“Home feels a little bigger when you have a cozy corner under the open sky.”
Want to turn your outdoor area into an idyllic space that feels like a set from a utopian movie? Well, the idea of it sounds amazing, but when it comes to actually getting your hands muddy and turning this vision into reality, many fail. Because let’s be real, designing your yard is much more complicated than most other home projects. Choosing appropriate furniture, lighting, and other elements can be a little too overwhelming.
To help you navigate this bewilderment and bring your vision to life, we have curated this exclusive guide. Whether you’re working with a small balcony or a huge yard at play, read on and discover excellent design ideas that will transform your boring outdoor space into a stunning, inviting one!
Choose Appropriate Furniture
Choosing furniture for your outdoor space is not the same as picking a set for your living room. Remember that anything you pick will constantly be exposed to different weather conditions, and hence, durability is not something you can compromise with. On top of that, the furniture should be comfortable and aesthetically pleasing as well. The infographic below showcases the important considerations you must keep in account when choosing a furniture for outdoor settings.
You can check out outdoor wicker sets or go for elegant wooden chairs to achieve the mixture of quality and comfort.
Lighting for Ambiance
The lighting in your yard plays a much larger role than you think. Think About it this way, you’ve set up all the right furniture, plants and other accessories. Everything looks perfect in the broad daylight but then the night rolls around and the only thing you’ve got to light up the space is one single bulb. Trust me, it doesn’t give even an iota of justice to your decoration.
Your place should look perfect 24/7, that is why choose the right lights for the ambiance; some popular options are string lights, lanterns, and pathway lights. Also make sure to carefully plan installations, highlighting the right focal points such as plants or seating areas, adding depth to the complete design.
INTRIGUING INSIGHTS
Good outdoor lighting doesn’t just make your space glow, but can actually make it feel up to 30% larger at night.
Incorporate Nature
Plants add colour and improve air quality, breathing life into any place (quite literally). If you like gardening, feel free to show your creativity and nurture your hobby on your patio. Add a variety of potted plants, flower beds, and vertical gardens. But if you’re not really into gardening or don’t have enough time, go for low-maintenance plants like minimalist succulents or small herbs.
Not only that, but adding other natural materials like wood, stones, or bamboo can further take the overall look up a notch.
Outdoor Structures as Focal Points
An external arrangement cannot be completed without creating a gathering spot for family or friends’ get-togethers. Adding pergolas, gazebos, or trellises will act as the architectural highlight and, at the same time, provide shade and serve practical functions.
You can incorporate a small dining spot or a barbecue grill to make your gatherings even more happening. And use climbing plants and the right outdoor lighting to bring the whole look together.
Decorative Accessories for Personal Touches
Your place should actually look and feel like yours. Once all the elements are in place, it’s time for adding some finishing and personal touches. Accessorize the place with different items such as rugs, decorative pillows, and unique garden art that depict your style and add a more homely feel to everything.
Try to select elements that tell a story or convey some cherished memories, such as travel souvenirs or artisanal creations. Do not forget some other practical accessories such as comfy seating pads and elegant serving ware.
In the end, your outdoor space is responsible for the first impression people form about your home. With a little bit of planning and sensible selection of furniture, lights, and all the other essentials, you can create a yard that not only looks welcoming but also feels like a comfy retreat straight out of a movie set.
What is the 3-5-7 rule of decorating?
According to the 3-5-7 rule, you should add odd numbers of objects to make your space feel more visually engaging and appealing than even-number groupings.
What is the best material for outdoor furniture?
Your outdoor furniture is exposed to different weather types, and hence you should select something durable. Synthetic resin or wooden furniture proves to be the best choice for such settings.
Suggest some low-maintenance plants for the outdoor area.
Some low-maintenance plants for busy homeowners are succulents and cacti like aloe vera, jade plant, and sansevieria.
What kind of lights should be installed on patios?
For patios, select lights that can stand harsh weather, are functional, add color and brightness to your space and are easy to place and style.
