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Your outdoor space encompasses more than a backyard or balcony—it's a chance to expand and modernize your living area and create a vibrant sanctuary right outside your doorstep.
Whether it's accompanied by a gorgeous lawn, a fully-fledged deck/patio, or a lookout terrace, linking your indoor and outdoor spaces together can help your home feel more complete, uplifting and true to you.
In this month's Design Dive, we'll explore a few ways you can get the most out of your space.
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Functionality can GREATLY influence how much you use and enjoy your outdoor space. Think of your space as you would an interior room. Include features that align with your lifestyle and provide a smooth transition between the indoors and out.
Add comfortable and appropriately sized furniture (a square seating area in a square space with room to walk around it), strategic lighting such as candles on a center table or a small electric lamp on a bar cart.
Practical elements such as shade structures or side tables can help transform the layout into a versatile yet welcoming space that can be enjoyed by everyone. Try to ensure that every seat has a reachable place to put a drink or plate. Metal furniture is usually less maintenance than wood. When in doubt, opt for simplicity in design elements.
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Throughout the design process, take mental notes of the layout and flow of your space to ensure activities or features aren't interrupted. A well-designed outdoor space ensures more use and enjoyment.
If you plan on entertaining guests, account for any potential traffic patterns, transitions between rooms, or ways they might physically interact with the space's focal points.
Take into consideration your ground surface and furniture elements - i.e., chairs and chaises without separate upholstered cushions are lower maintenance, gravel and soft soil surfaces are not higher heel friendly, and, lighter weight and less bulky furniture is easier to move around.
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If you're looking to design a secluded and intimate environment where you can relax and unwind, consider putting up structures such as fences, pergolas, screens or even outdoor draperies.
Incorporating natural elements such as trees, shrubbery, or hedges can also help to create a natural buffer between you and the outside world. Ask your local landscaper which plantings are deer resistent if necessary. I once planted a long row of hostas and they were eaten on the first night! Larger potted plants can also be a buffer - especially on an apartment balcony or terrace.
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By considering the weather and climate of your location, you can design an outdoor space that is resilient and enjoyable year-round.
If you experience intense heat or frequent rainfall, retractable awnings, furniture covers, and umbrellas can help protect you from the elements. Heavier furniture may be better in windier climates. Outdoor heaters or fire pits are fantastic for colder climates and great for as-needed comfort boosters.
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Explore elements that are visually captivating and speak to your individuality. Consider potted herbs, outdoor sculptures and art, and/or an outdoor music system. We are currently enjoying harvesting mint and basil, looking at pops of fushcia gernaiums and white petunias and playing Spotify on a Sonos system.
Pull it all together with a cohesive color palette that you see in surrounding nature and man-made surfaces.
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Break free from the imaginary limitations that hold you back from making your outdoor space the best it can be!
From concept to completion, Hudson Blau Designs is here to help you transform and modernize your outdoor space into something extraordinary.
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Your kind referrals to other clients and trust in our services are invaluable. Thank you so much for your continued support and engagement.
Warm regards,
Maggie
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Photo attributions:
Hudson Blau Designs, The Spruce, Better Homes & Gardens, The New York Times, Architectural Digest, Canva
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