The Joy of Outdoor Living
Imagine relaxing with a book, hosting a barbecue for friends, or enjoying a beautiful sunset in your new outdoor oasis. Outdoor living spaces are more than a shady area to sit in - they are a destination that brings joy, relaxation, and connection to your life.
But how can you create an outdoor living space that is both functional and stylish, regardless of your available space or budget? We cover everything from designing your space and choosing furniture to lighting, landscaping, and accessories.

Planning Your Outdoor Space
What's The Space Look Like?
By understanding the available space, you can start to visualize what is possible for your design. For example, if there is a small balcony on your home, you can create a vertical garden beneath the balcony to maximize the available space. Alternatively, if you have a spacious backyard, you may have the luxury of adding several seating areas or a swimming pool.
What is the ultimate goal?
The most successful outdoor spaces start with a purpose in mind. Think about what uses you would like from your outdoor living space. Do you want an outdoor kitchen to host dinner parties or a shady patio to read a book? Do you need a play area for kids? Determining your goals and needs can narrow down features.
What is a realistic budget?
Your outdoor space can be simple or elaborate, whatever feels suitable for your goals, but setting a budget will help you prioritize what's most important. Start by considering essential elements, such as seating areas or lighting, and what features can come later. Then, setting a budget will ensure you're making informed decisions and avoiding overspending.
Sketch out your design
A rough sketch of your design can help with the larger layout, including plant placement, seating areas, and lighting. As you sketch, remember the amount of natural light and privacy your space receives and the aesthetic of your home's exterior. Your sketch doesn't have to be perfect, but it will provide a visual guide for your project and help you avoid costly mistakes later.

What To Do With The Landscaping
Incorporate plants and greenery
One common way to make an outdoor living space more inviting is to incorporate plants and greenery into your design. Adding plants can soften the hard lines of a deck or patio and create a sense of lushness and vibrancy. When selecting plants, choose species that are well-suited for your climate and require minimal maintenance.
Adding a bit of privacy
Create a secluded retreat by adding privacy. Planting a hedge is an excellent option if you have space and want a natural-looking barrier. Trellises or screens can create privacy while adding decorative elements to your outdoor space. Finally, a fence can make more of a permanent barrier.
Class it up with hardscaping
Hardscaping refers to using non-living elements like stones, bricks, and pavers in your design. For example, a paved walkway can create a clear path through your garden, while a stone retaining wall can provide extra seating or a planter. Consider your home's exterior style and color scheme when designing your hardscape.
Install an outdoor fireplace or fire pit
Adding a fire feature will help to create a very welcoming space that people want to spend time in, which is especially helpful if you live in a cooler climate. It can create a cozy, inviting atmosphere and provide warmth for cooler evenings. Look for fire-resistant materials, such as stone or metal, and follow all safety guidelines when using a fire feature in your outdoor space.

What kind of lighting should you add?
Set the mood with ambient
Ambient lighting is an essential component of any outdoor living space. It creates an inviting atmosphere while providing illumination for practical activities like grilling or entertaining. Consider installing soft, warm lights around the perimeter of your outdoor living space and near doorways and walkways.
Create depth with decorative
Decorative lighting can add an extra layer of visual interest to your outdoor living space. You can drape string lights across your patio or string them through trees to create a cozy, romantic atmosphere. Electric lanterns can be hung from tree branches, while artificial candles on outdoor tables or ledges can add an inviting glow.
Glow stones with new cement
If you like the idea of adding soft lighting to your outdoor space that doesn't require electricity, consider installing glow stones in a new cement walkway. Glow stones are small, photoluminescent pebbles that emit a soft glow at night. This adds a touch of whimsy to an outdoor space and is a practical way to light up your walkways at night without installing traditional lighting fixtures.

The finishing touch of furniture
Choose durable materials
Choose durable and weather-resistant materials when selecting furniture for your outdoor living space. Outdoor furniture experiences a lot of wear and tear, including rain, wind, and sunlight. Therefore, look for sturdy materials that can withstand the elements, such as aluminum, teak, or resin wicker.
Consider comfort
While durability is important, so is comfort. After all, you want to relax and enjoy your outdoor living space! When selecting furniture, consider the size and shape of your seating and the cushions and pillows. Look for seating with comfortable cushions and good support, and make sure the size of the furniture fits your space.
Mix and match pieces
Creating a cohesive outdoor living space doesn't mean you have to buy a matching furniture set. Instead, mixing and matching pieces can create a more exciting and unique look. For example, you can combine different materials, such as metal and wood, or mix styles, such as modern and traditional.
Creating a functional and stylish outdoor living space can transform your backyard into a beautiful oasis where you can relax and entertain guests. Whether you have a small balcony or a sprawling yard, there are many ways to design an inviting outdoor area. From landscaping and lighting to furniture and accessories, there are endless possibilities to customize your space and make it your own.
By incorporating plants and greenery, adding privacy, considering hardscaping, installing ambient and decorative lighting, choosing durable and comfortable furniture, mixing and matching pieces, adding rugs and pillows, incorporating outdoor art, and installing an outdoor fireplace or fire pit, you can create an outdoor living space that you'll love spending time in.
Remember to maximize your space throughout the year by using shade to your advantage, utilizing heaters and fans, and investing in outdoor storage. With these tips and ideas, you can create a beautiful and functional outdoor living space that you'll enjoy year-round.