I love this time of year when the weather turns nice. I am spending more time in the space outside of my house, grilling on the barbeque, relaxing under the portal or under the shade tree and enjoying the latest flowers in bloom. Accentuating your outdoor space can extend your living space during these warming months, but like any room you live in, making it comfortable and appealing are important. Here are some questions you should as you start planning on livening up your outdoor space1. First decide just what the space will be used for. Will it be a relaxing space for your family to enjoy the outdoors, or will you play games and hold activities there? Will you use it as an extension of another room say your dining room or kitchen. Do you want to entertain and host parties outdoors? Maybe you’d like to use it for all of the above?
2. How big is your outdoor space? How many people must fit comfortably in the space for it to be a useful space?
3. Are you dealing with a new house or new construction? Are you working with space that is already defined or can you define the amount of space you need?
Next, decide how to accomplish your objectives, and the kind of mood and feel you want to create. For a sense of refuge, a pergola or trellis overhead can be covered with grape vines or wisteria. If you don't have walls, you can add a free-standing screen or shutters to create surroundings. Add a hammock or porch swing for snoozing or quiet conversation. Tikki torches and oil lamps provide warm light. Invite coziness to the outdoors by furnishings and use of soft materials.
Remember that good planning is key to your outdoor space. It is good design that adds value, both in terms of what the house is worth and in the livability of the home.
