Essentials for Creating the Ultimate Outdoor Space

When trying to create a home that’s warm and inviting, many homeowners focus most of their attention on their home’s interior. From textured fireplaces to soothing paint colors and rich wood finishes, careful attention is paid to every room, down to the tiniest details. If you’re only focusing on the inside of your home, you’re neglecting a big part of what makes your home a complete warm and appealing oasis:  your outdoor space.  Your outdoor living space is an extension of your home and should be given as much thought as your home’s interior. Welcome guests into your backyard retreat with our suggestions for creating the ultimate outdoor space.

Dining Alfresco

When entertaining at home, the kitchen is the room in the house where everyone tends to gather. The smell of food cooking, the ample seating and good lighting all play a part in what attracts guests to your kitchen. Create that same inviting feel by building an outdoor kitchen. Depending on the size of your outdoor space, you can create the ultimate kitchen complete with a multi-burner grill, warming drawer, refrigerator, sink, and plenty of prep space. Your kitchen can be the main focal point of your outdoor space or it can be more understated, utilitarian space that’s tucked away.

Crackling Outdoor Fireplace

Whether you’re roasting marshmallows or sipping wine, there’s an undeniable charm to sitting by a fireplace. Living in a warmer climate, indoor fireplaces don’t get a lot of use. An outdoor fireplace is perfect for cool summer evenings.

Sit and Relax

Whether you’re entertaining indoors or outdoors, you’ll want to have plenty of seating for your guests. Just because you’re sitting outdoors, doesn’t mean you have to sit on hard, sterile-looking furniture. There are endless options for outdoor seating that come in different styles, colors, and designs. Arrange seating as you would in a family room to encourage good conversation and relaxation. Add comfortable, plush seating with weather-resistant throw pillows and a rug, along with a table to hold drinks and snacks. There are even waterproof table lamps and floor lamps created for outdoor use so you’ll have plenty of lighting well into the night.

Pretty Privacy

If you prefer not to give your neighbors a clear view of your outdoor entertaining, there are many decorative and eye-catching ways to add privacy to your outdoor space. Garden walls, decorative fencing, and lush greenery are all attractive ways to add privacy.

Focal Points

Trellises, pergolas, and arbors create great focal points in your outdoor space. A pergola above a patio or outdoor kitchen helps to enclose the space without blocking too much light. Arbors beautifully accent the entrance to a flower garden, pathway, or patio. Adding a water feature–a European-style fountain with ornate statues or a rock wall with a cascading waterfall–is like adding a piece of art to your outdoor living space. With its soothing trickling sounds, a water feature also provides a calming effect to relax you and your guests for a Zen-like feel.