Designing Your Outdoor Space
Summer is fast approaching and a lot of us are itching to put together an outdoor space where we can make the most of it! When deciding how to approach planning an outdoor space, there are some things to consider that can help you create your dream space while also adding value to your property.
- How will you use the space? Do you host large groups for meals or BBQs or smaller casual gatherings? Would you rather have a quiet space for personal retreat? Do you have young children or pets to consider?
- How large is your outdoor space? Do you have a smaller balcony or large deck or large multi area space to consider?
- If you have a larger space, it helps to treat it similarly as your indoor space, even aesthetically, with a dining, lounging and living or recreation zones with buffer areas defining the areas.
- Do you have existing features that you would like to be focal points in your plan?
- Do you need to consider wind, sun exposure or weather in terms of furniture style and placement and off season storage?
- Combining hard and soft materials to add texture is pleasing. Incorporating stone hardscaping, wood and planted surfaces adds interest.
- Add plantings that meet your abilities for maintenance. Some people are avid gardeners while others require a low maintenance planting scheme. Trees and larger hardy shrubs mixed with perennial plants and annuals can add interest throughout seasons while also adding shelter. They can benefit the surrounding wildlife while varying heights and textures can add dimension to your landscape.
- Consider layered lighting similar to indoor lighting plans with ambient, accent and task lights to enhance the outdoor experience. These can include hardwired, solar, and battery operated types.
- The sound of water can be a very relaxing addition to your space. If you don’t have a natural source it is possible to add it with a pond or fountain.
- The addition of candles in hurricane lamps or fires in a fireplace can extend your evenings outdoors as well as your season. Who doesn’t enjoy a starlit summer night roasting marshmallows over an open fire? Just remember to make sure your fire permit is updated!
Happy summer outdoor planning!