A well-decorated outdoor space can be the perfect extension to your indoor space where you can entertain guests, get a breath of fresh air in the comfort of your home and whatnot. In order to turn your outdoor space into a relaxing oasis, creating a comfortable outdoor living area is key. You don’t necessarily have to have a lot of space to make it cozy and functional, you just need to have a few essentials and the proper layout.
Create a Shelter
It’s important to have a space that provides protection against the elements. Although absorbing vitamin D is beneficial, you should always have an area where you can hide in the shade but still be able to enjoy the beautiful weather. If you don’t have a covered patio, there are other convenient and modern options. A canopy, a pergola, a gazebo, or even a colourful patio umbrella can be a great choice for this purpose, depending on your budget.
Create Privacy
For your outdoor space to have that welcoming oasis vibe, your neighbours or people passing by shouldn’t be able to see you. You can increase your privacy by installing a fence, planting shrubs, trees, or any combination of these. When placed strategically, tall planters can help create a cozy and private atmosphere in your outdoor space. Lilly pilly trees are a great choice for this purpose as they also increase the aesthetic appeal of your home.
Warm Up Your Space
An outdoor gas heater gives you the luxury of warming up your outdoor living space at a moment’s notice. Quiet and efficient, this heating source is great for large outdoor dinners, parties, and when you want to enjoy your outdoor area. Although you’ll find a range of electric outdoor heaters on the market, my suggestion is to buy a gas outdoor heater. These units have a greater heat output due to the combustion of natural gas. Wall-mounted models won’t take up any precious floor space. However, if you choose a floor-standing design, you’ll be able to move it around as needed as you can find a plethora of lightweight, simple and easy to move heaters.
Furthermore, gas outdoor heater models are extremely safe to use. If you have kids, you won’t have to worry about having them around because these units are closed systems. You also don’t have to worry about sparks, combustion or burning something. They are a great source of heat that you can always count on.
Use Comfortable Furniture
If you are looking to create an outdoor space that is as cozy as your living room, then you should get the most comfortable outdoor seating you can afford. Depending on the size of your outdoor space, you may want to consider an outdoor sectional to provide ample cushioned seating. But if you have a smaller patio, a couple of chairs and a loveseat might be a better option.
Another thing to pay attention to when buying outdoor furniture is the material it is made of. Wicker and metal are good options to consider due to their durability and ease of maintenance. Choose cushions that are pleasant to sit on and you won’t have to constantly fluff.
Similar to your indoor living room, you’ll want to have an outdoor coffee table and, depending on the size of your space, a couple of end tables. Outdoor tables are useful to put your drink or book on, plus they are an easy way to add a pop of colour. You can use your outdoor tables to compliment your patio chairs as well.
Add Lighting
Evenings are a great time to unwind in your outdoor space. But to be able to do that, your patio needs to be well-lit, which is why it’s important to plan choose the right lighting options. String lights are the simplest and most affordable solution for illuminating your outdoor space. You can set them up right above your furniture, or, if you have trees in your outdoor space, you wrap the string lights around them. Lanterns are another excellent option. They come in various styles and can be candles or LED lights. Thanks to their portability, you can place them around the patio to create a cozy mood.
Consider Water Features
The sound of flowing water creates a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere in your outdoor space. You can install a column fountain, a mini-waterfall, or a small pond in your backyard.
Deal With Bugs
If mosquitoes are a problem in your area, you should take some extra measures to deal with them. Porch screens are a great option if you want to enjoy some fresh air without being bothered by bug bites. You can also install ceiling fans on your porch. Flies and mosquitoes don’t like circulating air.
Accessorize
Keep in mind that your outdoor space is an extension of your home and you should treat it as you would if you were recorating in the indoor living area. By adding pillows, rugs, lanterns and, of course, flowers, you can take your outdoor space to the next level. Good luck!