This year, it’s the smell of backyard barbecues, the sound of a bubbling fountain, and the beauty of blooming flowers that lure us to the outdoors.
If you’ve been thinking about sprucing up your outdoor living space but you feel the inspiration is lacking, don’t worry. Below, we’ve compiled an essential guide to the best design ideas for your outdoor living area.
Before You Plan Your Outdoor Living Space
Over the years, at Seattle Outdoor Spaces, we’ve learned many things that can be the difference between designing a beautiful outdoor space and a disaster.
One of those skills we picked up is knowing how to design your outdoor living space correctly.
Designing your outdoor living space is a lot like planning the layout of any room or floor. There are three essentials to keep in mind when planning your outdoor space.
Purpose
Do you entertain a lot? Do you want your outdoor space to be perfect for mouth-watering barbecues or should it be more intimate and a sanctuary from the everyday hustle and bustle?
Think about how you plan on using your outdoor space. Knowing how you plan on using it is the first step to creating a great outdoor living space.
Layout
The next step is to look at the layout of your outdoor space. The best designs are often logical with a clear vision in mind.
For instance, an outdoor kitchen works better undercover and close to a fire pit or fireplace. Here you’ll find ample seating and space for endless laughter and conversation.
On the other hand, a water feature should be a feature, something to draw the eye and entertain.
You don’t want to create obstacles or hide impressive features. So, carefully consider the layout of your outdoor space.
Surroundings
The final aspect to consider is the surroundings. The surroundings aren’t just limited to what’s in your garden. It would help if you also thought about the areas outside of your property.
For example, think about what views you’d like to highlight. For instance, a patio with a small coffee table can be the perfect place to watch the sunrise or sunset.
Use hedges or screens to block unsightly areas and eyesores. Once you’ve planned your ideal outdoor living space, it’s time to include some great designs to make it truly stand out.
4 Design Elements For The Ultimate Outdoor Living Space
Every garden requires four essential elements to transform into an outdoor living space. These elements are what truly separates an eyesore from the perfect outdoor space.
Water Feature
Water is a refreshing and relaxing addition to your outdoor space. You don’t need to invest in a fancy, art-inspired water feature. Sometimes, all you need is a modern moat, a fountain, or a pond.
The sight and sound of the bubbling, chuckling water will relax you and your guests. The sound of water can even lower your blood pressure!
A water feature will also draw more wildlife to your garden. You can enjoy bees, squirrels, and birds in your personal oasis.
Fire Feature
The next element to add is fire. Dancing flames will entertain and enchant throughout the long, dark nights.
Fireplaces and firepits also serve an actual handy function. Here you can toast tasty s’mores, prepare an outdoor meal, and keep warm during those chilly fall evenings.
Firepits are also excellent for creating a camp atmosphere – perfect for the youngsters!
Surfaces and Textures
For the best outdoor living spaces, consider a variety of hard and soft surfaces.
Leave a portion of the ground open, soft, and inviting. You can cover it with artificial turf or grow various flowers and plants.
Another part of your outdoor space should be paved, like a patio or walkway. Incorporate flagstones, boulders, and decking to create natural areas where you can entertain your guests.
Lighting
The final element you need is lighting. Good lighting can transform your outdoor space into a magical wonderland that you and your guests can enjoy during the day and the night.
Illuminate your outdoor kitchen with enough lights, and add ambient and accent lighting to build atmosphere into your outdoor space.
Landscape lighting and string lights can help guide visitors through your wonderland while adding a touch of whimsy and fantasy to your garden.
Are You Ready To Design The Best Outdoor Living Space?
We know that coming up with design ideas for your outdoor living space can be daunting.
There are so many things to consider when planning the design for your outdoor living space, and it can be difficult to decide on what will work well in your space.
Luckily, at Seattle Outdoor Spaces, we have years of experience creating the perfect designs for outdoor living spaces. If you feel like you need advice, or a friendly chat about the ideal space for you and your family, get in touch with us. We’re waiting to help you create the ultimate outdoor space.
