Transforming ordinary outdoor spaces into comforting outdoor living spaces is a popular trend. People have much fun creating a functional space instead of just adding tables and chairs. Outdoor space design refers to treating your outdoor space as an extension of your interiors, so you should focus on it, just like you do when upgrading your home decor. This blog will discuss building your outdoor living space with the correct elements.
Elements of Outdoor Living Space
If you have spent some time digging through design websites, flipping glossy magazine pages, or adding more pins to your Pinterest boards, you probably know some key elements to create a beautiful outdoor living space. So, here is a list of some fundamental elements that your outdoor space must-have for comfortable living.
Landscaping
If you wish to grow trees in your outdoor space, you must know that it can take time. It is better to go for a short-term solution, like creating a garden at home around your yard or patio. Flush with herbs, annual bright flowers, or any other latest trends in online home gardening that you can infuse into your outdoor space during the cooler months; you will have a garden paradise that everyone will admire.
Fire Source
No matter which part of the country you live in, the nights are bound to get chilly. Even if you wrap yourself in a sweater or jacket, would you not love to enjoy the warmth and coziness of fireplaces? So, you should consider building an outdoor fireplace for an easy comfort solution on chilly winter nights.
Lighting
Do you wish to spend time outdoors even after the sunset? You can brighten the space and your moods by adding lights. Consider replacing your old outdoor light fixture with a new one. Also, if you have a seating area, install Edison-type bulbs overhead to add instant atmosphere.
Furniture
Outdoor furniture is undoubtedly key to setting up a comfortable outdoor living space. However, it requires understanding how you plan to use the entire space for outdoor living, such as whether you will organize your next BBQ party, hold your book club meetings, or serve family dinners on weekends. Consider your answers to them based on the number of people you may expect to be present there so that you can offer them comfortable seating spaces. Once you fix your functional requirements, you can choose furniture accordingly, from tabletops and coffee tables to lounge-type sofas.
Sun Exposure
Before deciding to build an outdoor living space, you should spend time outdoors around the clock. This will help you learn where the sun hits during lunch and which spot is best for morning coffee. Finding the right place for every element is essential unless you want to endure hardships like roasting under the sun or freezing in the shade. You can invest in sunshade sails and umbrellas to protect everyone from sunburns.
Entertainment Needs
Adding only one dining table can be fine for a small family. Still, if you expect more than four people at every meal or sometimes, small items like side tables provide flexibility as an additional seating space. This can be used temporarily or permanently. You can even keep fold-up chairs and tables stored in your garage or basement as a seating solution when you welcome more people.
Hardscape
The term ‘hardscape’ refers to the stones, pavers, or tiles used to create strong flooring, pathways, or walls in outdoor spaces. Simply put, you need to get these elements that are built and hearty enough to last through winter, making your outdoor living space more functional.
Layout
Now comes the most crucial question: What do you want your outdoor living space to look like? Once you determine the above elements and the number of components that will go into the space, your layout will automatically come into play. However, it is important to carefully examine the dimensions of each piece and account for more floor space that you will need when you pull out chairs from the dining table.
Ideas for Outdoor Living Space
Outdoor Dining Space
Even though you are mesmerized by the luxurious look of large dining tables, consider your family’s average dining needs. How many family members do you have? How much outdoor space do you have? How often do you host outdoor parties? Consider all these questions before buying a dining table. You can even buy smaller dining tables to scatter throughout the space.
Fire Pit
While looking at outdoor fire pit designs, you will find numerous options. Metal-frame options at less than $100 are a better version of the campsite’s fire pit. Or, you can find a ceramic vessel in a rectangular or bowl shape powered by natural gas. There are countless options, so choose the one that fits your budget.
Poolside Area
If you have a pool in your backyard, you will want to spend some time there. So, create a dedicated poolside seating with chaise lounges for sunbathing and drying off. Also, potted planters should be added around the pool for some greenery.
Outdoor Lounge Space
You may not want to sit at your dining table upright while making crafts or reading books. Comfortable seating deserves a cushion in your favorite colors or patterns to lighten up your mood every time you use it. So, you should go beyond chairs and add a sectional sofa to comfortable gatherings.
Hanging Porch Swing
If you cannot visualize a hanging swing, consider the hammocks used in outdoor spaces. This is also a chance to add personality to your space. Add a hanging pod chair made with natural materials like bamboo and wicker to provide a bohemian feel to your outdoor living space. You can also add a traditional wooden porch swing with cushions for a classic look.
Outside Kitchen
Depending on your space, you may invest in building an outdoor kitchen. This way, you can easily organize your outdoor dinners or parties. For a better design, you can create a foldable BBQ area with counter space, a stove, grill, or oven, and storage space for utensils and grilling items.
The Key Takeaway
Now that you fully understand how to create outdoor living spaces in your home’s backyard or lawn, it is time to try it. Irrespective of your chosen approach, you can build your dream outdoor living space, which you probably never want to leave.
For more interior and exterior decor tips, visit Home Online Solutions.
I’m Emma Kennedy, a home solutions expert with a passion for simplifying the art of living well. With a background in design and a knack for creative problem-solving, I focus on offering practical advice that helps homeowners turn their spaces into true reflections of themselves.
