Having access to outdoor living space is an absolute luxury in today’s world. If you work from home, having a space to break away from your desk helps maintain productivity and increase mental health. If you have a tiny space to work with, consider it an opportunity to create your own private oasis to relax and decompress. We don’t all have a massive outdoor space to work with, but that doesn’t mean we have to sacrifice style, functionality, or comfort!
These outdoor living spaces have become natural extensions of your home. So, of course, you want to inject as many stylish solutions as possible while keeping it smart and functional for yourself and your growing needs. If you are looking for brilliant, easy steps to transfer your patio to paradise, this article is for you. So how should create an outdoor space that is both functional and stylish?! Read these easy steps to design your dream outdoor living space.
Consider the function first
Before hitting style cues, we must start by determining the space’s function. Specifying furniture is all about supporting the space’s primary function. Do you want it to feel comfortable? Then source lounge seating. Do you need a space for morning yoga? Something soft underfoot may be your main priority without a whole lot of furniture. Determine your needs first, then lay out the space with key priorities in mind.
Measure the Space “Length, Width, Height”
If you have an open-air patio, measure the wall height connecting the interior to the exterior. You have to know what you are dealing with. So, you shop smarter with key measurements in hand. Whether you have a balcony, patio, terrace, deck, or porch to work with, look to different key design tips on Pinterest, Google, and so on to help inspire you.
Easy Tips to Design Outdoor Spaces
Now that you’ve measured your space, you understand what can and cannot fit. You also want to remember your surroundings and what you are trying to prioritize.
Tip 1- Single Seating
If you only have enough room for single seating, and you need to account for only yourself, maximize the depth of the space allowed and insert either a cushion or a large comfy lounge chair. Even a bench can fill the width of your tiny outdoor space and maximize the depth that you have remaining.
You can install a shelf or ledge on the wall, and fold it down when it is not in use. You can style a corner chair with a decorative ladder next to it. It is great to hang a makeshift light and extra throws when the weather cools down.
Tip 2 – Pair of Chairs
If you have enough space for a pair of chairs, make sure that they are functional with a little side table. You only need enough space to set drinks. You can also consider a café style table for eating between the chairs. Café tables are dining height and allow for more versatility vs. a low side table. If you want to maximize the visual space, opt for no backs. You can source high-back chairs if you want something to balance out a solid wall behind you. High-back chairs are most appropriate against a tall wall. Casual sling chairs allow you to fold them up and stash them away if you need more space.
Tip 3 – Small Seating Group
If you have a little bit more real estate to play around with, think about creating a small seating room. A conversational seating group with at least three or more people has furniture facing each other. Built-in benches are great because they almost look like a micro sectional that maximizes even the corners of your balcony or terrace. They also make petit outdoor sectionals for this purpose. If you want something, you don’t have to build or make it. Follow the perimeter shape of your space when specifying this type of seating group. If you have enough space, consider a cushy love seat flanked by two single-action chairs to mix it up. Ottomans can be added to the sofa for lounging or separated for additional seating.
Tip 4 – No Matchy-Matchy!
You might find a beautiful outdoor set with a love seat, some single club chairs, a matchy coffee table, and a matchy end table! Just pick your favorite from the bunch and mix it up with different materials and fabrics. You want to keep the look fresh and fun instead of predictable.
Tip 5 – Outdoor Furniture Materials
Wood and wicker mixed in with some metal accents are so chic for patios. Metal frames feel modern, plus you can add a bright cushion for contrast. Choose weather-resistant finishes. How would you know that they are weather-resistant? It is really simple! Just read the label or the online description. The label needs to state that the furniture piece is outdoor and appropriate and has washable fabrics. Get creative with your space, and always try to source the most comfortable pieces possible to induce more outdoor moments to relax!
Tip 6 – Source low furniture
Always source low furniture to preserve sight lines. If you’re inside your living space and you see outdoors to deck the patio or the terrace you want to make sure that the furniture is low so that you can optimize the view beyond that. You also want to be able to see past the furniture when you’re seated outside, so definitely no high back chairs unless it’s anchoring a solid wall or corner. Always keep the seating profiles low.
Tip 7 – Flooring
A great way to add visual impact to your outdoor space is by layering the concrete or subfloor below with an additional flooring option. This could be pattern tiles, wood decking, or even synthetic turf. Changing the flooring sets the tone for the space. Do you want the area to feel graphic and fun? Or cozy and intimate? Choose a floor that you can layer on top of the existing foundation and maybe even take with you once you move out.
Tip 8 – Bold Moves
If the interior of your spaces is a little bit more neutral and toned down, your small outdoor area is the perfect space to experiment. Think colorful cushions, pattern textiles, or even some bamboo wrapping the walls. Think about ways that you can add some color and wall finishes outside. Small spaces benefit from bold moves, so make the most of your space by doing something outside your comfort zone that you always wanted to try.
Bottom-line
Remember that size is not an excuse to transfer your patio to a real paradise. You just need these 8 tips to upgrade your space to a really beautiful place to hang out with your friends and family or even have a better workspace. Make an investment in yourself and your needs by treating your outdoor space like a paradise in your home! It is important to prioritize comfort in your outdoor space and consider all aspects of the design, from the floor to the furnishings and so on.
Related: Upgrade Your Outdoor Space without Breaking the Bank
