Imagine this: You’re lying on a comfortable sofa. A refreshing breeze blows through your hair as the birds chirp above you. String lights and a gently crackling fire cast a warm glow over you while you watch your favorite movie. 

Sounds idyllic right?

The good news is, this soothing daydream can become a reality.

A tranquil outdoor living space can easily be created if you focus on a few key areas…

Define the Space

To create a functional outdoor living space, you need to define the area you are working with. This means making some big decisions regarding flooring, walls, and roofs.

Flooring

First, you need to decide what material the floor will be made from.  

For an Indoor/Outdoor space, you may want to extend the flooring you have inside.

Concrete slabs and wooden decking are great ways to play with height variations.

Paving slabs like Flagstone introduce a sense of permanence to grassy or sandy areas. Solid flooring like paving and cement provides a flat surface to place furniture onto. Bare grass and dirt are often uneven and can cause furniture to wobble. 

Walls and Roofing

Covered outdoor living spaces, like Pergolas, provide protection from the elements while still allowing natural light to filter through.

To create a sense of privacy, a trellis, climbing vines, or hedges can be used as walls.

For a softer touch, fabrics can be draped over the crossbars of the pergola. Permanent curtain rails are an option too. 

Create a Visual Contrast

Contrasting textures and colors enhance the visual quality of your outdoor space.

Pavers laid into grass provide a contrast between hard man-made materials and soft natural elements.

Fabric can make space feel more feminine. Metal and concrete elements tend to have more of a masculine feel.  

Adding color to your outdoor space doesn’t necessarily mean adding every color of the rainbow.

A muted, natural palette can enhance the colors of the plants and flowers in your garden. Brighter colors can add life to an urban concrete or brick patio. 

Centre of Attention

A good outdoor space needs a central feature. Something to draw people to that area.

A fireplace is a great feature to add to your outdoor refuge. Outdoor living spaces with fireplaces have year-round usability, even in the chilly winter months.

Pools and hot tubs are features that the whole family can enjoy. A refreshing splash in your outdoor oasis is a great way to end off a day.

A sturdy dining table with comfortable chairs invites socialization. A hearty meal is even tastier when enjoyed outside with friends.

SOMD Hearth offers a multitude of outdoor fireplaces, pools, and hot tubs.   

Functional Furniture and Lighting

Your chosen furniture needs to be able to withstand weather damage.

If extreme weather conditions are a concern, look for lightweight, portable furniture that can be stored inside. Some furniture even folds away for efficient storage.

Solar lights are great for areas without access to electricity.  You don’t want extension cables and wires marring your carefully decorated space.

String lights or illuminated pavers create a cozy, relaxed ambiance.

Create The Outdoor Living Space of Your Dreams

By focusing on a few basic elements, you can craft a personalized outdoor living space that friends and family will rave about! 

From a secluded outdoor reading nook to a pool party paradise, your garden will become your favorite spot to relax and unwind.

Browse through our other articles for more helpful tips and tricks that every homeowner should know.