Strategically designed outdoor living areas have never been more popular in America. They offer homeowners many benefits, including enhanced entertainment capacity, aesthetic satisfaction, and significantly boosted home appraisal values. With proactive planning and work, you can transform a basic patio into an ultimate recreation setting that your family and friends will love. Use the following outdoor living space design tips to plan and create your new favorite hangout spot!
1. Identify the Primary Uses for the Space
What do you envision doing in your new outdoor space?
Whether it’s watching the big game with your buddies, cooking restaurant-quality meals, or just lounging around, it’s important to list the key features you want from your new space.
When designing your space, there are many amenities to choose from, including a television area, an outdoor bar, soothing water features, or integrated seating. Think about the primary purpose of your new space, and then make a list of your most-needed amenities so that your new space reflects your unique personality, needs, and wants.
2. Versatility Meets Aesthetics: Material Choices & Design Elements
It’s important to select materials for your new outside living space that harmonize with your home’s exterior and offer versatility to meet your changing situation over time. You also want to select design elements that will appeal to buyers should you ever decide to sell your home.
These days, many homeowners are looking towards brick pavers because they are beautiful, versatile, durable, and in some cases, less expensive options. Bricks are extremely durable and available in many colors, textures, sizes, and shapes, so you’re sure to find something that fits into your design. Furthermore, when compared to concrete and natural stone, any blemishes or imperfections from general wear and tear are less noticeable.
3. Seamless Living: Bridging Indoor & Outdoor Spaces
A successful outdoor living space design will provide a smooth transition between the interior and exterior of your home. You want a flowing, energetic change when exiting the home and entering the outdoor space. So it’s good to give some thought to how you can connect those two areas.
You want to avoid creating a feeling of disconnection between your living room and patio. The two spaces don’t have to precisely match one another, but they should be coordinated in some respects.
Continuing a similar decorative motif from the adjoining room to the outside is a good idea. You can accomplish this by employing similar colors, rugs, lighting, outdoor furniture, plants, and more. Consider adding a television to the outside and, of course, Wi-Fi extenders so that Internet connectivity is fluent on your patio. The goal is to create an unnoticeable changeover that doesn’t interrupt your experiences.
4. Let There Be Light: Consider Adding a Fire Pit
Lighting plays a critical role in outdoor living design and is also one of the most frequent project elements that homeowners forget to plan for. Nobody wants an exterior living area that can only be enjoyed during the daylight. So, consider how you can light up your living space. Some homeowners may install outdoor lighting products, including step lights and string lights, while others may opt for a more functional element like a fire pit. Fire pits can transform your outdoor space and make it usable, even at night and during cooler months. Think of how great a fire pit would be for relaxing and entertainment!
5. Finishing Touches: Choosing the Right Furniture & Plants
The furniture you select for your outdoor living area is very important, as a single table with comfortable seating can transform a boring patio into an alfresco relaxation destination.
Be sure to try out your patio furniture before you decide on it. Sit in it. Lay down on it. Relax for a few minutes and see if it’s comfortable. Even the best-looking furniture is not desirable if it’s painful.
And be sure that the furniture is compatible with your local weather patterns, is easy to care for, and will fit into the storage area you have available during the off seasons.
Another option is to opt for more permanent seating solutions. For example, if you build a brick patio or fire pit, you can install special brick seating for that area. Permanent seating creates a more balanced, seamless space. Plus, bricks are easy to maintain, and you can add cushions to the outdoor seating to make it more comfortable.
Finally, use the magical power of plants to bring your entire exterior living space design together. For instance, place a large-leafed plant beside the entrance to your home from the patio to smooth out that transition. And use potted plants, flowers, and other plant life to fill design gaps. They look beautiful, clean the air, and add life.
Get More Tips From All Brick
Since 2016, All Brick has provided superior brick paver installation, repair, and maintenance services to homeowners in Michigan. We specialize in designing outdoor living spaces, including brick patios, outdoor kitchens, and fire pits, and can help ensure your new space fits your landscape and current aesthetic.
Visit our blog if you’re looking for more tips and resources on designing outdoor spaces with brick pavers. If you have project ideas, don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule an on-site consultation. We look forward to hearing from you!
