The Time For Outdoor Living is Here!

The days are getting longer, the weather is slowly warming up... spring is here! That means it's the perfect time to plan your outdoor living space. Envisioning your ideal outdoor space is exciting. You've been collecting inspirational photos and thinking about your options, but creating a beautiful space can be overwhelming. Don't get bogged down in the details. By taking a few preliminary steps, you can narrow your choices and sharpen your vision.

In this post, we will examine the first steps to take when planning your outdoor living space and share some ideas, whether it's an expansive project or a small intimate patio.

Before You Begin

The more you define the scope of your project before you begin, the smoother the process will be. If you focus on a few key steps, your dream design will take shape. Think about how you'll use your space and what amenities are must-haves. This is the time to dream big. Ultimately the scope of your project will depend on your needs and budget, but for now, money is no object!

Know What You Want:

The first step is determining the function your outdoor living space will provide to suit your lifestyle and your needs. Will you spend your Monday nights hanging outside with your buddies watching the game? Or are you more likely to spend outdoor time relaxing with a good book? Spend time visualizing all the possibilities and prioritize the features that bring you the most joy and functionality. A clear vision of how you'll use your outdoor living space is essential to making it a reality.

Design Your Outdoor Living Space to Match Your Home:

Just like your home's interior design, it's crucial to establish a theme within your outdoor living space. Your outdoor space should be an extension of your home. The best way to achieve visual flow is to stay true to your interior design style with a similar or complementary aesthetic. Work with your design-build professional to design your outdoor floor plan and select appropriate materials. With planning, the result will be a hardscape that looks and feels like an extension of your home.

Consider the Seasons:

When planning your space, consider all weather conditions. Will you use your outdoor living space on cool fall evenings? Maybe a firepit can help extend your season. Covered structures, pergolas, spas, retaining walls, and fire features can all extend the usability of your outdoor living space. Base your choice of elements on the environmental factors that will affect your yard. For example, you might want to add a shade structure if your garden is exposed to harsh sunlight. When your hardscape is equipped to handle your local conditions, you can enjoy outdoor living almost year-round.

Some Ideas to Get You Started

Outdoor living spaces come in all shapes and sizes. You need to design your outdoor living space to the scale of your yard. This can be the difference between a fabulous backyard and one that is never quite right. Whether you have acres of land to work with or a small urban garden, here are a few ideas to help you make the most out of every square foot!

Ideas for a Large Lawn

If you are lucky enough to have a large yard, you have many options. Here are some things to consider when planning your outdoor living space:

Leave Some Breathing Space – Negative space is a secret ingredient for a successful outdoor living space design. Functionally, grassy areas are great for kids and pets. They provide a forgiving surface for pick-up games and offer plenty of space when entertaining. From an aesthetic perspective, balancing hardscape and green spaces creates a harmonious design. Including pops of green and nature can help soften expanses of concrete or pavers.

Look for Nooks – Large interiors can feel empty and cold. The same goes for a sizable yard. A good design technique is to divide your outdoor space into distinct areas or zones. Creating private cozy areas can make a big yard feel more casual, intimate, and welcoming.

Don't Hold Back, Be Bold – Large exterior spaces can handle vibrant patterns, textures, and colors, so don't be afraid to have fun when choosing materials. When it comes to décor, think big! Potted plants, large outdoor sectionals, chaise lounges, and columns are substantial pieces that won't get lost in your design. The same holds true for hardscape. Substantial features like an outdoor fireplace or a covered structure will create gathering areas and activate empty spaces.

Ideas for a Smaller Space...

Just because you have a smaller outdoor space doesn't mean you can't have everything you want. You need to be creative and think outside the box. Rather than an outdoor fireplace, consider a firepit. You might not have room for a pool, but a gazebo-covered hot tub can be as relaxing. Here are some ideas for a smaller outdoor space:

Double Duty – Look for items that can perform double duty in a smaller space, like seating that combines storage. Both are needed in a small space. Multi-purpose built-ins are an excellent way to maximize a small space.

Scale Down – Don't let size limitations prevent you from incorporating the elements you want. Smaller spaces don't hinder design options. You need to get creative and showcase the features that make your property unique.

Utilize Walls – You might not have a lot of floor space to work with, but why not go vertical? Trade in outdoor furniture for seating walls to free up patio space or add interest to fences with hanging gardens. Drawing the eye upwards is a simple way to elevate your design!

Whether you have an expansive backyard or a small intimate space, with planning you can create the perfect space to enjoy with your family and friends. The key is to start by defining your needs, determining a budget, and designing your space to enhance and become an extension of your home's design. An outdoor living space will provide years of enjoyment and increase the value of your home.

Building Your Outdoor Living Space

If you're considering creating an outdoor living space in the Greater Madison area, call the experts at Degnan Design-Build-Remodel at (608) 846-5963. We can help you choose the perfect stairs to take your home to the next level of comfort, design, and function! We're always happy to answer your questions.

Additional Outdoor Living Space Articles