One question that seems to get asked often is, “How do I create a fantastic Outdoor Living Space?”
It is a good question and begs a good answer, so I will attempt to help you do just that! Let’s work on creating an outdoor Living space that has flair and a great flow as well. Movement through your outdoor space will make that space seem even bigger if it flows nicely from one area to the next. Family time or party time will be much more enjoyable when your outdoor living space has just the right seating, lighting and accessories to help with BBQs and more.
More often than not, people want to make use of all their spaces. Indoors is pretty well established already. Your kitchen, living areas and resting places are already part of the floor plan. When you get into the backyard though, it’s a blank slate! Everyone wants to make the most of their own space and that should include your backyard as well. It’s a great place to entertain and relax, at the same time. The great outdoors allows you to let your hair down a bit. You don’t have to worry about spills on carpets or floors. The sun is shining and the breeze is blowing. Birds are singing and it’s just a great place to unwind.
So what do you need to do to map out your perfect backyard retreat?
Let’s start with the basics. You need to figure out what you will be doing in your backyard. Is it big enough for a pool or hot tub? Do you want a pool or a hot tub? Are you going to be entertaining guests with a BBQ or will you have dinner indoors and come outside for an after dinner cocktail? Do you have children to think about? These are all questions that should be answered before you make decisions that cannot be changed. Hard-scaping(things that cannot be moved once in place) and soft-scaping(chairs, tables and moveable items) should be well thought out.
Once you have those questions answered you can move forward. Plan it right and you will enjoy the yard for many years to come. You need to look at this as an investment in your personal happiness in the place you call home.
Possible backyard designs could include an outdoor living room, outdoor dining area, BBQ, pool or pond, Chimnea or an Outdoor Fireplace. You might need a pergola or shady area, umbrella or other outdoor shade screen. If you are going to use this area in the evenings then I would recommend some outdoor lighting as well.
Your imagination should be able to fill in all kinds of wants or needs. Start with the basics in a good position and build it up from there. Placement of permanent fixtures should be thought out carefully.
Where should the patio go? Making the Best Choices for your Outdoor Living Space
Hopefully you have taken the time to figure that most important first step. The patio will be a permanent feature, so place it carefully. Make sure it is not too far away from a door. You will make several trips between the Patio and the indoor area if you are entertaining.
When that has been placed in the right spot for your needs, the rest becomes much easier. Usually the eating area and the BBQ will be on or near the patio. It makes for a comfortable space to share a meal with family and friends.
If your yard is large enough, beyond the patio, you can have a pool or a pond with planters or flower beds surrounding. Again these are permanent features, so place them in the right spot. Pools and ponds require sunshine to enjoy them fully. Don’t put them under a large tree or plant large trees around them. If you don’t have that kind of space and still want the sounds of water, you can have a beautiful fountain installed instead. These make a great addition to the backyard retreat and will attract birds of all kinds to come for a drink.
Is your backyard large or small, organizing will work wonders to make everything fit beautifully.
Again with a large area, you could also have a separate seating area to enjoy the pond , pool or water fountain, with friends and family able to interact with each other easily. There are so many ways to make your yard a masterpiece of social activity. Garden-Fountains.com is a great place to look for those special pieces that make your yard interesting and inviting. Until June 30th, they offer 10% off your order too.
Having a nice large yard allows you the ability to even have an outdoor “living room”. Gone are the days of folding patio chairs with plastic ribbed seats. Today’s outdoor furniture is beautiful and weather resistant. So you can have comfortable and beautiful outdoor decor that you don’t have to worry about when or if the weather becomes inclement. Beautiful outdoor furniture can lure you outside to enjoy the beauty of nature in your outdoor living space.
Dining Outdoors
Dining outdoors and enjoying the meal you prepared means that you will spend some time at the BBQ. Have everything that you need for your meal prepared beforehand, so that you can also enjoy your company. A glass of wine or a beer while grilling steaks or burgers makes the job of grilling so much more fun.
With this combination of items, you could spend a whole day outdoors and never have to go in for anything. Drinks, grill, a place to eat and some shade and everyone is happy.
All of these items boast at least 4 stars and some 5 stars, so you know you are getting good value. Amazon even delivers so you don’t have to go running around for all your backyard needs.
Just relax and enjoy your family and friends in your outdoor living space extraordinaire. There will always be time to add to your backyard living needs. You don’t have to get everything all at once. Building a great backyard space means taking the time to add personal touches as the years go by. The most important thing is to get out there and really enjoy making the space your own. The options really are limitless and your imagination will fuel what you put into your space.
Outdoor Lighting
Once you have enjoyed your new space for a few dinners, I know that you will look for ways to increase the amount of time you spend outdoors. Even at the beginning of the planning, you can add some outdoor lighting that may be inexpensive, but useful. Adding to the ambience of your outdoor living space would be easy with some fairy lights or umbrella lights. Later on when you have the time and interest in expanding your outdoor space, you can add other types of lighting.
Solar lights make so much sense in this type of application. No need to worry about wiring and they really do cast a nice glow. Add some candlelight for a more intimate feel and you are ready for the best party in your new outdoor space. Everyone will enjoy the beauty and the calm that comes from spending time outdoors. It’s a great feeling for everyone involved.
Outdoor Living Spaces for your Family
Being in the great outdoors is something that everyone should take the time to enjoy. I live in an apartment and I have to tell you that I enjoy my time on the Balcony as much as I did when I had my house. My balcony let’s me enjoy BBQs and I still have space to eat outdoors too! It’s a party waiting to happen in my outdoor space, but it’s a space I enjoyed both in my house and now in my apartment. Get out there and do your best to enjoy Mother Nature at every opportunity. You will feel relaxed and refreshed after an evening outdoor.
Your Outdoor Living Space can be Simple and Easy to Start
The whole idea is to start using your space as much as possible. You can start small with a table and chairs and as time and funds allow, you can add more. Get used to the idea of living in all your spaces and you will find that your yard will draw you outdoors. That’s a good start! 
Lots to consider when managing outdoor space. We have three porches and each has a purpose, but what we want to do is add a fire pit area in the back corner of our large backyard. I’m looking forward to getting that done at some point. At this point, it’s in our heads. Thanks for the guidance!
Glad to be of any assitance that I can Susan. I love firepits, but in my neck of the woods they are not allowed by the bylaws of our city. Too many accidents waiting to happen I guess. Anyways, I hope the dream come alive for you soon.
My brother had his backyard landscaped and it has become a charming place to enjoy. He has a patio with room for his BBQ grill and the paving stones extend around the backyard in a curving path that leads to a center circle with a decorative fire pit. Plants and trees surround the edges of the yard and the whole atmosphere is lovely and relaxing. The yard opens off a screen room which has comfortable seating for relaxing and reading, and a table & chairs for enjoying the backyard cooked meals in comfort without being bothered by bugs or weather. Having the lovely view of the backyard from the screen room is an added plus. On nice days one can sit outside in the yard in the colorful Adirondack chairs, enjoy the warm sunshine and tropical breezes of coastal Georgia and read or talk. A wonderful place, my brother’s back yard!
That sounds idyllic. How lucky for your brother and you that you can enjoy such a great space. I love making the most use out of any area that is mine. It becomes my sanctuary, my place of repose and rest. Glad that he is making the most of it. A screened sun room sounds like a great addition too! Thanks for your visit Pat Austin!