Designing the perfect outdoor living area is tricky. We love to dream up stunning, functional outdoor spaces that reflect our client’s style, and take pride in working to create, tailor, and execute a vision. What furniture works best? Neutrals or color? Full bells-and-whistles kitchen or a simple grill? What kind of accents show personality? Here, we share 6 hot trends that we’re seeing this season to help you create the ultimate outdoor room.
Key Takeaways
- Choose weather-resistant furniture for durability and comfort.
- Incorporate a mix of neutral and bold colors to reflect your style.
- Plan an outdoor kitchen with essential appliances and a functional layout.
- Use different types of lighting to create the perfect ambiance.
- Select low-maintenance plants to enhance your outdoor space.
Choosing the Right Furniture for Comfort and Durability
Weather-Resistant Materials
Opt for furniture made from materials like teak, aluminum, or all-weather wicker, which are designed to endure sun, rain, and even snow. Equally important is the selection of fabrics that are resistant to fading, moisture, and mildew. Performance fabrics like solution-dyed acrylics and polyesters are specifically engineered for outdoor use, ensuring that your cushions and upholstery remain vibrant and fresh season after season.
Optimal Seating Arrangements
Comfort should be a top priority, so make sure to invest in quality pieces you and your guests can lounge in for hours. Don’t settle for uncomfortable outdoor tables or chairs just because they adhere strictly to a certain style. You want to make sure there’s ample seating as well as the typical conveniences of the indoors, like side tables and coffee tables.
Multi-Functional Pieces
Above all, choosing furniture for your outdoor space is all about creating the most comfortable relaxing environment for your family and friends to enjoy in all types of occasions. Think very specifically and hone down exactly what will work best for your needs. There is so much choice, from low-slung corner sofas to hanging egg-chairs and suspended swing seats, making choosing furniture for your outdoor living space a minefield.
Durable, weather-resistant materials are a must and we typically like to keep the palette simple, including soft blues or beiges, which seamlessly flow into the hues of nature.
Incorporating Color and Style into Your Outdoor Space
Using Neutrals and Bold Colors
When designing your outdoor space, consider the impact of colors in outdoor furniture design. Neutrals provide a timeless and versatile base, while bold colors can add vibrancy and personality. Incorporate cushions, rugs, umbrellas, and other accessories in coordinating colors to add layers of visual interest and create a harmonious design scheme.
Matching with Indoor Decor
To create a seamless transition between your indoor and outdoor spaces, continue the color story and general feel of your home’s indoor spaces into the outdoors. This approach ensures visual continuity and makes your outdoor living area feel like an extension of your home. Look to incorporate colors or textures found in the interior into the outdoor space for a cohesive look.
Seasonal Trends
Outdoor design trends can change with the seasons, so it’s beneficial to choose flexible cushions and accessories that can be easily updated. This allows you to refresh your outdoor space without a complete overhaul. Keep an eye on current trends to incorporate fresh elements that keep your space looking modern and inviting.
Designing an Outdoor Kitchen for Entertaining
Creating an outdoor kitchen is a fantastic way to enhance your outdoor living space and make it more functional for entertaining. Plan ahead to ensure your kitchen is both practical and stylish, and consider how it will integrate with the rest of your outdoor area.
Creating Ambiance with Lighting
Types of Outdoor Lighting
Lighting can make a huge impact on your outdoor living space, by adding style whilst allowing you to use your space into the darker evenings. By strategically placing lighting fixtures, you can create a warm and welcoming ambiance while highlighting specific features of your outdoor area. For example, string lights can be hung above a dining area to create an intimate and cozy atmosphere, while spotlights can be used to illuminate a beautiful garden or water feature.
Placement for Best Effect
Choosing, organizing, and positioning backyard lighting ideas to create a relaxing outdoor living space can be daunting, so take your time in the planning and consider the outdoor space as a whole. Position lights within ingresses, sleepers, or garden borders so you see the effect of the light, rather than the light itself. This approach ensures that the lighting enhances the overall ambiance without being too harsh or direct.
Energy-Efficient Options
Before you even start to think about pretty twinkling string lights or dramatic accent spotlights, decide if you’re going to use solar lighting, electric lighting, or a combination of both. Solar lighting is an excellent energy-efficient option that can save on electricity bills and reduce your carbon footprint. Electric lighting, on the other hand, provides a more consistent and reliable source of light, especially in areas that receive less sunlight.
Transform your outdoor space into a captivating oasis with outdoor lighting solutions. Looking for stylish and functional outdoor lighting ideas? Read on!
Using Plants and Greenery to Enhance Your Space
Plants give an outdoor seating area life – adding color, texture, and fragrance which will help your scheme to settle happily into its background or landscape. Introducing new plants to your outdoor living space is a fairly low-budget way to freshen it up or transform a tired corner of your garden. Choose plants that suit the amount of sunlight and water available in your area, and that complement the existing decor.
Maximizing Privacy and Shelter
Creating a private and sheltered outdoor living space is essential for comfort and relaxation. You want your outdoor living space to feel as private as your indoor living room, but that isn’t always easy, especially if you live in a city and your yard is overlooked. Boundaries can also be important for blocking out things you don’t want to intrude on your sanctuary, such as sounds, sights, and sun.
Incorporating Entertainment Features
Designing an outdoor entertainment space with natural elements can transform your backyard into a stunning and functional area for relaxation and gatherings. Choosing elements that cater to your desired outdoor lifestyle is essential for creating a space that is both enjoyable and practical.
Conclusion
Creating the ultimate outdoor living space is a rewarding endeavor that combines functionality, style, and personal expression. By incorporating the latest trends and thoughtful design elements, you can transform any outdoor area into a comfortable and inviting extension of your home. Whether you opt for a fully equipped outdoor kitchen, a cozy lounging area, or a vibrant garden room, the key is to plan carefully and choose elements that reflect your lifestyle and preferences. Remember, the best outdoor spaces are those that provide a seamless blend of comfort, aesthetics, and practicality, making them perfect for relaxation and entertainment all year round.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of furniture is best for outdoor living spaces?
The best type of furniture for outdoor living spaces is weather-resistant furniture made from materials like teak, aluminum, or synthetic wicker. These materials are durable and can withstand various weather conditions.
How can I incorporate color into my outdoor space?
You can incorporate color into your outdoor space by using a mix of neutrals and bold colors. Consider matching the outdoor decor with your indoor style and adding seasonal color trends to keep the space lively and fresh.
What are the essential appliances for an outdoor kitchen?
Essential appliances for an outdoor kitchen include a grill, refrigerator, sink, and storage cabinets. Depending on your needs, you might also consider adding a pizza oven, smoker, or wine cooler.
What types of lighting are best for creating ambiance outdoors?
The best types of lighting for creating ambiance outdoors include string lights, lanterns, pathway lights, and spotlights. These can be strategically placed to highlight key areas and create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
How can I maximize privacy in my outdoor living space?
You can maximize privacy in your outdoor living space by using fencing, screens, or natural barriers like hedges and tall plants. Additionally, consider adding pergolas or shade sails for extra shelter and privacy.
What are some low-maintenance plant options for outdoor spaces?
Some low-maintenance plant options for outdoor spaces include succulents, ornamental grasses, and perennial flowers. These plants require minimal care and can thrive in various conditions, making them ideal for busy homeowners.
