An outdoor living space can help you make better use of the space your home has to offer and if you do it right, it can add an element of luxury and style that makes your yard feel like an extension of your home's interior.
The best outdoor spaces are more than just beautiful — they're also functional. You might choose to include an outdoor kitchen or entertaining area in your yard, or if you have the space and budget, a swimming pool can be a great addition to your home that adds beauty and value.
Regardless of the upgrades or changes you decide to make, be sure to follow these six outdoor space design ideas and tips to create an outdoor space that you, your family and your guests can enjoy year-round.
Before you settle on building a gazebo or a zen garden in your backyard, take time to consider whether these are features you and your family are actually going to use. If you're an avid entertainer who enjoys hosting large gatherings, an outdoor dining area and kitchen or a large seating area with a fire pit might serve you better.
Put thought into what you'd most like to have extra space for in your home and if it makes sense, translate that into a backyard upgrade instead of opting for something that may be, although beautiful, not entirely useful.
Many people don't approach outdoor design in the same way they approach upgrades to the inside of their home. When devising outdoor living design ideas, it's important to take a bit of time to create a proper layout of your backyard and plan where you want to place new fixtures or furniture. This can help you determine exactly how much room you need and whether you have enough extra space to add extra features.
If you plan to add multiple new features to your outdoor space, consider creating zones throughout your yard, keeping activities like sports or swimming in a separate area from spaces you'll use to relax or entertain.
When creating an outdoor entertainment space, be sure to explore different furniture sizes; you want to find something that will provide enough seating for you and your family or guests without taking up too much space. An oversized outdoor sectional might seem like a great way to create a comfortable outdoor space but this outdoor decor trend isn't going to work if you have a tiny yard that's overtaken by furniture.
Help make your outdoor living space feel like an extension of your home by incorporating design elements from your home's interior in your outdoor space. Use a similar color and material palette while ensuring the materials you choose can withstand rain or snow, depending on where you live. If your interior space is highlighted by wooden furniture or wicker planters, carry that same look and feeling outdoors to create a space that's cohesive and complementary to the rest of your home.
Consider outdoor furniture trends and outdoor decor trends that might add to your space and go well with your interior style, too. With the right outdoor living design methods, you'll be able to create a gorgeous space that's both on-trend and makes your outdoor area look nice without differing too much from your interior style.
If you have a smaller backyard, adding levels, such as an upper seating area on your deck and a lower firepit seating area on a concrete pad, can make it feel as though your yard is much bigger. If you don't have the budget or space for multiple seating areas, you can even use garden accessories, such as a raised planter bed or a trellis, to help you add depth and layers to your outdoor space.
Just as they do indoors, accessories can make or break an outdoor space. You can decorate outdoors with weather-safe artwork or signs to your fences and walls, use outdoor pillows and rugs to make your space feel more welcoming and comfortable, and add decor items like planters and side tables throughout the space.
Hardscaping has become a very popular home improvement project. According to Zillow.com, for every dollar spent on upgrading a backyard or outdoor space, a homeowner can expect to get up to 14% added to their resale value. Homes that mentioned landscaping in their listing description can sell for 2.7% more than expected. So not only does it add beauty and use to your backyard, it’s also something that future homeowners consider when looking to purchase a home.
More and more homeowners are relying on their outdoor living spaces for everyday use; whether you plan to use your outdoor space as a lively entertainment area, a serene work-from-home oasis, or even just a nature-filled peaceful escape. There are endless options to make your outdoor space just as functional and stylish as the rest of your home and Eastwood Homes is proud to offer an easy one-step outdoor living package. The outdoor living package includes a paver patio, fire pit, and seating wall that will take your backyard up a notch!
With a great starting point from Eastwood Homes and these helpful outdoor space design ideas, you'll easily figure out how to design a backyard and end up with an outdoor living space you completely love.
Contact our friendly staff today to inquire about the Outdoor Living Package!
Team members from the Richmond Division of Eastwood Homes spent the day providing some tender loving care to the C.C. Wells Elementary School in Chester, Va.
