How to Design an Outdoor Living Space

Days are getting longer, the weather is warming up and after being inside during the long winter months, we’re looking for more opportunities to be outdoors! Now is a great time to upgrade your outdoor living space.

Imagine drinking your morning coffee before starting work while listening to the birds chirping or unwinding looking at the sunset with your partner at the end of the day… doesn’t that sound nice?

Benefits of Having an Outdoor Living Space

Having an outdoor living space at home has numerous benefits such as:

1. Expand your living space. Having a functional and inviting outdoor space will make you feel like you just added an additional room to your house! This becomes a place to relax but also to host and entertain your guests!
   
2. Improve your overall well-being. Spending more time in nature is known to be positive for your mental health, help reduce stress, and increase general happiness. Being exposed to fresh air and natural light is also beneficial for your physical health. Having an outdoor living space allows you to spend more time outdoors without having to leave your house!
   
3. Increase your home value. One thing that 2020 has taught us when it comes to home design, is how much people value their private outdoor space. Having a stylish outdoor living space will increase your home value. If you ever want to put your house back on the market, this investment will not go unnoticed! 

So, are you convinced you need an outdoor living space? Let’s get started!

Design Tips for Creating an Outdoor Living Space at Home

#1 - Define the Outdoor Space & Its Purpose

How much space do you have to work with? Do you want to focus on the front porch, the patio, or the entire backyard? 

Once you’ve determined the space, ask yourself the function and purpose it will have. Are you planning on adding a full dining table or focusing on a lounging area? 

#2 - Pay Attention to the Sun Exposition

Before doing any work or remodeling, spend some time outdoors to understand where the sun rises and sets, what’s the exposition of the spot at different times of the day, and if some areas are windier than others. 

Compare your notes with the purpose of the space and plan accordingly. If you imagine yourself drinking your morning coffee you might want to optimize for early sun exposition.

#3 - Pick Durable Furniture Pieces

It’s important to choose durable and weather-resistance pieces of furniture for your outdoor space. 

But long are the days when they were only one boring type of outdoor furniture! You can absolutely choose stylish durable pieces! 

The best materials for outdoor furniture will be wood, metal, wicker, and plastic. 

#4 - Comfort is Key in Outdoor Living Spaces

Make your outdoor living space as comfortable as you can and you’ll find yourself spending more and more time out there!

Here are a few ways to add comfort to your outdoor area:

• Add a hammock or swing chair: this is something we usually don’t have inside the house so it will be a great way to switch it up
• Add a rug to make it extra cozy
• Don’t forget the pillows and blankets

#5 - Lighting & Heating

By adding some lighting and even maybe some heating sources, you will be able to make the best out of your outdoor space even on colder and darker nights or during the wintertime! 

Here are some lighting ideas:

• String lights or lanterns to hang around the house or even on trees will bring that festive and cozy feeling all year long
• Pathway lighting is a great idea especially if your outdoor space is a bit further away from the house
• Wall lamps or standing lamps to highlight a specific area 

When it comes to heating sources, nothing beats a firepit to make you feel like you’re camping without having to sleep in a tent. 

#6 - Wind & Sun Protection 

If your space is highly exposed to the sun or win, you’ll want to add the proper protection. Umbrellas are the most popular choice but you could also decide to get shade sails attached to posts or walls, pergolas, or outdoor curtains.

Remodeling your outdoor living space is not just an investment in your house, it’s also an investment in yourself, your lifestyle, and your well-being. Don’t be surprised if you end up spending more nights at home or be the one who wants to host the parties once your outdoor space is done! This might become your favorite room in the house! 

To make it happen this year, contact us!