With the warm weather gradually coming to an end, it’s time to look forward to next summer. With this in mind, you can start planning exciting projects including installing a social area outside. It’s more than throwing a table and chair outside for the BBQ, so put some thought into how you envision your outdoor seating area. Here are some tips on how to design your outdoor living space:
Your Goal
What do you want to achieve with your outdoor space? Will you be hosting BBQs, creating a space to relax in, or trying to design a space with a pet in mind? Whatever your goal is, it will help dictate the layout of your outside area. You should design your outside layout by drawing a labeled floorplan that accounts for moving around the space. If your property is blessed with wonderful views, you should think about the surrounding areas. For example, if the sun rises behind your house, you may want to position seating that lets you kick back with a morning coffee and enjoy the view. If you have pets, you have give them enough space to run without comprising the seating area. If you want a relaxing space, a hanging swing or a chair swing – depending on your space, would give you that relaxing vibe.
Creating Ambiance
Making your outdoor seating area feel welcoming will help you to relax and impress your guests as well. If you host social gatherings into the summer evenings when it starts to get chilly, consider one of these 8 beautiful backyard fire features for a cozy vibe. Another way to add a welcoming ambiance to the summer evening is by stringing up lights. Installing lights is the best way to set the mood in any space, both indoors and outdoors. You can use string lights, fairy lughts or lamps. Be creative!
Adding a water feature to your garden can help you feel relaxed. After all, it’s been proven that there’s a strong link between being close to a body of water and stress reduction. Whether you add a pond or a water feature, you should consider it when you’re planning.
Natural Considerations
When you move outside, nature can get in the way if you’re not careful. During your planning phase, make a note of where the wind flows through your garden and where the light hits your space all throughout the day. If you find a calm space during your research, plan to put your outdoor space there.
You need your outdoor area to be comfortable for seating. Therefore, if your garden gets hit by the intense sun all day, make sure you include shade in your sitting area. This can be achieved by installing a pergola. If you don’t have a budget for a pergola, you can also opt with installing an umbrella or a shade sail.
Filling The Space
Once you’ve designed your space and work is underway, decide what furniture you will be using. The furniture you invest in will need to complement your overall goal. For example, there’s no point putting in a dining table if you are only using the area to lay back and relax. As well as the furnishings, you will need to decorate the area with features and plants. Typically, you should make sure the area is low maintenance to avoid spending your entire summer working. Look for furnitures that can withstand varying conditions outside.
Designing your outdoor space to prepare for your summer festivities is an fantastic autumn/winter project. It might be overwhelming at first when you start looking for design ideas online, so make sure to set your goal first then everything else will follow. It doesn’t have to be expensive, just be creative and work on your budget. Goodluck!
