inside out
There's one secret to designing an outdoor space you want to use versus one that languishes like the houseplant you keep forgetting to water. It's making your outdoor space feel like an extension of your home. With the proper planning and design, your outdoor area can become another room where you can relax, entertain, and enjoy the fresh air.
Traditionally, the first step outside the house has been to a dining area, but this is changing. More and more people are using outdoor spaces as living areas, which are much more useful because they get used more often. When designing your outdoor space, consider what you will use it for. A multi-purpose area with a comfortable sofa for relaxing and eating is a great way to create a comfortable and functional space just like an indoor room.
make it stand out
The first thing we consider when designing outdoor space is the transition from indoors to outdoors. It must be seamless and intentional, especially for those first few steps outside. A great way to achieve this is by choosing flooring that transitions from the house to the outdoors, like white-washed wood floors inside paired with a white tinted concrete outside.
what's trending right now
One feature everyone is requesting right now is a fire pit. A fire feature becomes your focal point, providing warmth and ambiance during cooler evenings outside.
Another trend that's exploding is the desire for pools. But these pools are different than what you grew up with. Smaller and more modern shaped pools with clean rectangle lines are in. Because of the size, the way we use pools is also changing. Think tanning ledges instead of kids running and jumping.
This trend is for you if you're lucky enough to have a covered outdoor space. Clients are taking their latest binge-able series outside with an outdoor TV. Luckily, outdoor kitchens are still in, so you won't have to go too far for snacks between episodes. But speaking of outdoor kitchens, the trend of putting a bunch of appliances outside is reversing as we accept that they get destroyed quickly in the salt air. Instead, we see clients opt for less stuff and more durable items. This could translate into a six-foot-long kitchen with three feet for the grill, two feet for prep, and an outdoor fridge. One splurge that's becoming more popular is having both a Green Egg and a grill.
don't forget about the plants
Rember that withering houseplant in the corner? Let's avoid making the same mistake outdoors. Fussy gardens that require a lot of water and maintenance are out. Instead, and because people are more conscious of water resources and have a hesitancy towards chemicals, they're opting for native plants that don't need a lot of care.
Designing outdoor spaces that feel like an extension of your home is an excellent way to expand your living space and enjoy your home more. With the right planning and design, you can create a comfortable, functional, and stylish outdoor space like any room inside. Whether you're looking to relax, entertain, or both, there's no limit to what you can do with your outdoor space.
