When you choose to put functionality at the forefront of your outdoor living space, it will become a place you can enjoy on your own or with friends and family year-round. Spending more time outside has numerous advantages, and you can make it simpler to enjoy those advantages by designing a location that meets your needs and desires.
Having a picnic table and a fire pit in your backyard is different from having a functional outdoor living space. While a few simple pieces may suffice, why not go all out when it comes to creating an outdoor space you can’t get enough of?
With that in mind, let’s take a look at four tips you can use to design a functional outdoor living space.
1. Make An All-Season Hangout Spot
If you live in an area where the fall and winter bring lower temperatures and bad weather, you may be drinking your coffee and gazing out the window, wishing you were outside. But, after all, who wants to freeze?
Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to create an outdoor living space that you can use all year round.
For starters, add a fire pit.
It’s a great conversation piece and can be used just as easily for s’mores in the summer as it is to keep warm in the winter. Adding lights, comfortable furniture, throws and pillows, and a patio roof will also make it possible to spend time outdoors no matter the season. Your goal should be to keep yourself and others safe, comfortable, and warm. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your solutions and embrace the weather as it comes rather than trying to work against it.
2. Design It for Easy Entertaining
An outdoor living space should have the ability to “hold” multiple people. Whether you want to hold more family dinners or host a large BBQ with your neighbours, the way you arrange your outdoor space will make a significant difference.
Be strategic with your space, and consider adding some type of protective structure like a shed, awning, or retractable roof. Not only can they keep you and your guests safe from too much sun, insects, and bad weather, but you can use them to add to your aesthetic.
If you really want to add functionality to your dinner parties and outdoor entertaining endeavours, consider installing an outdoor kitchen. It’ll make it easier to stay involved with your guests without having to run back and forth to the house. Plus, it’s an easy way to spark conversation. Include items such as:
- A grill
- An outdoor griddle or stovetop
- A bar
- Refrigeration
Even a simple outdoor kitchen can make your entertaining efforts easier. Plus, who doesn’t love cooking outside?
3. Make It Kid-Friendly
Whether you have children or wish to invite family members who do, making your outdoor living space child-friendly is one of the best things you can do. Children enjoy being outside. If your friends with children know they may bring their children, they will be more likely to come over. If you’re a parent, having a secure and enjoyable outdoor space for your children is a terrific way to keep them active and away from excessive screen time.
But, what does a kid-friendly outdoor living space look like?
A lot of it depends on the ages and needs of the kids. But, consider adding things like:
- Stackable play tables
- A sandbox
- A swing set
- Waterproof toys
Most importantly, keep safety in mind. The perfect backyard for kids is one where they can run around freely without the risk of getting hurt by some kind of structure or design element. With safety as your priority, get creative with your kid-friendly efforts.
4. Create a Seamless Transition
Your outdoor space should be an extension of your home, not something completely different and random. Creating a seamless transition will help you feel more comfortable in the space. It will also make it easier to design since you can use your existing home aesthetic as a starting point.
Use glass sliding doors or sliding glass walls to make your interior and outdoor rooms feel like one. The transition will be smoother and cleaner if you stick to a consistent design theme, use similar flooring, and use the appropriate colours.
Having a functional outdoor living space will encourage you to spend more time outdoors, enjoying your backyard. It opens up opportunities for entertaining, spending time with family, or just finding solace in your own little slice of nature. As a bonus, many backyard renovations can boost the value of your home if you ever decide to sell.
Consider these tips if you’ve been thinking about sprucing up your yard. By keeping functionality and practicality at the forefront of your design, you can put together a space you’ll be able to enjoy all year round.
