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 and durable furniture to ensure longevity and comfort.
- Incorporate a mix of neutrals and bold colors to reflect your style and match indoor decor.
- Design an outdoor kitchen with essential appliances and weatherproofing for year-round use.
- Enhance your space with greenery, water features, and natural materials for a serene ambiance.
- Create distinct zones for lounging, dining, and entertaining to maximize functionality.
Choosing the Right Furniture for Comfort and Durability
When designing your outdoor living space, comfort and durability should be top priorities. Whether you have a spacious backyard or a cozy outdoor deck, the success of your outdoor furniture layout depends on mastering the natural flow of entertaining.
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. You want to make sure there’s ample seating as well as the typical conveniences of the indoors – like side tables and coffee tables. 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.
Multi-Functional Pieces
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. Think very specifically and hone down exactly what will work best for your needs. Multi-functional pieces can save space and add versatility to your outdoor area, allowing you to adapt the space for different activities and gatherings.
Incorporating Color and Style into Your Outdoor Space
Using Neutrals vs. Bold Colors
Choosing between neutrals and bold colors can set the tone for your outdoor living area. Neutrals provide a timeless and versatile backdrop, while bold colors can make a statement with eye-catching patio furniture. Consider your personal style and how you want your space to feel.
Matching with Indoor Decor
To create a cohesive look, continue the color story and general feel of your indoor spaces into the outdoors. This visual continuity can make your outdoor living room feel like an extension of your home. Look to incorporate colors or textures found in the interior into the outdoor space for a seamless transition.
Seasonal Trends
Stay updated with seasonal trends to keep your outdoor space looking fresh and modern. Flexible cushions and accessories can be switched up with the seasons, allowing you to easily adapt to new trends without a complete overhaul. This approach ensures your outdoor area remains stylish and inviting year-round.
Designing an Outdoor Kitchen for All Seasons
Creating an outdoor kitchen that can be enjoyed year-round requires careful planning and consideration of various elements. Whether you’re working with a small backyard grilling area or seek a chef-worthy spread, these stylish outdoor kitchen ideas really bring the heat.
Essential Appliances
When designing an outdoor kitchen, it’s crucial to include essential appliances that can withstand the elements. Consider investing in weather-resistant grills, refrigerators, and storage units. These appliances should be durable and capable of performing well in both summer and winter conditions.
Weatherproofing Your Kitchen
The British weather is always an important consideration for such systems, which need to be well protected from the rain in winter and shaded sufficiently that screens are still easily visible in bright sunshine. Ensure that all electrical components are weatherproof and that your kitchen is designed to handle various weather conditions.
Creating a Dining Area
Set up the perfect space this summer for gathering with friends and family by using comfortable furniture and incorporating areas for cooking and dining, too. The key to a successful outdoor living space is connectivity; when your outdoor kitchen and living room are well-integrated, it feels like an extension of your indoor space, promoting ease of movement and socializing.
Enhancing Your Space with Greenery and Natural Elements
Incorporating greenery and natural elements can enhance the beauty of your outdoor 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. Before you start to plan, consider what you have already. This approach will help your outdoor living area to feel totally natural and in place.
Selecting the Right Plants
Before you remove established shrubs and trees from your planned outdoor living area, think about how you can work the layout around them, making the most of the green structure and natural framework they provide. It may mean choosing a different sofa set or laying a smaller patio, but the visual and wellbeing benefits provided by an established canopy of foliage are worth it.
Incorporating Water Features
Edible climbing plants, scaling trellises, herb walls built into and around outdoor kitchen and dining spaces, planters overflowing with flowers that wash the area with relaxing scents… it’s all about creating a space that feels harmonious and natural. A space where firing up the smoker or charcoal barbecue, or grilling over the fire pit delivers an earthy, glamping-style experience that acts as a sensory detachment from daily life.
Using Natural Materials
Thinking of a modest yard as a living room will make the most of its limited proportions, so bring in throws and cushions to stress comfort over spacious proportions. You might think white walls and fences will make the space appear larger, but this choice can create a clinical space that works best in warmer climates. Choose earthy natural tones of soft terracotta and olive green instead.
Lighting Solutions for Ambiance and Functionality
Types of Outdoor Lighting
Choosing the right type of lighting is crucial for creating a relaxing outdoor living space. From ambient lighting that creates a warm, inviting atmosphere to task lighting that makes outdoor dining and cooking areas functional at night, the choices are vast. Focus on lighting for ambiance by positioning lights within ingresses, sleepers, or garden borders so you see the effect of the light, rather than the light itself.
