I bet you’re as excited as I am to have longer days and much warmer temperatures! And with this beautiful weather we are all excited to be outdoors as much as possible soaking up the rays and heat. As you gravitate to the outside, does your outdoor space inspire you or need an update? Do you even have an outdoor space to relax in? Is there a corner of your yard that has untapped potential? One of key words for design and decor trends in 2021 is function and this applies to our outdoor spaces as well. You not only want exterior spaces to look beautiful you want them to work hard too allowing you to maximize your relaxation time. For the next few blog posts I am going to share ideas for creating, furnishing and decorating your oasis to ensure you can comfortably maximize your time outdoors. Let’s start with the space itself.
Photo Credit: Ivy Aralia Nizar Uovn
One or More Rooms?
Before creating or updating your outdoor area, first, consider whether you have the room, requirement or desire for a single or multiple rooms for gathering, cooking, dining and/or lounging with family and friends. Also think of your outdoor spaces as an extension of your interior in terms of both function and style. Perhaps you only have room or desire for one multi-function space. In this case, distinguish each zone by groupings of furniture and accessories. If you have space for and/or would like to have distinct rooms, separate them with the use of plants and shrubbery, structures such as lattice, railings, open shelves draped with trailing vines or a pergola.
Photo Credits Below L to R: Collov Home Design; Robert Nickson; Spacejoy; Noemi Macavei Katocz
Who and How Many Will Use the Space?
Once you have determined whether you will have one or more rooms, it is important to consider who will be using the space or spaces. If those enjoying the space include children, consider low maintenance, durable materials and finishes for less stress and easy care.
Also consider safety. If there are more ‘mature’ people using the space, consider the height of seating for ease of sitting and rising. Outdoor area rugs are available but could pose potential tripping hazards for those less steady on their feet. Perhaps glass topped tables and square edges which have the potential to result in injuries would not be the best options for those using the space.
In terms of the number of people using the space(s), this will also help you determine the layout as well as the amount of seating required in the various areas of your outdoor play space, size of dining table, number of occasional tables, etc.
Multi-Purpose
Over the past year plus our homes have not only been places in which to live but also have become offices, gyms and classrooms. Considering our outdoor spaces are an extension of our indoor spaces, you may be considering the requirement for even more multi-functional spaces in your yard. When planning the creation or update to outdoor spaces, could a dining area become an outdoor office space or classroom with minimal effort? Could a seating area be easily converted to a workout space. Or beyond that, could a dining table or kitchen counter easily become a potting table.
Sun and Shade
While you are planning your outdoors, observe and pay attention to where the sun is at various times of the day. This will allow you to consider where to locate the zones of your multi-purpose space or the rooms if you are planning to have multiple rooms. This will allow you to ensure there is shade available in the area(s) that will be used mid-day and sun in the area(s) that will be used later in the day.
Even a smaller space can serve a number of purposes.
While there are a few factors to consider when planning your space, spending the time to think about who, when and how will ensure your outdoor rooms will be funtional and comfortable and a place you want to spend as much time in as possible.
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Simply Swank Decor provides virtual and in person consultations (as permitted) for designing updates to your home (indoor and outdoor), staging your house in preparation for sale or seasonal decorating services. Email janet@simplyswankdecor.ca to discuss your project and how I can help.