Create the perfect outdoor space

Kayla Gulec Kayla Gulec
Country Garden, Chew Manga, Katherine Roper Landscape & Garden Design Katherine Roper Landscape & Garden Design Landelijke tuinen
Loading admin actions …

We all enjoy the time we spend with friends and family in the great outdoors. Whether it's going on a hike, lounging on the beach, or just hanging out in the park, the approaching summer months are making us yearn for that togetherness in nature. And with summer coming quickly, we need to start thinking about getting our outdoors spaces prepped for the inevitable gatherings. Outdoor spaces make us feel connected with nature, and they can help us live well in smaller spaces, but you may be having some difficulties finding inspiration for those areas that have long seen nothing but flagstones, concrete, or dirt. 

So just how can you recreate that atmosphere in your home? Well, you've come to the right place! This Ideabook is all about creating the perfect outdoor space for you and your family, so you can entertain in style and comfort and be the envy of the neighborhood. 

Sitting area

Well, this one's a no-brainer. Who could even think of a congregation area – inside or outside – that doesn't have a sitting area? And if you can think of such an area, it's not a very entertainment or relaxation-suited area, is it? We won't lecture you about the importance of sitting areas in your outdoor space, but we'll simply give you a few pointers on how you can arrange it. 

If you have a small family or don't often entertain that many people, a smaller, round table like the one we see in this image would be perfect for you and your guests. That way, everyone can see each other, conversation is easier, and you also maintain a great view of the outdoor space. Positioning for these types of tables are also great because there really isn't a bad spot you can put it. Up against a wall, to the side on the concrete, or even smack dab in the middle of the garden, round tables sit perfectly in any area. But, if you have a large family or if you simply entertain for large groups of people, then we suggest a long, rectangular table to fit more people and break up conversation.

BBQ

Once you're all set up with seating, next thing on the list is to think about the kind of entertainment you'll have in your outdoor space. You certainly won't be cooking any high-class, five-star meals out on your patio, but you will definitely be roasting weenies on the barbie! 

barbecue is essential for any outdoor area. When we entertain, especially when we entertain at home, we eat. Since we're sure you don't want to be going back and forth between the kitchen and your outdoor area, buying or building your very own barbecue grill will make for excellent meals and prevent you from doing all that extra work. Looking at this image for inspiration, we see an incredible fusion of a wood stove, grill, and storage unit for unused wood. High end barbecues like this one are really worth the extra money because of the amazing counter space provided for all meal prep needs, and also because of the storage option. 

Fun times with the pool

So you've got seating all set up, you've got your barbie – what else can you add to your outdoor area for those long, hot summer days? Well, how about a pool! Everyone enjoys the pool – mom, dad, kids, grandparents… you name it. Pools are popular and great additions to any outdoor area for many reasons. They provide a place to cool off during those unbearably hot days, you can relax and unwind in them on a float and soak up the summer sun (maybe with a nice margarita), and there are countless games you can play in the water, literally providing hours upon hours of entertainment options. Not only that, but they just look cool.

Utilize nature and build a garden

When creating the perfect outdoor space, it only makes sense to utilize natural elements. And what's more natural than using plants themselves as decoration? Using the elements of nature is guaranteed to give your outdoor space life, keeping it fresh and happy.

Planting a garden in your outdoor area will bring color, a fresh scent, and aesthetic beauty to your outdoor space, and gardens are a wonderful way to show off your creativity and decorating prowess. Choosing a balanced mixture of different coloured flowers isn't a big chore, either. If you want to go for a more relaxed atmosphere, choose flowers that have white, blue, purple, or pink petals. These colours also match with modern, country, and classic design schemes, just to name a few. If you want to make your outdoor space pop with colour, then opt for more bold with colours like red, yellow, or orange. These colours tend to go very well with Asian, Mediterranean, and tropical design schemes.

Lighting for those long summer evenings

Now that you've spent so much time and effort designing the perfect outdoor space, we need to think about how we can enjoy that space for as long as we can. If you're anything like me, you love being outside from sunup to sundown, and when the sun goes down, you're going to need lighting to keep that party going.

Looking at this image for inspiration, we see the use of lanterns as the source of outdoor light. Lanterns are a great way to light up any outdoor area, not only because they provide that soft, relaxing glow, but also because they come in almost every style imaginable, making decorating and coordination that much easier. Another great lighting option is white string lights. You can hang these up on trees, drape them over bushes, or line them up along the walkway through your garden for amazing light and a magical atmosphere.

And something for the kids

Andorra Climbing Frame In Small Family Garden homify Klassieke tuinen

The last thing we want to mention in this Ideabook focuses on the children. If you have kids, chances are they're going to get pretty jealous watching all the adults playing outside in the newly built outdoor area. Our suggestion: add a little something for the kids, too. That way, the jealousy is tamed and you won't have to deal with any fussy kids that feel like they're trapped in the house.

You can go all out, like the family in this image, and add an entire backyard play set, so your kids and your friends' kids can spend hours and hours swinging, sliding, and having a good time with each other. But, if you only have one child, or would just like to keep costs down, a single swing and slide would work just as well. 

Hulp nodig bij uw woonproject?
Neem contact met ons op!

Hoogtepunten uit ons magazine