Outside space. Whether it’s a small balcony, a communal garden or an entire urban village, the outside space in our homes is fast becoming just as important as the inside. With the increasing demand for properties with outdoor areas and the rise of urban developments with shared outside spaces, outdoor living is no longer simply a ‘nice to have’ – it’s a necessity. And while this might not be news to you if you live in such a property, there are plenty of people who still view their outdoor space primarily as somewhere to store their garbage bins. That doesn’t mean that they aren’t useful or necessary; it just means that with some thought and planning we can make them even better.
So, what does a well-designed outdoor area look like?
There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all outdoor space. That being said, certain elements are essential to making any outdoor area feel like a good place to be. Here are a few examples: – A good seat – This could be a dining table, a bench or a comfy chair – or preferably all three. You’ll want somewhere to kick back and relax or a surface for eating and entertaining. – A fire pit – For those chilly evenings. Fire pits, as well as being a great source of light, can also add heat if you fill them with embers. – Plants – Having greenery around your outdoor space is not only beneficial to the atmosphere but also your health. Plants can also add to the visual aesthetics of your space. – Paths and walkways – These can be used for decoration as well as practicality. If you have a larger space, consider making a path so that you can explore it like a mini garden.
Utilising the benefits of street furniture
Street furniture such as benches, planters, bicycle racks and sculptures are more than just a place to store your bike. Take advantage of the various types of street furniture available and use them to create a better environment for you and your neighbours. For example, benches can be used as both seating and a decoration piece. A planter can be used for both decoration and growing plants. You could even use a bicycle rack as a bench, if you wanted to. If you are looking to make your outdoor area more appealing, adding some street furniture is a great way to do this. You can also use them as a way of ensuring that your neighbours are able to enjoy their outside space too.
Create a welcoming entrance space
The outside area at the front of your property is a great place to add a little extra seating, a couple of potted plants and some lighting. This area doesn’t need to be huge; a small space can be just as effective. This space is ideal for an odd drink or coffee with a friend or family member. It’s also a great place to put a table if you’re in the habit of collecting mail or letters from the postman. If you live in a block of flats, a communal entrance space is a great place to put a table and chairs. This will allow you to leave your outdoor furniture out without fear of it being stolen or vandalised.
Build a BBQ area
BBQs are the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors for extended periods of time. They are a great way to bring family and friends together, socialise and share stories over delicious food. However, in order to do this, you need to be able to create a safe and clean BBQ area. There are plenty of ways to do this, but one of the simplest is to build a BBQ pit. This can be as simple as putting bricks or tiles on the ground and placing your BBQ on top of them. This will not only protect your lawn but also prevent food and grease from falling onto the surface of your garden. If you don’t have a lawn, you could create a similar area with paving stones or bricks.
Add greenery and colour
Having a few potted plants scattered around your outdoor space is a great way to add colour and extra life to your outdoor area. If you don’t have much space, try growing something in a hanging basket. You can go all out and have a veritable jungle of different plants or choose a select few. For example, you might want to have some flowers, a shrub or two, and perhaps even a couple of smaller trees. If you’re growing trees, you’ll have to wait for them to grow large enough to provide shade. However, you can still enjoy the colour and vibrancy that smaller plants can add in the meantime.
Add some comfort
You don’t need a sofa or armchair to add some comfort to your outdoor space. Depending on your budget and the size of your space, you can fill your outdoor area with all sorts of things that can provide you with comfort and relaxation. Swing chairs, hammocks, bean bags, and even giant pillows are just some of the many options you have. You could also consider sound systems that allow you to play music and provide some soothing sounds. You can also use other items to provide you with comfort. For example, you could keep a small table and chairs out that you can use to eat and drink as well as a coffee table and a couple of bookshelves.
Don’t forget lighting!
Lighting is an essential part of any good outdoor space. It allows you to use your space at any time of the day and on any day of the year. It’s also a great way to make your outdoors feel more like an extension of your indoors. There are plenty of different lighting types to choose from. Table lamps, wall lights, and even garden lights are ideal for smaller spaces. If you have a bigger space, you might want to consider installing outdoor lights.
Conclusion
There’s no doubt that outdoor spaces are more popular than ever before. This is both good and bad; good because these areas provide a great place to relax and enjoy time with friends and family, and bad because many people use these areas incorrectly. From making sure you take advantage of the benefits of street furniture to creating a safe and clean BBQ area, there are plenty of ways to improve the aesthetics and functionality of your outdoor space. All you need to do is get creative and make the most of your outside living area.
