Creating Your Perfect Outdoor Living Spaces: Considerations Before You Begin

Bringing the “outside in” utilizes natural textures to create timeless indoor design. But what about bringing the “inside out”? This hot trend extends interior style to outdoor spaces. Fantastic fabrics, comfy cushions, classic chandeliers, and dressy drapes are not just for your living room anymore. Adding these layers to your backyard living space increases home value and provides the ultimate oasis for your family and guests. Interior designers are increasingly working with builders and landscapers to design luxurious outdoor living environments.

Here are five points to consider as you’re designing your ideal outdoor living space:

Zoning Spaces and Creating Outdoor Rooms

Prioritizing a list of design elements you desire is step one in perfecting outdoor living. If you entertain frequently or have a large family you will probably want to include both a dining area with 6-8 chairs and a lounge space with an outdoor sectional or something similar to seat a crowd. Those with a pool may desire sunning space, a changing room, and perhaps even an outdoor shower will make the list. A grill master will insist on outdoor cooking equipment and an island or bar for serving. Fused flooring, area rugs, string lighting, and well-designed abstract walls all help to zone independent spaces and create practical traffic patterns.

Creating Privacy and Controlling Bugs

The buzz of pests or a pesky neighbor can both be bothersome. There are plenty of unique screening options to make the outdoors feel private and pleasant. Ceiling fans circulate air keeping bugs at bay and people more comfy too. Manual and motorized roller shades or sun-blocking fabric drapes are widely used to prevent pest invasion and create a shady secluded space. Living walls and dimensional screening also help to privatize a patio.

Under Cover vs. Under the Stars

Intense sun and rain can quickly send people back inside. Whether it be a covered porch or patio under a pergola, think about shelter to keep folks cool and dry. Sun sails and umbrellas can help when out in the open, but require regular repair or replacement. Alternatively there is no therapy quite like de-stressing under the stars, so designing some space with no cover is a clever idea for those who take particular delight in a moonlit night.

Functional Favorites

Backyard movie nights and watching sports while grilling-out are fun opportunities. Consider building weatherproof cabinetry for electronics like televisions and budgeting for waterproof speakers too. Spend time strategizing outlet placement for devices dedicated to use outdoors. Mother Nature is unpredictable so plan for high winds and harsh weather. Purchase custom covers for furniture and incorporate storage for accessories during storms and the winter off-season. Consider ongoing maintenance when picking out furnishings and splurge for durable textiles like fade and mildew-resistant fabrics for upholstered pieces. If you are planning a fireplace, design an area for stacking wood or opt for a gas flame to provide effortless ambiance.

Styling the Seasons

Change style each season by alternating accessories. Build a neutral backdrop that compliments your interior color palette, then accent with pillows, lanterns, throws, weatherproof art, and other trendy touches. Carefully placed container gardens seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor spaces and can be refreshed all-four seasons.

Everything Home is eager to design your best backyard living space. Let us turn your wants into wonder. We can guide you in concept design, fabric selection, functional furnishings, and everything else it takes to create the perfect outdoor space. Contact us to learn more.

Happy Home. Happy Life.