4 Tips To Create Better Outdoor Living In Your Backyard
Posted on: 21 May 2018
If you love entertaining people and the outdoors, you would probably benefit from a great outdoor living space in your backyard. Creating a great outdoor space isn't just about tossing a few chairs on your deck or patio. There are many steps you need to take to create a welcoming, enjoyable environment for everyone. Check out these four tips to help you create a great outdoor living area.
Identify and Structure Areas
Start by determining what you want out of your backyard. In some cases, you may simply want a small area where people can sit in the sun and chat. However, other backyards have eating areas, cooking areas, sitting areas, game areas, etc. Therefore, you need to determine what you want in your backyard so you can start creating spaces. Just like you have different rooms inside your house, you need to create different areas outside for eating, cooking, etc.
This is harder to do outside because there are no walls, but there are some simple tricks you can use to create a sense of different spaces. For example, you can use a pergola to create a comfortable sitting area. You can use an outdoor rug as a central piece for your sitting area.
Ensure You Have Enough Light and Shade
At night, your backyard can get really dark without proper outdoor lighting, so ensure you have enough to keep your conversations going well into the night. You can also use these lights to help create your spaces because different areas will need different amounts of light. In your outdoor kitchen, you likely need lots of light to see. However, in the dining area or sitting area, dimmer lights may be best because they promote a relaxed environment.
However, during the hotter summer months, it can get hot, making people retreat inside to your air-conditioned home. To prevent this, ensure your outdoor space has enough shade, especially in the lounging areas where people will want to be the most comfortable. Pergolas, gazebos, awnings, all offer shade.
Consider Installing a Fire Pit
A fire pit is another great feature of your outdoor space. In some cases, it can be used to cook food like hot dogs and 's'mores, but even if you prefer your grill, a fire pit is a great way to provide warmth on colder nights. By providing seating around the fire pit, people can stay warm while continuing to enjoy your backyard. It can also become a great place for people to sit and talk, boosting conversation.
When installing a fire pit, however, make sure you follow safety precautions. Make sure you put it far away from anything combustible like plants, patio roofs, etc. The area should also be flat. You can purchase a portable fire pit. These are extremely affordable and can be stored when you don't need to use them.
Make it Unique
Last, whatever you do, just ensure your outdoor living space is unique. That will make people want to come back because they can't get a similar experience elsewhere. You don't have to do something completely different to make your backyard look unique. You can simply add a few conversational pieces, such as a water feature, unique awning/gazebo, special landscaping/plants, etc.
Another option is to simply choose a style that is uncommon for the area. For example, if you don't live in a tropical locale, create a tropical retreat in your backyard with tropical themed, décor, landscaping, furniture, lighting, etc. Doing this will create a space that is unlike others, making people want to keep coming back to your backyard.
If you are tired of a boring backyard, these four tips can help you create an outdoor space that is ideal for you, your family and your friends. By making it unique or adding a little something special, you can make your backyard really standout. For more information about creating a great outdoor living space, contact a landscaper in your area today.
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