The Perfect Outdoor Living Space
Solar Lights
You want lighting and lots of light! Who wants to end the party because they can’t see well enough to eat their banana bread? Lighting is a wonderful way to add your unique stamp to your living room. There are so many options, ranging from fun and whimsical to classic and refined. String lights, lanterns, candelabras, or hanging baskets – the creative options are practically endless. Choose the style that suits you best; just make sure you choose enough!
Decor
There is not necessarily a right or wrong way to set up decor in your outdoor living space.
Outdoor living spaces are an extension of indoor living spaces. They don't have to match in colors or fabrics, but the overall vibe of the style should match as much as possible.
It has to match your style, not anyone else's, but make sure it's a definitive choice. If your choice is bold and mismatched, go for it! But do it until the end.
Home Appliances
There are differences between outdoor and indoor appliances, so doing your research helps! Again, this is where planning comes into play. Take time to think about when and how you will use your outdoor living space. Are appliances in your budget? Are they needed?
Consider where the sun will be as you make your plans (more on this later). If, for example, you are going to use your appliances in the hottest part of the day, black appliances that will make guests’ hands sizzle may not be the best choice. That would definitely ruin your relationship with Goldilocks.
Materials
Talk to experts about materials that will look great and last a long time. If you are building a deck, for example, you may want to incorporate traditional cedar or redwood decking or composite materials, including Trex, Fortaleza, TimberTech, or Fiberon. A decking professional can help you make the best decision based on your budget, your desired look, and the amount of energy you want to invest in maintaining your deck.
Chairs
There are a few things to consider when it comes to seating. In the planning stages of your outdoor living space, consider how many people you will be gathering. No one wants to stand for hours, balancing their plates of food. There can be a variety of options and sizes in the seating arrangement: benches, hammocks, stools, cushions, etc. If there are cushions, make sure they are durable and washable. The weather takes its toll.
Fire Pit
Creating an outdoor living space means, most likely, also creating a campfire plan. Having one without the other is like banana bread without bananas. Bonfires invite gathering, comfort, and friendship.
- There are a variety of ways to add this element to the space. Go big or small, there are options for all types of budgets and designs.
- If chopping and hauling firewood ruins all the fun, then gas-burning logs are a simple option. It can be on the ground or the ground circle, square, or rectangle.
- As long as it crackles and burns and creates a cheerful glow, then it’s just right.
Size
Goldilocks knows a thing or two about finding something that’s perfect. So, take a page from their book and explore your options. Please measure your space and walk around it at different times of the day. Do you want your deck to be a sprawling focal point or just a small sanctuary that can fit a couple of chairs and the fire above the pit? Remember that a larger platform will require more time, energy, and money, both to build and maintain. If the future is unclear, stake it out in a place where you have the option to expand if it becomes too small or limiting. Don’t worry; there are plenty of experts who can help you find the right balance. You may have to share the banana bread with them.