Outdoor living spaces can offer a nice area to entertain guests to relax with family and friends. When planned accordingly, an outdoor space can boost your property value while creating a comfortable oasis that allows you to connect with nature. Below are five outdoor living tips to help form the perfect backyard oasis.
#1: Keep Your Climate in Mind
When creating an outdoor space, it is important to consider your location and climate. For instance, low-water landscape designs like rock beds and gardens that feature drought-tolerant plants may be a good idea if the area is susceptible to drought. If you live in a warmer climate that receives a considerable amount of sunlight, you may want to opt for a pergola, gazebo, or other structure that can offer some shade on hot, sunny days.
#2: Consider Comfort
Your comfort should always be a priority when creating an oasis — and this goes beyond quality and comfortable outdoor furniture. A screened-in porch may be ideal if you live in an area where bugs are a significant issue. If you live in a colder climate, adding portable propane heaters or installing ceiling-mounted heaters may be a good idea.
#3: Establish Focal Points
A focal point can help provide additional structure and pizzazz to your outdoor area. Whether you add a water feature, a large tree, a pergola, an attractive firepit, or even an outdoor kitchen, the goal is to establish an area of the yard that will draw the eye.
#4: Illuminate the Space
Invest in various lighting forms to create a more inviting and useful outdoor space. Lights can be added to a vine-covered trellis, retaining wall, or large boulder to add drama. In addition, illuminated steps and walkways can help prevent falls. Seating areas and outdoor kitchens should be illuminated as well.
#5: Define the Space
To add more visual appeal to your outdoor living space, consider defining the area. From placing chairs around a fire pit and adding area rugs to building a retaining wall or strategically placing shrubs and potted plants, the goal is to define a specific area of the yard for a particular purpose. One of the most common outdoor kitchen tips for defining the area is to use vertical garden structures, which can add privacy and visual appeal.
Outdoor living spaces are essentially an extension of your home’s main living area. The aforementioned outdoor living tips can help you create the perfect outdoor space, regardless of its intended use. Contact MSE Hardscape Design and Installation to discuss your outdoor space dreams, and we will devise a plan to make your dreams a reality.