Summer is just around the corner and we’ve all started to set up our outdoor spaces just the way we like them. Sometimes, though, we may be at a bit of a loss on how to best utilize the space we have.
Maybe your yard is a huge swathe of green grass with nothing in it. Or you have an awkward side yard you want to make use of. Possibly you have a tiny space and aren’t sure how to maximize its potential. Whether you have a balcony, a small patio or a big acreage, there’s a lot you can do to make it more functional and better suited to your lifestyle.
Here are five tips to help you transform your outdoor space into your perfect space.
Determine how you want to use the space
The first step to setting up a functional outdoor area is to decide how you want to use it. Are you looking for more living space, or do you want somewhere to exercise? Possibly you’d like a place to work if you have hobbies or a hybrid work arrangement. Maybe giving the kids room to play is more important than having a pretty garden. Or, you might even decide to convert flower gardens to vegetable gardens to be more sustainable while saving money on increasingly expensive groceries.
Whatever purpose you decide on, don’t worry so much about aesthetics as having a place to enjoy your time outside. Sure, you want to make it look nice, but it also has to be affordable and functional. It’s nice when the interior of a home looks like a show home, but you can’t really live comfortably in it. The same applies to your outdoor space. You should be able to walk outside and immediately start doing the things there that you love to do and that give you joy.
Start from the ground up
An outdoor area rug is a quick and easy way to elevate any outdoor space. When working with a large yard, they can soften a concrete patio and help define outdoor rooms. Meanwhile, if you have a balcony or small terrace, a carpet will add color and texture while making the space cozy and inviting.
Carpets aren’t the only option for upgrading your outdoor flooring. You can cover an old patio with wooden deck tiles for a spa-like feel. Or maybe your concrete balcony has you longing for a lush green lawn? If so, artificial grass is easy to buy anywhere these days, and feels almost as good as the real thing.
If you’re creating a deck from scratch, opt for composite decking rather than wood as it’s not only sustainable, it also resists insects, won’t rot, warp or splinter, and best of all, never needs staining or painting. If you’re adding a patio, try stamped or stained concrete in interesting colours or patterns to add visual interest, rather than plain grey concrete slabs. Or space the slabs out and plant grass or put gravel in between them for a fun alternative. The bonus with either of these options is the value you add to your home whenever you decide to sell it.
Choose the right seating
The right seating makes a huge difference in how much you use and enjoy your space. Consider your outdoor area just as you would any room inside your home. You want to have the most comfortable seating that fits the space and works for your family’s needs.
If your outdoor space is small, look for pieces that serve multiple purposes. A folding bistro set will let you dine al-fresco or work outdoors. Then, when you don’t need it and want to stretch out, it can easily be hung up or tucked away when not in use. When it comes to lounging, a hammock chair or full-size hammock is ideal for relaxing and is also easy to pack away.
If you have a larger space, you want to set up a comfortable spot for the whole family. Modular outdoor seating that can be rearranged to suit your needs depending on crowd size is ideal. If you’re eating outside, make sure you choose the right sized table. Round tables are cute but limit seating, so choose a rectangular table with an easy-to-clean surface that can also accommodate an umbrella if shade is needed. Motorized sunshades are also an option to create shade, as are pergolas which can be custom built or easily purchased at a hardware store to add extra seating.
For both large and small spaces, remember to have enough surfaces available to put down your snacks and iced bevvies. Small, portable side tables that are easy to move around are best. And always have a few extra chairs folded away somewhere for unexpected guests.
Engage your senses
No matter where your yard or balcony is, adding features that engage your senses can make it feel like an outdoor oasis. Including potted plants on your balcony will add colour and create a connection with nature. Plus, they’ll give you an activity to enjoy outside. Expanding screens that mimick hedges are an excellent choice to green up a sterile balcony railing.
For those with yards, planting a tree or hedge will increase privacy and put more greenery in view, adding to your sense of relaxation. If you love to garden, choose the one that suits your lifestyle best. Do you like to be active and want to grow your own food? Plant a vegetable garden. If you prefer to watch the bird, bees and butterflies, add a colourful flower garden.
To bring the soothing sound of flowing water to your outdoor space, try adding a pond or fountain. It’s incredibly relaxing and will help drown out traffic sounds or noisy neighbours. Most fountains are as easy to install as setting them in a nice spot and plugging them in!
Enjoying an evening outside by the fire is no longer just for camping or the cottage. Propane fire features that range in size from tabletop models to large firepits mean anyone can add a little warmth to their outdoor space without the mess of a wood-burning firepit. (Just be sure to follow local fire safety regulations!)
Add solar lighting along walkways, spotlights to highlight garden features such as trees, rope lights under railings and string lights across open spaces to add calming visual ambience at night.
Fun and games
Consider what type of activities engage you or your children and get you moving, and then incorporate them into your outdoor space.
For a balcony or patio, activities like hopscotch, jump-rope, and yoga are all small-space friendly. Even bean bag toss can be played on a balcony, but remember to throw low! And a small inflatable pool filled with water or sand will provide plenty of fun. Even a large tub filled with cold water and ice for your feet will cool you down on a hot day.
Alternatively, if you have the space in a yard, this may be the year to splurge on a swing set or jungle gym. You can also paint lines on the driveway to give your budding hockey or basketball player a place to practice. There are also plenty of outdoor games that are easy to transport to other locations, or pack away in the shed when you’re done using them. You may even have the space to set up nets for a game of soccer or badminton.
By tailoring your outdoor space to your personal needs, hobbies and activities, you’ll increase your wellness when using those spaces. Summer is short, so make the most of it!