Thinking of sprucing up that outdoor space?
Adding an outdoor living area is one of the most beneficial home improvement projects anyone can make. It can increase property value, expand living space, and create a whole new environment for the family to relax and entertain.
The issue?
The vast majority of homeowners don’t know how to go about this. They end up with a mismatched and awkwardly decorated area of their garden. Even if it’s only the basics like an umbrella table or a patio umbrella.
The key? The right information can take any homeowner from nothing to a beautifully decorated backyard that could be the envy of their neighborhood. Here’s how to make that outdoor living space the best it can be.
In This Post:
- Why Outdoor Living Spaces Are Important
- Planning Your Outdoor Living Space Layout
- Picking The Perfect Patio Cover Solution
- Must Have Features For Outdoor Living Areas
- Essential Maintenance Tips For Long Term Enjoyment
Why Outdoor Living Spaces Are Important
Outdoor living isn’t a passing trend. It’s a lifestyle choice.
ICFA’s 2024 Outdoor Trend Report showed that 82% of consumers underutilize their outdoor spaces. That’s huge.
Think about that…
Most homes have outside areas that are rarely used. The house needs some shade so there’s a patio. But it’s often left empty for months on end. Add an outdoor living space and suddenly the equation changes. A well-planned extension of the home can become an extra dining room, lounge area, or office. Plus, it’s great for entertaining guests.
It even increases property value.
Fixr.com’s list of outdoor living trends includes research that found 98% of experts rated updated outdoor living spaces as either important or extremely important for increasing home value. That makes this the kind of investment any homeowner should consider.
Planning Your Outdoor Living Space Layout
Buy a single item of outdoor furniture and people rarely consider planning their outdoor space layout.
The consequences? Most end up with a cramped space with furniture that doesn’t flow. If planning has been done at all, it’s after purchasing most items. Homeowners looking to cover your patio need to take shade coverage into account during the planning stage.
The solution? Sketch out the area and zone it based on different uses. Consider adding patio cover solutions too.
This will help determine what features the outdoor space will have and how large these can be. Ask yourself:
- How will the space be used?
- How many people should be able to be accommodated?
- What are the must-have features?
- What is the budget?
After this, the next step is to work out shade during different times of the day. Use the sun’s position to determine where any additional shading solutions are needed. Also, draw in any permanent features that already exist, like trees or slopes.
This will allow you to section off areas for different activities, such as dining, lounging, and even cooking.
Making these plans might sound like a chore, but it will save you money in the long run. It will also help avoid purchasing mistakes that can make a huge difference to how the space actually works.
Picking The Perfect Patio Cover Solution
When it comes to creating the ideal outdoor space, shade is everything.
The sun is great and all, but it can ruin any plans for lounging outside. In fact, without adequate shade, that new patio can go unused during the warmer parts of the day.
An ideal patio cover can turn an exposed area into a comfortable space that’s usable all year long. The best part is there are several different ways to do this.
First up, pergolas. They are the most popular option for a reason. These coverings provide partial shade and allow some sunlight to filter through. They also create a sense of visual interest with their open latticework. An added bonus is that climbing plants can be added to create a natural green look.
Solid patio covers are an option for complete shade and weather protection. Perfect if the outdoor area will be used as a true outdoor room. They can be used all year long regardless of the weather.
Retractable awnings are also available. As the name suggests, they can be opened up for shade and closed when more sun is required. The flexibility they provide makes them ideal for more variable climates.
Returns on these patio cover options usually fall in the 50-80% ROI range. That makes this a sound investment for the property.
Must Have Features For Outdoor Living Areas
What makes a good outside space great? Features.
The most successful outdoor living areas have some key components that make it instantly more comfortable and usable. Think of it as the perfect outdoor space recipe.
Seating
First is seating. A good set of outdoor furniture is the foundation of everything. It’s worth spending a little more money on quality sets with weather-resistant cushions. Cheaper options tend to fall apart after a season and can be more expensive in the long run.
Lighting
Lighting is a close second. Once the sun goes down, string lights and lanterns create the perfect atmosphere. Pathway lighting is also a must for safety.
A Focal Point
Ambiance is crucial and a focal point will add so much interest. This could be a fire pit, water feature, or feature furniture. Or anything that creates a center of attention that people naturally gravitate towards.
Privacy
Privacy is another factor to consider. Simple screens or lattice panels with climbing plants can transform a space. Other options include outdoor curtains, plantings, or decorative fencing.
Greenery
Greenery is one of those must-have features that really do make a big difference. Soften any hard edges with potted plants or a vertical garden. Planters and hanging baskets can add some much-needed life to any outside space.
Putting It All Together
The best outdoor spaces aren’t by chance. They take some careful planning and a desire to invest in the space.
It’s important to start with the basics of an appropriate layout and shade coverage.
Once that’s in place, then the rest can be added. Start with comfortable furniture, then create a mood with the right lighting. Add in features and personal touches that represent the individual homeowner.
One vital piece of advice…
Don’t try to do it all at once. An outdoor space can be built up over time. Start with the essentials and then add more features as the budget permits.
This approach means there’s no overspending and the homeowner can adapt their choices based on how the space is actually used.
Maintenance for Long Term Enjoyment
A perfect outdoor space doesn’t look after itself. Regular maintenance is required for the long term.
Failure to keep everything in order will result in deterioration and costly repairs later on. Even if it’s the basics of an outdoor umbrella table or patio umbrella. Neglect just leads to the space being unused and unloved.
Maintenance should include:
- Monthly cleaning of furniture and cushions
- Regular inspections of any structural elements
- Annual wood surface treatment
- Cleaning of gutters and any other drainage
- Storage of cushions during extreme weather
Even patio covers need maintenance. Aluminum frames are lower maintenance than wood, which requires sealing and staining every few years. Keep this in mind and choose low-maintenance options when possible.
The Bottom Line
A perfect outdoor living space takes planning, investment, and care. The rewards are huge.
A well-made and well-maintained area can provide years of enjoyment. It also adds value to the home that can be returned on resale. It’s the ideal place for making those special family memories or hosting those summer BBQs.
The secret is to get the planning right, then add quality patio cover solutions. Layer on the furniture and must-have features for the intended uses.
Don’t waste that outdoor space. It can become the favorite room in the house with a little work.
