How to Create an Outdoor Living Space For Your Home

Warmer weather is finally here in Northeastern Pennsylvania! With many of us spending more time outdoors, you may be thinking about improving your outdoor space for the summer. An outdoor living room would sure be nice on those hot summer days!

But where do you even begin? Should you start from the ground up or can you work with what you have? What if you have a tiny yard? And what is considered an outdoor living space anyway?

Don’t worry, we have the answers you’re looking for.

 

Why Should You Add an Outdoor Living Space?

Outdoor living is just that — bringing your indoor living space outdoors. It can be as extravagant as you want or it can just be a nice seating area. It’s up to you!

There are many benefits to adding an outdoor space to your home, such as:

• Increasing your home’s value. With more and more home buyers looking for outdoor spaces, creating a living area outside is an investment that can pay off if you’re planning on selling your home down the line.
• More entertainment options. If you enjoy entertaining then outdoor living is for you. It can be an extension of your home, so your guests have a place to mingle instead of hanging out in your kitchen or living room.
• Improves your health. Yes outdoor living has some amazing health benefits. According to scientific research, spending more time outdoors can boost your immune system and reduce the risk of diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity.
• Relieves stress and depression. Think of your yard as an oasis just waiting for you to relax. It’s widely known that nature is great for improving your mood, and just taking a few minutes to unwind in the sunshine can relieve any stress you may be feeling.

So, where do you begin? Here are a few ideas.

 

What Will the Outdoor Space Be Used For?

Before you begin, ask yourself this one question, “What will you be doing in the space?” For example, if you love throwing parties, you may want to add an outdoor kitchen, complete with a grilling station and an outdoor fireplace. Or, you just want a place that you can spend some time to yourself. If that’s the case, a pergola may be a good option for you.

Once you know what you want to do with the space, then you can plan accordingly. It may be beneficial to speak with a landscape designer who can help you plan your ultimate outdoor space.

 

Working With Your Current Space

You know what you want to do with the outdoor space. Now comes the important question: What do you have to work with?

For example, if you already have a patio in your backyard, you can change up the design a little to make it more functional. Or, if you have a giant yard, you can section off certain areas for different living spaces to make the most of the area.

 

Tying the Indoors to the Outdoors

If you’re stuck on the design of your outdoor space, take inspiration from your indoor space. Remember, the outdoor space should be an extension of your current home. So try to have that reflected in the design.

You also want to furnish the area as you would an indoor space, with some modifications. For example, if you’re adding a seating area outdoors, make sure that the furniture not only matches the design of your indoors but is specifically designed for the outdoors, such as waterproof furniture.

 

Illuminate the Night

Another idea to keep in mind is adding outdoor lighting. This will make the space functional during the evening hours, plus it can add some much-needed ambiance. Outdoor lighting does not need to be fancy — a string of LED lights can work wonders!

 

Thinking of Adding an Outdoor Living Area? We Can Help!

If you’re thinking of adding an outdoor living space to your home this season but aren’t sure where to begin, you’ve come to the right place Your Landscapers have the knowledge and the experience needed to create an oasis right outside your door. Contact us today to get your project started.