Having access to the outdoors, whether it be a small balcony in the city or a sprawling backyard in the suburbs, is a luxury to most people. However, many struggle with what to do with the space they have. Luckily for you, we are here to help! Below are a few tips on how to take your unique space and give it the look and functionality you’ve been dreaming of. Start with the big picture, how do you intend on using the space?
- Will you and your girlfriends be sitting around the fire every Monday night drinking wine and watching tv?
- Every weekend will you be grilling burgers while hosting a watch party for the big game?
- Do you want your house to be the hangout spot for your kids and their friends? Does this include a pool?
- Do you want this space to be your private sanctuary – full of comfortable furniture and potted plants – where you can escape to after a long day at work?
- What if you want to do all these things?
Determine exactly what it is you are looking to do with your space, and then take that idea and use these simple guidelines to achieve it.
Functionality
If it’s not functional, then it is not going to be used. This comes with all aspects of design. If you put your spa at the furthest point from your door, chances are you are not going to use it on those cold nights because you will freeze getting in and out. The same goes for an outdoor kitchen in an area that is uncovered, or far from the door. If it’s raining, and you aren’t a grill master, you probably won’t go out to check your burgers. It’s all about practicality and ease of access.
Defining Spaces
Think of your backyard as an extension of your home. You have a kitchen, living room, and dining room. These spaces need to be defined in your outdoor space as well. If you have a covered patio with a kitchen on one end and a fireplace on the opposite end, what works best for how you want to use the space? Do you want to have the outdoor dining table close to the kitchen for easy access, or does it have to be on the opposite end near the fireplace because you always have to eat dinner next to the fireplace? You can define these spaces with area rugs, lighting, and the layout of the furniture itself.
We hope that these simple tips help you to understand a little more about how to maximize the full potential of your space. If you feel like you might need some professional help, don’t hesitate to drop us a line.