How to Design the Outdoor Living Space You've Always Wanted

Many homeowners often have trouble finding inspiration and the right ideas for creating their outdoor living space.

09:02 07 May 2021

It doesn't have to be that way, though. There are plenty of tips and tricks that can be easily used to create the home and yard that you've always wanted. It's no light decision, either once a decision is made and the landscaping and construction are finished, it would take an enormous effort to change or renovate, not to mention the vast amount of money it would waste. Here are some of the best methods for designing, brainstorming, and creating the outdoor living space you've always wanted.

 

Find Inspiration and Spend Time Brainstorming

 

One of the most important parts of designing a fantastic outdoor living space is by spending lots of time brainstorming. Get in touch with your creative side, and look for inspiration everywhere, even driving down the street. While it may sound corny, spend time outside dreaming and trying to imagine what features will go in different parts of the yard. Sometimes, actually standing in a physical space can make it easier to determine what works and what doesn't.

 

Brainstorming and thorough planning allows for a smoother translation of those wants and desires onto paper and eventually into a real backyard oasis. Find inspiration by looking online or in magazines, determining what kind of color palette you like best, even looking at random house’s when driving by to see what other people have come up with for their homes.

 

Try Design Software

 

Those who aren't so great at brainstorming can use a more modern method: computers. There are ways to use software and programs to help with designing, creating, and experimenting with different options and layouts. For example, if you want to build an outdoor kitchen, special software can make a viable design and provide a 3D structure within five minutes. It makes it a breeze to configure, visualize, and implement any layout. Those interested in kitchen design software can check out the program offered by RTA, which has user-friendly tools to visualize the outdoor living space of your dream in just a few minutes.

 

Once there's a design and layout in mind, it's a huge help to see it right on the computer screen. Sometimes, things look different in your head than how they look in real life, which is why software like this is such a benefit. It's a technological innovation that makes it a cinch to design and create an outdoor kitchen or any other kind of living space, even for those with no design or contracting experience whatsoever.

 

Focus on One Area at a Time

 

This tip is beneficial for those who have a large yard or ample space to be transformed. Sometimes, it can be overwhelming trying to look at the area as a whole. This is where the technique of compartmentalizing comes into play. Instead of becoming overwhelmed with the amount of work to be done, try to imagine the space as having individual rooms. Look at the bare space and try to envision where things will go, like the fireplace, patio, grill, or bar. Try and get in touch with your creative side by making a line drawing, even if it's extremely rudimentary. Sometimes, backing up and seeing the forest for the trees can be a huge help.

 

Try to Stick with One Décor Theme

 

Another essential part of designing a truly spectacular outdoor living space is sticking with one décor theme. While this isn't mandatory by any means, sticking with one theme can upgrade the entire aesthetic of the area to the next level. Sometimes, it feels good to go with your gut or let passion lead your sense of style. Or, some homeowners purchase things because they're a good deal or on sale. However, this can lead to ending up with a bunch of design elements that might not work very well together.

 

There's nothing worse than a cluttered space with a hodge-podge of stuff everywhere in different colors, shapes, and themes that's trying to be something it's not. Yes, this often makes a space look warm and cozy, and it's perfectly acceptable. For an elegant outdoor living space, whether it's a patio, an outdoor kitchen, a bar, or even a dining area, stick with one theme and color palette to pull everything together and give it that level of sophistication.

 

Plan for Every Detail

 

This is an integral part of planning, designing, and ultimately creating the outdoor living space of your dreams. If the actual construction and creation process will be in individual sections, be sure to plan ahead and take care of the most important aspects first. Here's a great example: imagine you want to have a concrete porch, seating area with a floating bench, and an outdoor kitchen, fireplace, and wet bar. Sounds great, right?

 

Now it's time for the actual construction. You (or the contractor) start by laying down the concrete patio. Next, it's time for the outdoor kitchen and wet bar, only to realize that you have to dig underneath the freshly poured patio to lay down electric and water lines. See the problem? Prioritize the critical parts, but be sure to consider every factor before making any big moves.

 

Consider Privacy

 

Those with smaller backyards may feel that a high level of privacy is unattainable, but that couldn't be further from the truth. There are plenty of tips, tricks, and hacks that can make a small backyard into a beautiful and private outdoor living space. To start, one of the most cost-effective methods to get extra privacy is with plants. Use large shrubs, creeping vines, and other climbing plants or bushes that create natural privacy. Look for those that will last all winter to provide year-round privacy. Another obvious choice is to install a fence, but this can make a small space seem smaller. Instead, try using a terrace or arbor to create a living barrier that will look amazing, too.

 

Transform a Plain Backyard into the Outdoor Living Space of Your Dreams

 

Though landscaping and renovation can be stressful experiences, the design and creation process of an outdoor living space doesn't have to be a hassle. In fact, you can use all sorts of tips and tricks, like compartmentalizing different areas, spending time using design software or hand-drawing a layout, and planning for every last detail with the entire process. Before you know it, you'll have transformed a plain and drab backyard into a relaxing, private oasis where you can spend time with family and friends laughing, toasting to the good times, and making memories.