Six Elements Of An Inviting Outdoor Space
Six Elements Of An Inviting Outdoor Space
No one wants to sit outside if they have to stare at overgrown weeds, cracked concrete floors, or mismatched chairs that are anything but comfortable.
Written by The Stay Sane Mom Staff | See Comments | Updated 06/12/2021
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Six Elements Of An Inviting Outdoor Space
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No one wants to sit outside if they have to stare at overgrown weeds, cracked concrete floors, or mismatched chairs that are anything but comfortable. Creating an inviting outdoor space that’s comfortable and cozy doesn’t have to break your budget, either.
Browse inspiration from HGTV or your favorite Pinterest boards, visit a local showroom, or chat with a friend about what might look great in your backyard. Then, make a plan to build the space slowly, considering the preferences of everyone in your home (and maybe the neighbors!).
The best outdoor spaces have these six things in common:
Comfortable, Stylish Furniture
Outdoor furniture doesn’t have to be fancy or trendy, but it does need to be comfortable and weather resistant. Look for items that are flexible and easily re-arranged so you can quickly carry a chair from the porch to the yard or re-arrange based on the number of guests or outdoor occasion.
Dusk to Dawn Lighting
Outdoor lighting needs to be practical and ambient. Consider using flood or solar lights in your yard to illuminate walking paths and entryways and string lights or lanterns on outdoor porches or seating areas.
Protect Against Pests
The inside of your home has built-in protection against pests; they wouldn’t be able to get inside unless they’re provided with some kind of opening. That isn’t the case with an outdoor space. One of the main drawbacks of creating an inviting outdoor space means it can also be inviting to pests.
You’ll need to protect against them. Choosing a company like Pest Authority will ensure that any pests that are there are gotten rid of. It’ll also help you prevent any coming back in the future. That’ll let you enjoy your outdoor space much more.
Room to Eat Comfortably
The best outdoor spaces include a specific place to enjoy a casual meal or backyard barbeque without your guests sitting on a rickety chair holding their plates on their lap. Simple picnic tables, high-bar stools with a countertop, or patio table sets make it easy for everyone to eat comfortably while enjoying a conversation. And if you want to take it up a notch, add a grill or outdoor kitchen area so you can prep, cook, and eat, all while enjoying the outdoors.
Temperature Control
Sitting outside on a warm evening sounds wonderful until the sun sets, the bugs come out, and the temperature suddenly drops. Plan for temperature swings by adding a fireplace, fire pit, or outdoor heater to help eliminate the chill off early mornings or late evenings.
Activities for All Ages
Entertaining a toddler outside is much easier when there’s a water table, garden tools, or a sandpit nearby. On the other hand, teens might appreciate a cornhole set, badminton net, or basketball hoop. Keep plenty of outdoor entertainment around for out-of-town guests, neighborhood friends, or for your own family to enjoy after dinner.
Outdoor Storage
The best outdoor spaces have activities for all ages and plentiful storage to keep furniture, games or toys, and yard maintenance hardware in excellent condition in any weather. From custom-built sheds to storage boxes, choose the proper storage for you by taking inventory of what you need to store and how much space you’ll need.
Whether you prefer to spend quiet mornings outside watching the birds and squirrels or would instead prefer hosting an evening dinner party with music, lights, and games, your outdoor space should be designed to fit your personality and needs. If you’re beginning from scratch, take your time and start slowly, choosing a piece here or there as you see fit. Before long, you’ll have an outdoor space that calls your name at any time of day.
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The Stay Sane Mom Staff
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Occasionally we post blogs that are a team effort from The Stay Sane Mom staff. Fear not, these are still up to our quality standards, they just don't come from any one person (rather the team at large). As my 4-year-old says, teamwork makes the dream work.