If you’re planning an outdoor living space, it’s essential to consider how you want to use the area. Think about your family’s short and long-term needs and make a list of goals for the design.
Experts agree that blending indoor and outdoor spaces is a huge trend.
How It Works
Whether kicking back by the firepit or dining alfresco, outdoor living is a lifestyle. A big part of that lifestyle involves the everyday tasks that typically happen indoors, like lounging, cooking, and entertaining. That’s why builders, designers, and developers are interested in maximizing outdoor living opportunities in any home size or style.
Installation
For homeowners willing to invest in a project, the outdoor living design Sacramento CA process begins with discussing what they want the space to be used for. It may be entertaining, relaxing, cooking, or combining several things. Then, the team can start to figure out what needs to be done to achieve the desired results.
For instance, entertainers often love the idea of a fire pit and seating or a bar/kitchen. For relaxation, a water feature is the perfect choice, as the sight and sound of flowing water have been shown to increase relaxation and lower stress levels.
The goal is to create outdoor rooms that reflect a homebuyer’s taste. And these experts agree that adaptability is the key to success. It’s less about fitting into a neighborhood look and more about creating spaces that perform well regardless of family plans. That way, an investment in a backyard oasis can continue to be enjoyed for years.
Planning
Whether you’re envisioning a cozy space where you can curl up with a book or entertain guests by the fire pit, the planning process is an opportunity to express your personality and style. Many builders encourage their clients to bring in an expert during this phase to open their eyes to brilliant options that might have been off their radar.
It’s also a necessary time to consider if your project requires permits or has any restrictions on its scope, which could impact your timeline and cost.
Next, define the primary functions of your outdoor living area. Use repetition and geometric shapes to unify the different areas, then let the existing architecture of your house guide your design.
Designing
One of the first things a design professional will ask is how you want to use your outdoor living space. The answer will help determine what types of features you need.
For instance, if you plan to entertain guests, you might need extra seating or a firepit. A garden or pond might be more appropriate if you’re looking for a quiet place to meditate or connect with nature.
Integrating a space’s design with its surroundings is essential. This ties back to the overall trend of making indoor and outdoor living spaces cohesive, seamless, and natural.
For example, if you’ve used a rectangle in one area of your yard, employ the same geometric shape in another to create unity. This will also help your space feel more organized and intentional. It’s a way to make your yard feel like it was designed for you rather than just a leftover afterthought.
