For most homeowners, transforming their outdoor area into the perfect oasis is a challenging yet equally exciting endeavor. However, it can be a source of unnecessary setbacks and family disagreements without careful planning.
If you’ve been wanting to enhance your outdoor living space and make it a cherished go-to extension of your home, here are five essential tips that can help achieve this goal.
5 Tips for Elevating Your Outdoor Living Space
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1. Define Your Objectives
Before starting your outdoor area makeover, first establish its purpose.
Consider the following types of questions:
- How will you be using your outdoor area?
- Will you routinely invite guests, or will it be strictly utilized by the family?
- Do you want your outdoor living area to be an extension of your indoors or entirely separate?
Defining the reinvented purpose of your outdoor space — with new functions and features — will help you plan effectively.
2. Install a Patio
Another way to elevate your outdoor space is to install a concrete patio.
Close up view of a patio made of textured stamped concrete
Concrete is more durable and long-lasting and has lower upfront costs. Concrete patios are also cost-effective, eco-friendly, low-maintenance, and withstand heavy use.
Close up view of porous permeable concrete pavers
They offer various design possibilities, allowing you to create a style that complements your family.
A garden pathway made of textured stamped concrete
3. Leverage Nature
Nature can have a significant positive effect on our health and emotions.
A peaceful sitting area surrounded by nature
Integrating nature into your design can bring serenity to your outdoor living space and make it more inviting.
Whether you add plants, take advantage of the surrounding trees, incorporate wood accents, or install a water feature, you can transform your outdoor space into a tranquil sanctuary by utilizing natural elements.
Wind chimes hanging in a backyard sensory garden waiting to provide a soothing auditory experience
Two example types of gardens that will definitely add an extra element of “natural life” are sensory gardens and pollinator gardens.
Butterfly pollinators in permaculture backyard
Let the surrounding natural terrain of your neighborhood serve as inspiration, as well. For example, if you live in a rocky, mountainous area, you can design your outdoor living area with mountain-inspired features. For instance, you can use wood furnishings, incorporate boulders, stones, and rocks, and decorate with wildflowers.
Outdoor furniture pieces matching the tone of the majestic mountain views in the distance
4. Focus on the Lighting
Since natural light is amply available during the day, don’t forget to spend time outside at night to help you define your ambient outdoor lighting needs.
If you want environment-friendly, cost-efficient lighting with minimal maintenance, install outdoor solar lights and place them in areas where they can receive the most sunlight.
If you barbeque or cook outside, ensure the cooking stations are well-lit. Use warm and soft lighting to create a relaxing ambiance suitable for relaxing with loved ones or socializing with friends.
Close up view of a stylish gold bulb within an outdoor string lighting set
Layer your lighting, and don’t be afraid to mix and match. Costly lighting systems are not always necessary, as hanging string lights or lanterns are often sufficient to create a warm, soothing atmosphere.
A matching blue hanging oil lamp softly illuminating a secluded patio garden
5. Personalize Your Space
Similar to how you decorate your indoors spaces, your outdoor area should reflect your family’s interests, personality, and character.
While it’s perfectly fine to get inspiration from mood boards, social media, and your favorite outdoor showroom, don’t hesitate to incorporate special features and design statements that will make your backyard uniquely memorable.
Add personal touches and make the space a visual representation of your household. Whether it’s adding family mementos, memorabilia, decorative artwork, or customized throw pillows, your outdoor living area should be unique and personal.
Closing Comments
Elevating your outdoor space and boosting its beauty is a rewarding venture.
Whether you prefer an elegant hardscape setting, or something more rustic and closer to nature, or something in between, focus on how you wish to feel when experiencing your new outdoor oasis — both alone and with family and friends.
With these tips, combined with an optimistic mindset — and professional assistance, when needed — you can achieve the outdoor living area that you and your family will enjoy and cherish for years to come!
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