Whether you have an expansive backyard or a small balcony, there are many ways to add beauty and charm to your outdoor spaces.
Creating a fully functional and attractive outdoor living space is an investment in your home’s value. Any outdoor space can be transformed into an entertainment center, complete with various amenities including a kitchen, some patio furniture, a bar, a fireplace, and a living room.
Combined with a color scheme, lighting, and accessories, your outdoor space can be the focal point of your unique vision and style. Speaking of uniqueness, if you want to go all out with the outdoor areas in your home and make the most of the space, you can consider installing crossover stairs, especially if you plan to include a water feature.
Below are the other ideas for functional outdoor spaces:
1. Build An Outdoor Kitchen
An outdoor kitchen is the best way to extend your indoor activities outside. If you don’t want to miss the party while preparing meals, you can never go wrong with building an outdoor kitchen.
For a customized and built-in cooking station, you may include countertops for food preparation, shelving for storing your tools, and a grill for cooking is your perfect option. Having a mini-fridge to access beverages easily can also be a great addition to your kitchen.
For a luxurious feel, you may consider installing stainless steel cabinets as they’re durable and functional with lots of customization options. This cabinetry can be made to fit any space and may accommodate outdoor appliances.
For added beauty and ease of maintenance, you may also try a realistic wood grain powder coat as the finish for your kitchen cabinets.
2. Consider A Fireplace Or Fire Pit
Another way to update your outdoor space is to have an outdoor fireplace or fire pit. Your preferred materials and design for your fireplace or firepit should highlight existing design elements to complement your space. For instance, choose neutral and sleek stone for a modern look or try bricks for a classic look.
However, regardless of the type of fireplace or firepit you prefer, check your local fire codes to ensure that it’s allowed in your area before you decide to build one in your yard.
3. Incorporate Lighting And Accessories
Choosing the right décor and color will blend outdoor and indoor spaces together. Outdoor lighting and some accessories, including rugs and pillows, can transform the look of your outdoor space.
Such simple additions, which incorporate elements that are usually found inside, can make you feel at home in the outdoor space. In addition, you would want to pick accessories that are both stylish and weather-resistant to suit your style.
4. Add Landscaping
Create a functional outdoor space that’s full of natural foliage for a better ambiance. If you have a small space, container gardening is always a good idea because container gardens are inexpensive and easy to maintain. Many vegetables, trees, ornamental plants, and flowers are container-friendly, so you can conveniently include fresh produce and add greenery to your outdoor living space.
Other landscaping decorations you can choose from include birdhouses, birdbath features, a reading bench, and so much more.
5. Include A Water Feature To Bring Serenity To Your Outdoor Space
While a fireplace brings warmth to your outdoor space, adding a water feature can provide a dimension of cool tranquility and soothing sound. A water feature can take all various forms, from cascading waterfalls to small store-bought fountains. Your preferred water feature may depend on how wet or wild you want to make it.
If you’re wondering about a more striking water feature to consider, a popular option is a koi pond since these can transform any kind of setting into an Eastern-inspired garden.
However, just remember that a koi pond is best kept in a mild climate because if it freezes for several days, the fish will be suffocated. For a less labor-intensive and cheaper water feature, many hardware stores offer a variety of fountains, which can be mounted on the walls or perched on a pedestal.
6. Have An Enclosure
To make your outdoor space feel like it has a purpose, it helps to establish a type of enclosure. It allows people to know that particular areas are for use while others should only be admired from a distance. For instance, you can install different flooring for a seating area in your backyard that sets it apart from the grass of the lawn.
For most outdoor living spaces, pergolas are a famous option because they offer a sense of enclosure, which lets in lots of sunlight and feels wide open. Some people also incorporate plants and vines around lattices and posts to add a natural feel to the area.
7. Create A Focal Point
Setting up an outdoor living space means having a place where you can spend more time outdoors. Moreover, many people also make one to attract guests over for social gatherings. However, without a proper plan for the seating or a focal point, it can be challenging for people to engage in conversations.
So, to make your outdoor gatherings more social, make sure to create a focal point. Whether you prefer standard chairs, swinging chairs, or a bench, well-placed seating using the focal point as a reference can make any outdoor living space more inviting.
Focal points also don’t need to include lawn furniture. Just organize your outdoor space around your water feature or outdoor kitchen. If you have a lot of plants and flowers, your focal point can be a flowering tree or a rose trellis.
8. Have Outdoor Seating
If you’re planning to use your outdoor space for entertainment purposes, having seating options is crucial. You can use bar stools for a casual setting. On the other hand, if you prefer formal seating, add some tables and chairs.
With the right outdoor seating setup, you can make your outdoor space into an intimate place for drinking, dining, and talking with family and friends. Seat pillows and cushions can also be a decorative element, but they must match the color palette of your other furniture.
Final Thoughts
Regardless of the size of your outdoor space, you can transform it into a functional living space where you and your friends or family can hang out. If you don’t know where to get started or are confused with the available options to consider for your outdoor space, make sure to take note of the above ideas and turn them into reality.
