7 WAYS TO CREATE THE PERFECT OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE
Spring 2023 is well and truly underway. Depending on where you are in the UK, the weather may have some catching up to do, but nonetheless, we’re so excited for warmer weather and sunnier days.
With that in mind, we have the perfect blog for you as we look at 7 different ways to create the perfect outdoor living space for your home.
1. DECK-OUT THE GARDEN
We love decking for an outdoor area. It’s a flooring option that comes with plenty of benefits for your new outdoor oasis.
Its affordability is one thing to shout about, as well as its versatility – when you work with wood, it’s incredibly easy to shape and size, so that means your new decking will fit nicely and snugly in your back garden.
Your new decking will help to level out your outdoor space and provide a bit of contrast for your garden. This is a timeless feature that will act as your foundation to build your dream outdoor living space.
2. HEAT THINGS UP WITH A FIRE PIT
Fire pits have become so popular in recent years. With the Covid pandemic came lots of extra time spent at home and in the garden, so we all searched for new ways to make our outdoor spaces a little more special, and fire pits for the garden were the answer.
There are many different types of fire pits for the garden, including:
- Wood-burning fire pits
- Propane fire pits
- Gas fire pits
- Natural gas fire pits
It’s worth doing some research on which fire pit is best for your garden.
Including a fire pit in your outdoor area is a clever and attractive way of offering warmth and light when it’s needed. Plus, if you’re like us, you could easily sit and watch the flames dance for hours on end.
3. ADD AN OUTDOOR KITCHEN AREA
If there’s one guaranteed way of becoming the talk of your neighbourhood, it’s by installing your own outdoor kitchen.
When there are clear blue skies and the fresh aromas of spring in the air and you’re cooking up a family meal or hosting a dinner party, who wants to be stuck inside cooking? Instead, bring the kitchen outside.
We know what you’re thinking – the Great unpredictable British weather isn’t the most ideal for an outdoor kitchen, but don’t let that stop you. As long as you have some form of cover from the rain overhead, you’re set.
If you like the sound of this but are unsure you have the funds or space for such an outdoor living instalment, go for the cheaper, smaller, but still awesome option of installing an outdoor built-in BBQ
4. THINK ABOUT YOUR OUTDOOR LIGHTING
Just as lighting is so vital to the interior of your home, the same applies to the exterior.
To get outdoor living exactly right, you want to set the scene of a cosy and inviting escape in the outdoors; somewhere to get away from the blaring TV screens and the hum of electrical appliances.
How is this achieved? It starts with great lighting. Many overlook this feature and don’t realise all the amazing types of outdoor lighting available, such as:
- Post lights
- Lanterns
- Stake lights
- Candles
- Fairy lights
- Table lights
- Fire pits and bowls
- Decking lights
After all, the evening has to come around sooner or later and to enjoy your outdoor space in the calm of nighttime, you need lighting to set the mood and create a lovely ambience.
5. DON’T FORGET OUTDOOR LOUNGE FURNITURE
If you’re really going to create the best outdoor living space, you’re going to need the best outdoor furniture to suit you and your needs. When it comes to your outside garden furniture, you can go big – perfect for your BBQ and garden parties, or go small – ideal for a quiet escape from the indoors.
Consider what items you definitely want to include in your outdoor furniture setup. Will you want an outdoor couch, a table, how many chairs? Start by creating your wishlist and go from there.
For outdoor lounge furniture, you have so many options, from small outdoor tables and chairs to grand outdoor furniture sets.
6. WHAT ABOUT A WATER FEATURE?
Another impactful way to elevate your outdoor space is by introducing some form of water feature into your garden. Don’t underestimate the power of a great water feature.
Not only are they nice to look at, but they also help to promote calm and tranquillity with the gentle sound of flowing water.
Some of our favourite water features would be:
- Ponds can be incredibly relaxing to watch and listen to. Go a step further and introduce some live fish to your pond to spark a new hobby
- Make a statement piece out of a statue or waterfall fountain – there’s so many designs out there
- Go for the more simple route of including a bird bath in your new outdoor space
Water features are not only adored by us but also by the wildlife around us, which is another pro of having water features in the garden.
7. ESSENTIAL OUTDOOR SHADE
While we are awaiting the arrival of sunny days, we also know that there is such a thing as too much sun. Here in the UK, we know how hot our summers can get, so choosing the right shade for your outdoor living space is paramount.
What are some of the best outdoor shade structures?
- Retractable canopy
- Pergola
- Gazebo
- Natural trees
- Parasols
- Shade sails
There are plenty of smart ways to introduce some shade to your outdoor space; the trick is finding the one that suits you best.
FINAL THOUGHTS
When the weather calls for outdoor living, consider this blog post your essential guide to creating an outdoor space that is an extension of your home.
For help with your latest home improvement project, work with the great team here at Bespoke Norfolk Group.