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 energy-efficient option that can save on electricity bills and is easy to install. LED lights are another great choice for energy efficiency and longevity.
Creating Mood with Light
Lighting can significantly impact the overall feel of your outdoor space. Use a combination of different lighting types to create various moods. For example, string lights can add a whimsical touch, while LED spotlights can highlight particular features. Consider using smartphone-controlled mood lighting for added convenience and customization.
Finally, lighting needs to be given plenty of consideration. The choice is seemingly endless and decisions around how to illuminate an outdoor living space can have a huge impact on its overall feel.
Creating Zones for Different Activities
Creating distinct zones in your outdoor living space can help you maximize its functionality and enjoyment. Divide your outdoor space based on the activities and those who will be using it. For example, set up a spot for long conversations or grilling for the grown-ups and another area where kids could play by themselves. If you have the room, give everyone a little bit of what they want and need.
Lounge Areas
Lounge areas are perfect for relaxation and unwinding. Consider using comfortable seating options like sofas, lounge chairs, and hammocks. Adding a fire pit or an outdoor heater can make this zone usable even during cooler evenings.
Dining Spaces
Dining spaces should be designed for both casual and formal meals. A sturdy dining table with ample seating is essential. You might also want to include a shade structure, like an umbrella or pergola, to make dining more comfortable during sunny days.
Entertainment Zones
Entertainment zones can be tailored to your interests, whether it’s an outdoor theater, a game area, or a space for music and dancing. Ensure you have the necessary equipment and consider weatherproof storage solutions to keep everything in good condition.
If you find it overwhelming to look at your yard as one big space to be developed, it may be easier to imagine it as several different “rooms” in the same way your indoor space is broken up.
Ensuring Privacy and Shelter in Your Outdoor Area
Using Screens and Fences
To make your outdoor living space as private as possible, consider using privacy screens and fences. These can range from hardscaping options to simple DIY solutions. For instance, a well-placed fence or screen can block the view from neighboring properties, creating a secluded atmosphere.
Incorporating Pergolas and Gazebos
Adding a pergola or gazebo can provide both privacy and shelter. A pergola covered in flowering climbers not only offers shade but also enhances the feeling of being in a private room. This setup is perfect for spending lazy afternoons or entertaining guests.
Weather-Resistant Fabrics
Selecting high-performance, weather-proof fabrics is crucial for outdoor furniture. These materials need to withstand various weather conditions, from rain and wind in the winter to sunny summer days. Options like retractable canopies and awnings are also popular for providing flexible shelter.
Keep your outdoor living space as private and comfortable as your indoor living room by incorporating these elements.
Conclusion
Creating the ultimate outdoor living space is a blend of thoughtful design, practical choices, and personal touches. By considering the latest trends and incorporating elements that reflect your style, you can transform your outdoor area into a functional and inviting extension of your home. Whether you opt for a fully-equipped outdoor kitchen, a cozy lounging spot, or a versatile entertainment zone, the key is to plan carefully and choose durable, weather-resistant materials. Remember, the best outdoor spaces are those that bring comfort, style, and a sense of relaxation, making them perfect for both everyday living and special gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best materials for outdoor furniture?
The best materials for outdoor furniture are those that are weather-resistant and durable, such as teak, aluminum, and all-weather wicker. These materials can withstand various weather conditions and require minimal maintenance.
How can I incorporate color into my outdoor living space?
You can incorporate color into your outdoor living space by using colorful cushions, throw pillows, rugs, and outdoor decor. You can also use plants and flowers to add natural color. Consider using a mix of neutrals and bold colors to create a balanced look.
What essential appliances should I include in my outdoor kitchen?
Essential appliances for an outdoor kitchen include a grill, refrigerator, sink, and storage cabinets. Depending on your cooking preferences, you might also consider adding a pizza oven, smoker, or outdoor bar setup.
How can I ensure privacy in my outdoor living space?
To ensure privacy in your outdoor living space, you can use screens, fences, pergolas, and gazebos. Additionally, planting tall shrubs or installing outdoor curtains can provide a sense of seclusion and shelter.
What types of lighting are best for outdoor spaces?
The best types of lighting for outdoor spaces include string lights, lanterns, pathway lights, and spotlights. These can create ambiance and provide functionality. Consider using energy-efficient options like solar-powered or LED lights.
How do I create different zones in my outdoor living space?
To create different zones in your outdoor living space, use furniture arrangements, rugs, and plants to define areas for lounging, dining, and entertainment. Designate specific spots for each activity to make the space more organized and functional.
