Spring is officially here, and so is the season of outdoor entertainment. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, enjoying a cozy evening under the stars, or simply basking in the warmth of a sunny day, a well-designed outdoor area can really wow your guests and encourage your family to spend more time outside. As a female designer, you may feel additional pressure to show off your design savvy. Don’t be intimidated, because it’s actually very easy to create an outdoor living space that’s both stylish and functional. With that said, here are three tips to help you get started.
1. Identify the Purpose of Your Space
Are you looking to create an alfresco dining area for family dinners, a lounging area for cocktails, or a cozy corner for reading and relaxation? Before choosing furniture and landscaping elements, you must first decide what your ultimate goal will be for your outdoor space. From there, choose furniture pieces that are weather-resistant and comfortable to use. Don’t forget to include some sort of shelter from sun and rain, such as an awning, parasol, or pergola. For an extra element of polish, pick a theme for your space and decorate with your theme in mind. Doing this will help visitors identify your outdoor area as a separate “zone” from the rest of your yard that has its own dedicated purpose.
2. Use Natural Materials
One of the main benefits of outdoor living spaces is their connection to nature. You can enhance this connection by incorporating natural elements into your design. Consider adding some bioactive greenery through landscaping, potted plants, or vertical gardens, which can add color and texture while softening the hard edges of manmade elements. Also, try utilizing natural materials like wood, stone, and bamboo for your furniture, paving, decking, or retaining walls. If you have the space, a water feature like a fountain or pond can add an extra layer of visual interest and attract birds to your space, as well.
3. Emphasize Good Lighting
Ensure your guests can enjoy your outdoor living space well into the evening by incorporating strategic lighting elements. As a rule of thumb, stick to several smaller accent lights closer to the ground rather than one huge spotlight that shines down from above. Pathway lights, string lights, and outdoor lanterns are all stylish, appropriate for outdoor use, and known to inspire feelings of coziness and warmth. If you have a water feature, you can add inexpensive, floating LED lights to make it just as pretty to look at in the dark. Candles and fire pits are also tried-and-true methods of securing illumination and creating a romantic atmosphere. Try mixing and matching these different lighting options to add the final touch to your outdoor area.
By identifying your purpose and using nature as your design inspiration, you can successfully transform your backyard into a haven for meals, social gatherings, and moments of relaxation. So, step outside, let creativity guide you, and watch as your outdoor oasis becomes a cherished extension of your home.
