Although everyone’s yard is different depending on where they live, there are some things that we all need to consider in order make ourselves a perfect space. Whether it’s on a stone patio or up in a wood tree house, these tips from the eLocal Blog-Off experts will help you maximize the potential of your yard and make your outdoor living space work for you.
Having trouble visualizing what these elements would look like? eLocal’s design team created a visualization of a backyard with these elements to show how they could fit together in your outdoor space.
1. Turn Up the Volume: For the ultimate entertainment space, consider outdoor speakers that can be used to play music or be hooked up to an outdoor screen for the whole party to enjoy movies.
2. Work With What You Have: Balance your goals with what already exists in the space. To minimize costs and be as sustainable as possible, keep as many elements as you can, such as utilizing natural lighting, native plants, and yard layout.
3. Add Stone: Incorporating stone (such as through a bench, fountain, or walkway) into your outdoor space is both architecturally interesting and durable.
4. Add Low Maintenance Vegetation: Plants and vegetation are a must for any outdoor living space. Always consider maintenance and upkeep factors. Want to be sustainable? Try xeriscaping, the process of using long, lasting, drought-resistant plants in order to minimize the use of water.
5. Eco Lighting: Add outdoor lighting to ensure you can use the space at all hours. Try LED lights. Not only are they energy efficient, but they also don’t attract bugs. If you want to be even more energy efficient, consider solar-powered outdoor lighting options.
6. Keep the Design Consistent: Make sure the area complements your home’s design. Some homeowners consider their outdoor living space as a blank canvas, but it maximizes resale value to have outdoor areas that are cohesive with the rest of your property’s aesthetic, creating a natural flow between the inside and out of your home.
7. Pay Attention to Flow: If you plan to do a lot of cooking in your outdoor area, keep in mind that the closer it is to your kitchen, the easier it will be to run in and grab utensils and other items you might need.
8. Keep It Warm: Add an outdoor fireplace or fire pit, especially if you live in an area with a short summer. This will allow you to extend the season. For areas where it’s not feasible, a firebox that uses a clean-burning fuel, such as ethanol, can be a smart, sleek alternative. Portable outdoor fireplaces can be used for gardens, courtyards, terraces, patios, and pool decks.
9. Add Accessories: Don’t forget accessories to add warmth and personality. Some ideas include throw pillows, lanterns, candles, chimes, flowerpots, artwork, and table centerpieces. Try playing with different textures and materials to add depth and character. Consider supporting local designers through sites like Etsy to find one-of-a-kind pieces for your space.
10. Keep It Clean: Just as you vacuum your home and dust, it is important to make sure your space is free of debris, whether it be leaves, pollen, clutter, or weeds.
If you’d like to learn more outdoor living ideas and see examples from interior designers, visit the eLocal blog to see a complete article on how to create the ultimate outdoor living space.
Adria Saracino is the Business Development Specialist and Blogging Coordinator for eLocal.com, a network of sites where homeowners can find local plumbing, roofing, and electrical contractors. She manages eLocal’s popular Blog-Off series, where homeowners can find insider home improvement answers from industry experts. You can follow eLocal.com on twitter @eLocalUSA. If you are looking for more from Adria, you can find her talking and tweeting about fashion through her personal fashion blog, The Emerald Closet (@Emerald_Closet).