Picture this: you step outdoors and you’re hit with the realization - we’re halfway into spring, flowers are blooming, temperatures continue to rise, and the sun comes out more often. That's your cue to dust off those patio chairs and revamp your outdoor spaces for the season ahead.
As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, our outdoor spaces need to get ready for all the backyard BBQs, pool parties and summer vibes that are ahead. But before you dive into the world of patio design, let's take a moment to strategize. Just like any interior space, your outdoor area should reflect your lifestyle and cater to your needs.
Define Your Outdoor Space's Purpose
First things first, let's define the purpose of your outdoor space. Are you dreaming of cozy backyard dinners with friends, lazy Sunday afternoon lounging, or perhaps a poolside paradise for those hot summer days? By clarifying how you intend to use your patio, you'll set the stage for a design that's as functional as it is fabulous.
Think about how you'll use the outdoor space on a day-to-day basis. If al fresco dining is on the menu, arrange your furniture to center around a dining table for easy access and comfortable seating. Likewise, if lounging is a priority, create intimate seating areas designed for relaxation and conversation.
Build Around the Elements You Already Have
Now, let's talk about working with what you already have. Yes, you heard me right! Instead of fighting against nature, let's embrace it and plan our design around it. Here are some of the most common elements I have had to work around:
Don't cut the trees; make them bloom: If your backyard is full of trees or lush landscaping, consider incorporating these natural elements into your patio design. Plants are the natural AC and using them in your favor would not only make your space beautiful but also fresh.
Poolside Paradise: If you're lucky enough to have a pool in your outdoor space, your patio becomes the heart of outdoor leisure. Designing your patio around the pool allows for seamless transitions between lounging, swimming, and entertaining. Consider adding plush seating areas, sun loungers, and umbrellas to create a resort-like atmosphere that invites relaxation and fun.
Capture the Views: And I’m not talking about Social Media. Whether your view spans the city skyline or countryside tranquility, don't let it go to waste. Strategically seating areas or dining areas to take advantage of the best views allows you to enjoy the natural beauty of your surroundings while creating a sense of openness and connection to the outdoors.
Create an Indoor-Outdoor Connection
To truly make the most of your outdoor space, let’s blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living. Think of your patio as an extension of your home, not a separate entity. This mindset shift allows for a more fluid and integrated design approach, where indoor and outdoor areas feel connected.
Open it up: By installing large windows or sliding glass doors that open up to the outdoors, you'll create a seamless flow between your interior and exterior spaces. You could also install flush thresholds between interior and exterior spaces to make moving between the two areas easier. Both of these things encourage you to actually use the space more.
Create harmony: The exterior and interior of your home should speak to each other. Achieve a harmonious fusion between your home's interior and exterior by using coordinating materials like flooring, common paint colors and wall treatments, and decorative accents. This will tie the whole look together for a cohesive and polished finish.
Arrange your furniture strategically
When arranging your outdoor seating, think about how guests will move through the space. Here’s a weird one for you - pretend you’re a traffic director. It’s all about the flow, ensuring people don’t bump into each other or cut one another off. Since your goal is to bring people together, making sure everyone can comfortably move around is crucial to have a good ‘ole time.
Identify and clear the pathways that people will naturally use to get in and out the patio space. Aim for a minimum clearance of 30" to 48" for high-traffic areas, allowing guests to move around freely without feeling cramped. For lower-traffic areas, like corners or alcoves, a clearance of 24" should be ok.
Arrange your patio furniture to direct traffic around the primary seating area, rather than through it. This prevents guests from having to awkwardly walk through crowded areas minimizing disruptions and maximizing comfort. Nobody wants to be the one constantly saying "excuse me" while trying to enjoy a conversation or meal!
Lastly, consider dividers or planters to help guide traffic. Certain areas will naturally get congested or need to be kept clear for safety reasons. Decorative elements are a great way to disguise their functional purpose because they are pretty to look at and add a pop to your patio.
Think About Sun & Shade
Do you want to lay out in the sun or relax in the shade? Think about sun and shade when designing your patio spaces, so you can fully enjoy the outdoors. I highly recommend creating some shady spots for outdoor dining and conversation areas. Here are some options you should consider:
Roof extensions: They come off the house to create a shaded porch. This patio shade option is limited to areas around the main structure.
Pergolas: They offer partial shade. You can also use them to grow vines and canopy for some added greenery as well as more shade. This is a great option for patios that don’t border the house.
Awnings and sunshades: These are great ways to extend shade off the main house. However, these will take some wear and tear and need to be replaced occasionally.
While we all love soaking up the sun, it's important to have options for shade, too. This way, you can enjoy your patio at any time of day, no matter how hot it gets.
Add the Finishing Touches and Upgrades
Creating an elevated patio may sound like something only doable in gigantic spaces. But guess what?! You’re wrong. Creating an elevated patio is possible no matter the size, shape, or vibe of your outdoor space. Details will make the magic. Here are my two top final touches to elevate any outdoor space:
Illuminate the night: Outdoor lighting is a must-have so you can continue to use the space into the night. When it comes to lighting, I do have two rules for you to follow. First, treat it like any other space, which means the principles I share in Lighting 101: How to Layer Lighting in Your Home, apply to the outside too. Second, make sure the light fixtures you get are rated for exterior use. Given their exposure to the elements, it's crucial to prioritize safety and longevity in your selection.
Elevate with Landscaping: Transform your outdoor space into a breathtaking oasis with thoughtful landscaping. The key? Planning and design. Don't leave nature to its own devices - instead, thoughtfully mix plants, colors, sizes, and arrangements that harmonize with the overall vibe of your space. This will ensure your landscape feels both natural and effortless.
Ready to enjoy your Outdoor Space?
So, are you ready to transform your outdoor space into the ultimate summer sanctuary? With a little planning and creativity, you'll be well on your way to creating an outdoor oasis that's as stylish as it is functional. And if you’re still feeling stuck, drop us an email, and let Amy Rebekah Interiors make this the summer to remember!
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