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As the weather gets warmer, many homeowners start to think about how they can spruce up their outdoor space. Whether you have a small balcony or a sprawling backyard, there are many ways to transform your outdoor space into a comfortable and functional living area.
Here are five tips to help you make the most of your outdoor space and turn it into somewhere you’ll love to spend time in.
Know the purpose of your outdoor space
Determining the purpose of your outdoor living area is the first step in making the most of it. Knowing what you want to use it for will help you create a space that meets your specific needs and provides the right environment for your activities.
Whether you want to entertain guests, relax with your family, or play with your children, understanding the purpose of your outdoor space will help you choose the right furniture, accessories, and features to create a functional and enjoyable living area.
For example, if you want to focus on entertaining guests, it’s important to consider the size of your space and the number of guests you usually host. You’ll need to choose furniture that provides ample seating and table space for your guests, and may also consider adding a grill or outdoor kitchen to cook and serve food.
If you’re looking to create a relaxing environment, think about furniture that provides comfort and encourages relaxation. Outdoor chaise lounges, rocking chairs, or swings will allow you to lounge and enjoy the great outdoors. You may also consider adding a water feature or outdoor fire pit for ambience and a soothing atmosphere.
If you have children, a safe and accommodating space for outdoor play is probably a priority. Consider adding play equipment such as a swing set, sandbox, or playhouse. Durable furniture that can withstand the wear and tear of play is worth considering too.
Make use of multi-functional furniture
Maximising your outdoor living area with multi-functional furniture is a smart way to make the most of your outdoor space. Choosing furniture that serves multiple purposes allows you to create a functional and efficient space without sacrificing style and comfort.
For example, consider investing in modular seating that can be rearranged to suit your needs. This type of furniture can be used as a seating area for entertaining guests, a lounge area for relaxing with family, or a bed for outdoor napping. This versatility allows you to make the most of limited space.
Another way to maximise your outdoor space is by incorporating furniture with built-in storage. Outdoor storage benches and ottomans are great examples of this type of furniture. They provide seating and a place to store items such as cushions, toys, and other outdoor accessories. This helps keep the area organised and frees up valuable floor space that would otherwise be taken up by storage containers.
A multi-functional dining set can also be a great addition to your patio or deck. Look for a table that can be extended for larger gatherings, or choose a table with an integrated fire pit or ice cooler to turn it into a statement piece. Outdoor bar carts and serving carts are also useful for entertaining and can double as a bar or drink station during gatherings.
Add greenery
Adding greenery to your outdoor space can transform it into a peaceful and enjoyable haven. It not only adds beauty and a sense of calm to your environment, but also offers numerous benefits for your physical and mental health.
First, plants help to purify the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, making it fresher and cleaner. This is particularly important in urban areas where air pollution is a concern. Also, many plants release phytochemicals that have been shown to positively impact people’s health, such as lavender, which has a calming effect, and lemon balm, which helps boost mood and mental clarity.
Additionally, greenery provides shade and reduces the heat island effect. This means that your outdoor space will remain cooler, even on hot summer days, making it more comfortable to spend time in. The presence of plants can also reduce noise levels, which can help to create a more serene environment.
You should hire a professional landscape gardener if you want more than simply plants in your garden and need help with things like laying a driveway, or building a path, patio, decking, screening, pond, and so on. You can access local landscape gardeners near you on MyBuilder. With only a few clicks on MyBuilder, you can find local, reputable landscapers who meet your specific needs.
Incorporating greenery into your outdoor space can also add value to your property. A well-manicured garden can make your home more appealing to potential buyers, increasing its resale value.
Add a focal point
A focal point is a visual centre of attention that draws the eye and creates a sense of balance and harmony. By incorporating a focal point into your outdoor design, you can create a visually appealing and inviting space, making it a perfect place to entertain guests or spend time with family and friends.
There are many ways to add a focal point to your outdoor space. The best option will depend on your specific needs and the style you are trying to achieve. Some popular options include adding a water feature, such as a fountain or pond, installing an outdoor fire pit or fireplace, or creating a beautiful garden or landscaped area.
Another way to add a focal point to your outdoor space is by incorporating a statement piece of furniture, such as a large outdoor sofa or a dining table. This can be the centrepiece of your outdoor space and serve as a visual anchor, helping to create a sense of unity and coherence.
Incorporating lighting into your outdoor design is another way to create a focal point and add interest. Strategically placed lighting can highlight key features, such as a water feature, plant, or piece of furniture, and create a warm and inviting atmosphere in the evening.
Make use of vertical space
By utilising the walls, fences, and even the ceiling of your outdoor space, you can add more storage, seating, and decor.
One way to use vertical space is by installing shelves or cabinets on the walls of your outdoor space. This can provide additional storage for items such as outdoor furniture cushions, garden tools, and other accessories, freeing up valuable floor space. Wall-mounted planters are another way to make the most of vertical space and will also add a touch of greenery to your outdoor area.
Another way to use vertical space is by incorporating hanging baskets, wall-mounted lanterns, or string lights into your outdoor design. These elements can serve as a light source and add an element of interest to your space, making it more visually appealing and inviting.
Vertical space can also be used to create additional seating and lounging areas. Wall-mounted benches, swings, and hammocks are an easy way to add seating without taking up floor space, making the most of every inch of your outdoor living area.
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