Creating an outdoor living space is about much more than finding some matching lawn furniture or keeping the grass trimmed. Adding outdoor living spaces and modern landscaping to a home is one of the most efficient ways to improve a property’s value. No matter the location that one lives at or the size of their property, there are some simple steps that can be taken to make any corner of the yard a great place to read a book, lounge during the warm summer nights, or a host a party with friends.
Making the Space Accessible
While it may seem like a good idea to tuck away an outdoor living area out behind the garage or in the back of the yard to get more shade, it is important to think about traffic to and from the area. Constantly running into the home to go to the restroom, grab a drink, or simply put on a sweater can be a hassle when done over and over throughout the day. Instead, property owners should consider carving out their own outdoor living area near the entryway to the yard or the home itself and then create a simple path with permanent or semi-permanent fixtures such as rocks, shrubbery, and lights.
Creating Borders
Those that want to relax outdoors may feel as if a wall is not necessary, but it is important to consider one dividing wall and some sort of covering on at least part of the area. The wall can be made up of anything imaginable ranging from bricks to lattice, each of which will take away the feeling of being completely “exposed” while outdoors. We talked with Morgreen Landscape & Nursery about this subject, and they said, “Along with some sort of covering, these two items will help to block wind, rain, direct sunlight, and will even help to cut down on noise from neighbors or the street, so it’s always a good thing to consider.”
Steps for Safety
Over $5 billion worth of damage takes place every year due to home fires, and a major priority for those designing their own outdoor living space should be safety. Most outdoor living spaces are going to have at least some sort of outdoor fire or heating element, and it is important to plan where these will be located. No shrubbery or trees should be within a few yards of the fire and a fire extinguisher and hose should be nearby. If gas lines are put in for either a BBQ or for a fire pit, the city should be consulted first to collect permits and ensure there are no pipes or cables buried in the yard.
Furniture and Knick Knacks
Just as with any room within the house, creating an outdoor living space should have a personal theme with both the furniture and décor. The theme can range from rustic outdoor living to the beach, but it should stay consistent with each of the pieces of furniture and any decorations. A few key conversation pieces or art will also go a long way from turning a basic patio into an actual living space. Each of these pieces should be relatively resistant to the weather in order to not be damaged when lying outside for an extended period of time.
When deciding upon the furniture for the area, it is important to choose a variety of styles and options instead of cookie-cutter chairs or stools. Benches and swing chairs can be added along one side with stools or taller dining chairs near the fire or BBQ. All materials should also be UV and water-resistant as well, even if they will be brought indoors for storage.
There is almost no better way to make one’s yard inviting than to create a cozy living area. By focusing on just a few key features and deciding on an overall theme, family and friends are sure to spend hours on end enjoying the outdoors.
