to have different areas set up for the different objectives.
When designing the layout of your patio area, also keep in mind to have at least one main focal point in which to position the other elements, around.
Furniture
Regardless of the size or shape of your available outdoor space, there are certain must haves that go a long way toward making it a comfortable and inviting part of your home, for any purpose.
Having comfortable, weather resistant seating with extra accent pillows and cozy throws in a lounge setting, will instantly turn that area of your patio into an extended living room haven under the stars.
Maybe even add a chaise lounge for additional comfort features.
If you have a dining area, try to choose seating options that promote leisurely meals and catch up time, whether it be with the family or a smaller, more intimate meal.
Other Comfort Essentials
Another comfort feature I consider an essential must have, is a covered seating area of sorts…something to provide some sort of shelter from the elements. Maybe it’s an awning, umbrella or even a gazebo if that is more your style. Whatever the case, an overhead cover of sorts is a must have in my book.
Mosquito control is a must have essential for any outdoor living space. Between citronella candles, mosquito netting, lamps, and other repellent devices, there are a variety of ways to maintain mosquito control, some in the form of attractive lights or other decorative element.
Ceiling fans are another must have essential for any outdoor area that will accommodate one.
Side Note: Durable weather flaps for the sides of canopies, awnings or other overhead covers, is a major plus. It makes it easier to utilize your outdoor space even during the Fall and winter months.
Garden Accessories
Having some kind of water feature like a fountain, pond, or even a hot tub can improve the ambiance of your outdoor space, immensely.
Unique ambient lighting is another major asset for an outdoor space. Various styles of string lights, lanterns, hanging globes, or pendant lights will enhance the mood of the setting.
Tip: Garden items like statues, urns, or other accents, are perfect for occupying awkward or extra space with no other purpose.
Outdoor Food Preparation
If outdoor cooking is something you plan on using your patio for often, it may make sense to allow space in your layout plans for a kitchen/stove area, fireplace, pizza oven, or even a bar.
If you don’t want anything that elaborate, maybe a small fire pit in your main seating area is something to consider instead?
Media
If you plan on using an area for entertaining a lot or as a second living room/den space, you may want to consider adding media of some sort. Maybe a wall mounted tv would make the most sense for your needs. Perhaps even a screen with projector is best. Or maybe all you need is a bluetooth speaker for some background music.
Whatever you decide, even a little media weaved into the scene, will enhance your outdoor experience.
Practical Tips
Tip #1: When designing your outdoor space, remember to incorporate space for a small shed or other storage solution for beverages and miscellaneous items you will want to have handy while outside.
Tip #2: I don’t know about you, but I like a bit of privacy when it comes to my backyard sanctuary. Decorative fences, retractable screens, and even sheer curtains are elegant, non-intrusive ways of obtaining that bit of privacy.
Finishing Touches
Even the smallest details can make a big difference to the overall feel of your patio or desk. Finishing touches like weatherproof rugs, vintage accessories, patches of faux lawn, or even hummingbird feeders are the exact types of accents that will bring it all together.
Final Thoughts
If you are feeling the itch to rearrange or create a new outdoor living area for your home, there are plenty of options for any size space or budget. Sometimes, it takes only the addition of a small accent item or repositioning of furniture, to add life into your patio space.
Are you thinking of giving your backyard a makeover this year? If so, what are you thinking of changing to make your space more inviting? Any trending design ideas you want to share? Let me know in the comments below!
