Everyone needs an escape from life’s daily stresses. A luxurious space to temporarily forget about your problems and somewhere to socialize with family and close friends. If this hits a nerve with you than an open outdoor living space room might just be what you’re looking for.
You want to consider the same things as you would for your indoor spaces when creating an outdoor living space… Circulation, furniture, lighting and accessories are all important design aspects. Addressing other issues such as wind exposure, sun, rain and integration of the outdoor living space into your current landscape is also of key importance.
Your outdoor living space can be open-air, taking advantage of sunny days, or sheltered by using pergolas, arbors or gazebos. Umbrellas and awnings can be used to provide flexibility, providing simpler options between sun or shad. Features such as an outdoor fireplace and heavy timber trellises create areas that are usable year round – the trellis providing shade in the heat of the summer and a fire pit providing heat during the cooler months.
Hedges, retaining walls, fences, outside walls and architectural features help define the space as well as providing additional privacy. Let’s look at features you can use to create your own unique and inviting outdoor living area.
LUXURY OUTDOOR FURNITURE | Luxury outdoor furniture defines the function of the area and becomes the core of your outdoor living space. Larger tables create luxurious dining areas as well as places where large groups can sit together comfortably. Benches, chairs and outdoor sofas create sitting areas for small intimate encounters or larger crowds depending upon their arrangement. Be sure to provide a variety of seating options – not everyone considers a lounge chair comfortable.
Pillows and cushions make chairs and benches more comfortable, and incorporate additional color and texture into the design. Furniture and accessories should be made of materials that can withstand the weather conditions. Teak wood and weatherproof fabrics are ideal choices.
HEATING AND COOLING OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES | In some locales, heating and cooling are critical components necessary to make your outdoor living area functional and comfortable during temperature extremes.
In cold climes, a fireplace, a fire pit or an outdoor patio heater can be used to provide warmth. When the weather warms up, a couple options are available. In a covered living area, such as an arbor, a ceiling fan can easily be installed.
OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT | No outdoor living space would be complete without surround-sound speakers and a drop-down flat screen with anti-glare. Wireless speakers can be placed anywhere within an outdoor area, provided they are not exposed to the elements directly .
An outdoor living space should be an extension of your home. Walking into the space should be just like entering another room within your home. Use these tips to accomplish this goal – create a place in which to enjoy a moment of solitude, and a place to make memories with family and friends.
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