Create A Year Round Outdoor Space
In recent years, the idea of home has expanded beyond the interior of your house. The trend of creating an outdoor living space that’s as inviting as your living room is rapidly gaining popularity—and for good reason. With a thoughtfully designed outdoor area, you can extend your home’s square footage and enjoy the serenity of nature without sacrificing comfort.
But how do you transform your patio or garden into a space you can enjoy all year round? From creating a cosy retreat to ensuring that space adapts to the seasons, this guide will walk you through the steps to achieve an outdoor living space that’s both an oasis of calm and a hub of year-round entertainment.
Embrace the Four Seasons in Your Outdoor Design
To make your outdoor living area truly enjoyable, it’s important to consider how you can use the space during every season. Here are strategies for ensuring your space is versatile enough to accommodate all types of weather.
Plan for Shade and Shelter
Start with the basics; ensuring that your outdoor space offers protection from the elements is key to year-round use. Install a sturdy pergola with climbing plants for shade in the summer or a retractable awning for when the sun is at its peak.
For cooler months, a fire pit or outdoor heater can make space comfortable even on brisk evenings. If you want to experience the rain without getting wet, a clear canopy may be a perfect solution.
Furniture that Fits Every Climate
Invest in furniture that’s weather-resistant and can be easily adjusted for the changing weather conditions. Look for durable materials like teak, aluminium, or synthetic wicker, and consider adding waterproof outdoor cushions for extra comfort.
Versatile options, such as a retractable canopy over a daybed, can make your outdoor seating area a comfortable spot no matter the season.
Bring on the Greenery
To create a sense of privacy and enclosure, use a mix of greenery. In colder climates, select evergreen shrubs for year-round coverage, and add seasonal flowers for pops of colour.
Hanging plants or a living wall can provide an oasis of green even in the depths of winter. Don’t forget the power of fragrant plants like lavender and rosemary—scent can add an extra layer of comfort to any outdoor space.
Lighting Matters
The right lighting can extend the usability of your outdoor space well into the night. Consider installing weatherproof string lights for a cozy ambience, LED lanterns for pathways, and even strategic spotlights to highlight garden features.
Solar lights are a sustainable and hassle-free way to keep your outdoor area illuminated, and they come in a variety of styles to match your design.
Enhance Cosiness and Comfort
While the visual design is important, comfort is what will keep you and your guests coming back. Here’s how to add those cosy touches.
Layer Your Décor
Just like in your living room, layers add dimension and comfort. Add outdoor rugs for a touch of warmth and to define separate areas. Layer textiles with weather-resistant outdoor pillows and blankets, and consider having a stockpile of warm throws on hand for cooler evenings.
If you’re going all out with an outdoor living room, don’t overlook a weatherproof entertainment cabinet for books, board games, or a Bluetooth speaker.
Keep a Steady Temperature
Maintaining a comfortable temperature is crucial for year-round enjoyment. Adding a fire pit or an outdoor heater can help keep you warm on cooler nights.
Cook Outdoors
A built-in outdoor kitchen or a simple grill can make outdoor living feel luxurious. In the warm months, it’s an easy way to avoid heating up your home while enjoying delicious meals. In the cooler months, the heat from the grill can be an added bonus.
Consider other appliances like a pizza oven or a smoker to further enhance your outdoor culinary capabilities.
Water Features for Calm
The soothing sound of a water feature can elevate the tranquility of your outdoor space. A small fountain, a pond, or even a simple birdbath can attract wildlife while creating a serene atmosphere. For year-round use, ensure that the feature is easy to maintain and won’t freeze over in winter.
Make it a Space for All
Outdoor living spaces should be inclusive and adaptable to various forms of entertainment and relaxation. With that in mind, here are ideas for making your space versatile and ready for all occasions.
Exercise in the Open Air
If you’re into yoga, Pilates, or just looking for a serene spot to work out, your outdoor living area can double as a fitness space. All you need is enough room for a mat, plus perhaps some storage for workout gear. Consider a fitness station with resistance bands and other equipment that can be anchored outside but stored away neatly when not in use.
Entertainment Central
A covered outdoor entertainment system can turn your space into the ultimate game day or movie night hangout. Invest in a high-quality, weatherproof television or projector and screen, and set up comfortable seating that can handle a crowd. Storage for games or movies is a must, and a bar cart or mini-fridge can keep refreshments close at hand.
The Perfect Spot to Unplug
In our digital age, having a space that encourages unplugging is invaluable. Include elements that facilitate the relaxation process, such as a hammock, a reading nook, or an outdoor daybed. Add a chiminea or fire pit as a focal point for storytelling or stargazing—both activities that never go out of style.
The Finishing Touches
With the design elements in place, it’s time to add the finishing touches that will make your outdoor living space feel like a natural extension of your home.
Coordinate with Your Indoor Decor
Your outdoor space should feel like a continuation of your interior design. Use coordinating colours, styles, and even similar furniture to create a unified look that flows seamlessly from inside to out. This visual connection helps create the feeling of a larger, more cohesive living area.
Incorporate Personal Touches
Displaying personal items can add character to your outdoor space. Use weather-resistant photo frames or canvas prints, hang up your favourite outdoor-safe art, or set out decorative pieces that reflect your personality.
Regular Maintenance and Cleanliness
To ensure your outdoor space is always ready for use, regular maintenance is essential. Clean furniture, sweep the floor, and keep up with the plants.
With these guidelines, you can design and maintain an outdoor living space that’s not only inviting and comfortable but also adaptable to the changes in weather.
By creating a versatile and cosy area outside your home, you’re investing in your well-being and quality of life. Your perfect outdoor oasis awaits, all year round.
Why Choose Heath Landscapes & Garden Design?
Heath Landscapes provide homeowners across Hertfordshire with a dedicated garden design and build service to create bespoke outdoor living spaces.
With our team of exceptional project managers and garden designers, we guarantee a service that is second to none – ensuring each individual customer gets the results they desire.
Contact Us Today
If you would like to discuss your next garden design and landscaping project with us then please contact us today for more information.
