Homeowners put a lot of thought into their home interior design, but the outdoors is just as important as it can be a great extension of your home. It gives you extra space to enjoy quality time with loved ones, host a party or relax in your own company. However, designing the outdoor area can seem pretty challenging because the space is undefined and has no walls, and there are many things to consider. But it doesn’t have to be that way. The key is to approach it like any other room in your home, consider your needs and preferences and pick a style and a color scheme that fits into the design and complements the other spaces.
By planning carefully, you can make the most of the outdoors and transform it into a fabulous area you will love. Read our tips to learn how to make this space as welcoming as possible.
Choose a theme
The outdoor space should reflect your taste, so consider looking for a theme that resonates with you. For example, you may want to make your outdoors look like a Japanese garden, surround it with a bamboo fence, and complete the design with a stone walkway and a fountain.
Or, you can opt for a cottage garden instead and add wildflowers, aged wood benches and a cobblestone fit pit. These elements will help create a unique outdoor space to spend summer days reading your favorite book or simply connecting with nature. You can use the same motifs even if you have a tiny balcony – all you have to do is adjust the furniture and greenery to fit the scale of the space.
Connect the exterior with the interior
Your outdoor space should be an extension of the indoors, especially if you have a small space, as it ensures conveniences from the inside will be handy if you need a snack or drink. You can achieve this connection by using textures and colors from the interior on your outdoor furnishings. This will help create a sense of aesthetic continuity, ensuring the two spaces remain connected not only on a spatial level but also from a stylistic point of view. Also, consider creating an open view between the two spaces to make them seem larger and allow for expansiveness when socializing.
Another way to create an indoor-outdoor connection is to choose the same flooring for the two spaces. However, you want to ensure that the outdoor flooring can withstand weather conditions, so choose durable materials that won’t sacrifice aesthetics, such as stones, porcelain stoneware, or wood.
Consider lighting
Many homeowners believe lighting is only for the indoors! But that’s not true. Outdoor lighting is also critical if you want to spend time in the space once the sun goes down, as it can set the mood and add warmth to the area. You want a warm glow that won’t disturb your neighbors, so consider choosing pretty pendants over unsightly light fixtures. Candlelight is ideal for conversation areas, while traditional string lights can add a romantic element to the space.
There are many ways to light up an outdoor space, so don’t be afraid to get creative. For example, paper lanterns are a great alternative to string lights, and you can use them to create visual interest in the space. Path lighting is also a great idea, and it can be used both for aesthetic reasons, as a welcoming greeting for guests, and for practical reasons, as a safety measure. Solar lights are generally an excellent choice because they turn on at dusk and don’t require battery replacement either.
Include different seating areas
It’s always better to have a varied seating area which you can use for multiple purposes. This allows you to make the most of the outdoor space by creating a space where you can entertain for meals while also being able to relax or journal whenever you want. That said, you need to choose furniture carefully, as its layout and style will set the tone for the area. A perfect outdoor space provides good flow while also creating a feeling of intimacy. Choosing simple and functional furnishings will help achieve the ideal setting for memorable gatherings.
Nowadays, it’s simpler than ever to create the same style and comfort outdoors as in your home’s interior, as there’s a wide range of outdoor furniture fabrics and finishes to choose from. However, there are some important considerations to keep in mind when selecting outdoor furniture, and one of them is water. No matter your location, your outdoor furniture will inevitably come into contact with water, whether in snow, rain or humidity. That said, you want to ensure it is durable by opting for a water resistant fabric.
Add greenery
No matter the size of your outdoor space, incorporating greenery will work wonders. Plants and flowers will instantly transform the area by adding beauty and color to it. You can create depth in the space by using various potted plants, but make sure to research them before deciding. This is important to learn how much sun and water the plants will need to grow, and which ones are most suitable for your space. Banana trees and orchids are excellent outdoor choices, adding a touch of nature to the area, while high-design planters are ideal for showing off your style.
When choosing plants, you want to be mindful of the sunlight, as some do well in the shade, such as the snake plant, while others are suitable only for sunny areas, including lavender, hibiscus and sweet potato ivy. But there are also more versatile plants which can adapt to both types of environments, and you may find them more appealing. There really are many options available, so take the time to consider them carefully and don’t rush to make a decision.
The bottom line
Now that you have learned how to create your outdoor oasis, it’s time to get to work and make your space stunning and functional. Happy designing!
