Outdoor spaces are an extension of our homes, be they roofed or open-air. They can be used in various ways. Unfortunately, outdoor areas are among the most common spaces many homeowners neglect. Far too often, we stay inside the house, and we tend to overlook how useful and functional our yard (or even balcony) is. So let’s take a look at some common ways to maximize your outdoor area.
Approach It Like You’re Designing Another Room for Your House
Don’t approach your outdoor space as something different from your home. Instead, think of it simply as if it’s another room on your property. Give it a sense of purpose and functionality. What do you often use your outdoor space for? Once you answer that, you can figure out how you can design or upgrade your area. You can make it better suited for your favorite activity and include ease-of-use features. It’s as simple as building a bench if you like to sit out and drink coffee or even adding a table if you’d rather do work under the sun. By approaching your outdoor space like it’s an entirely new room, you’ll find it easier to decide how to design it.
Use Convertible Furniture
Since it’s an outdoor space, it can serve different functions, and you definitely want to take advantage of its different potential uses. Your outdoor space can be an exercise area or even a reception area when friends come over. Consider using convertible furniture, such as folding tables and chairs, vertical plant boxes, and drawers that blend in the environment. By using convertible furniture, you’ll be able to change the function of your outdoor space on the fly, making it flexible and adaptable to any use-case scenario. This also means you’re maximizing the potential space as you’re not littering it with unnecessary immobile furniture that won’t be seeing constant use.
Seats and Chairs for Outdoor Parties
Your outdoor space can be a main focal point during parties, so it’s important to have proper seating available for your guests. Depending on the size of your yard, you can creatively choose and lay out your seats and chairs. Of course, you can use traditional benches and folding chairs, but you can also be a bit more artistic and daring by using set pieces like large driftwood. They’re not just a design piece for your yard, but they double as reliable seating furniture. The seating capacity is also important. If you are planning to throw outdoor parties, you might want to consider an arrangement of chairs. Again, remember that you can opt for chairs that double as decoration, like stone chairs for gardens.
Create an Al Fresco Dining Area
Parties aren’t the only reason for you to enjoy your backyard. You can also have a more intimate experience with your family and friends through al fresco dining. Who doesn’t want to eat under the stars, with moonlight as your light source and the summer feeling rife in the air? As mentioned previously, you should have seats and chairs if you want an outdoor party. However, it’s a good idea to have something rather substantial like a dining table and dining chairs, even if they’re not permanent. This means you can have the outdoor dining experience that you want! Consider using folding tables and chairs so that you can make them as mobile and portable as you desire.
Section Off Your Area, But Don’t Close It
Closing off your outdoor area with walls and high fences (or shrubbery) will simply make it feel more cramped. Consider keeping your horizon open to maximize the open-feeling effect. In the same way, why will you have a walled garage when you can have an open carport? It will make your area feel bigger and wider. If your yard has different purposes, like a playground for your kids but a workshop for you, simply create sections and zones. It can be signified by the difference in flooring: pavement for you and grass for the kids.
Add Plenty of Lighting
Just because it’s an outdoor space doesn’t mean you can simply rely on the sun as a light source. During the nights when you want to enjoy being under the stars, having a source of lighting will be highly beneficial. It’ll make your outdoor experience safer and more pleasant. Consider installing lamps or ground lanterns to help you walk around during the night. It also helps when parking your car in the dark, as ground lights will help you navigate safely.
Your outdoor space is a privilege that not many have. And with the increasing real estate prices, it’s a struggle to get a property with one. That’s why you should make the most out of it.
