Getting the Most Out of Your Outdoor Living Area
Whether you live in the wide-open spaces of Wyoming or a third-floor walk-up in Midtown Manhattan, outside space is a luxury to be enjoyed. And, here in New England, we certainly don’t take the warmer months for granted. As the warmer weather rolls in, it’s time to get your outdoor living space ready so you can make the most of the spring and summer months - while they last!
Creativity and planning go a long way when creating an enjoyable outdoor space for entertaining, relaxation, or just spending downtime with family and friends. Here are a few hints to help you look like a pro when it comes to styling your outdoor space.
Measure Your Space
One very important thing - which may seem obvious, but many people forget - is to measure the size of your space. The absence of walls or borders can be deceiving when it comes to how much open area you actually have available. You don’t want to end up with an overcrowded space, as it will detract from the setting you’re trying to create.
Remember, when measuring, you’ll need to allow for movement and foot traffic as well. If you have more than one designated area within the space, you’ll need to have pathways to move from one to the other. Even if you decide to have one large area, you’ll still need to leave space to get around furniture or other objects.
Get a Clear Vision for Your Space
Once you establish the size of your area, it’s important to know what you want from your space. Do you want to have larger gatherings? A place to grill? A cozy spot to soak up some rays or read a book? Maybe you want a designated quiet spot for an afternoon nap, a dining table, and chairs - or maybe you want all of the above.
Having a clear vision for what you’re trying to create will allow you to make those tough decisions like what type of furniture you’ll need, accent pieces, and what to splurge on. Whatever your dream is for your outdoor space, having a plan will help you choose the right decor and accessories to make it look - and feel - exactly like you want it to.
Make it Functional & Flexible
Larger areas can be separated into smaller ones by how the furniture is arranged, adding outdoor rugs, or by using sheer curtains or standing folding screens that can be painted to match your color scheme. Even inexpensive lattice from your local hardware or home store is a simple way to both separate areas and create privacy as well.
All of the examples above can also be easily moved to allow for a change in function when needed. Potted and planted flowers, as well as potted trees, make wonderful borders, too. Consider the amount of sun, shade, and wind that your outside space receives when choosing plants to ensure they thrive.
Lighting & Ambiance
Lighting is another important thing to consider when it comes to creating a comfortable space where people will enjoy spending time. If outlets are not readily available, you might consider battery-operated light options. Another popular, multifunctional option for lighting is a fire pit or fire table; there are even tabletop versions available, depending on the space. These are great not only for subtle lighting and ambiance but also to add warmth on chillier evenings - not to mention the conversation they encourage!
To top off the ambiance, music is a must. Wireless Bluetooth speakers are a great option to add a little background noise and set the tone for the day or evening. Depending on the setup of your space, you may be able to arrange several small speakers inconspicuously throughout, offering a more rounded listening experience.
Storage, Seating & More
Don’t forget the furniture! While this can be the most costly part of your design plan, you can minimize the cost by choosing pieces that are multi-functional. For example, you might look for an ottoman that doubles as a storage bin, or a lidded basket that also functions as a side table. Think outside the box.
And, don’t forget about the space beneath your feet! When you’re spending time outside, it’s important to make it feel homey. A decorative area rug adds visual contrast and lends a cozy, cohesive feel. If you have a wooden area underfoot, painting is another option. You can even paint a rug, a pathway, or a walkway, to create the illusion of these structures. Or, simply adding a fresh coat of stain will add protection and can bring the color back to life.
Sometimes we get so caught up in the design of the space, we miss the beauty of the natural surroundings. Sometimes the best accents are already there, just waiting to be utilized. Be sure to capitalize on any unique natural landscaping or structures and incorporate them into the design.