Creating your own outdoor living area at home is the perfect way to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax in peace, entertain friends and family, or just reconnect with nature – it all starts with designing an outdoor space that best reflects your needs. With these three simple steps, you can create a unique outdoor living area that will bring the environment you desire most into your home! Let’s get started!
#1 Daydream, then Decide on the Outdoor Spaces Dedicated Purpose
Take a few moments to daydream about how you would like to use your outdoor living area. What activities do you most enjoy? Would you love a tranquil spot for morning coffee as a couple or an entertaining space for family gatherings? Maybe you’d prefer a solo book reading and reflection experience? The possibilities are endless – so let your imagination run wild! Once you’ve settled on a purpose, it’s time to decide which elements and furniture will best suit your design.
Now, think about your color scheme to match your vibe. The right color scheme can instantly transform any outdoor living space into a vibrant oasis or calming retreat. To set the tone, consider light colors that are inspired by nature, such as blues and greens. If you want something more bold, experiment with bright oranges and yellows or deep reds and purples – either way, choose colors that reflect your personality!
#2 Get Inspired, then Go Shopping for Quality Outdoor Furniture
Once you know what activities you’d like to do in your outdoor living area, it’s time to start searching for the perfect furniture and accessories. While quality is essential to make sure your furniture can endure the elements, don’t feel limited by traditional materials. Today, outdoor furniture is available in a variety of materials that are designed to withstand both UV rays and precipitation – from wicker chairs and weatherproof cushions made of polyester fabrics, to aluminum tables with stone tops that look great even after years of use.
Once your furniture and decor are all set up, it’s time to think about functionality. What storage solutions do you need? Would extra pillows or cushions be helpful? How about adding some sound-absorbing elements like plants and vines? Finally, top off your design with a few comfortable pieces such as an oversized hammock or swing chair.
#3 Plan it Out, then Purposefully Layer Furniture, Accessories & Décor
Outdoor living areas are not so different from indoor ones – the same design principles apply. To create an inviting and functional outdoor space, layer your furniture, accessories, and décor in a way that makes sense for how you will use it. Start with the ground up, like you would indoors; choose a rug to set the tone of your space, then add furniture pieces that best fit your needs. Layer fabrics with throws, pillows, and cushions to make it comfortable for lounging or entertaining. Finally, accessorize with plants or other decorative elements that bring out the atmosphere you want to create!
Don’t forget to add a few finishing touches. The right outdoor decor can truly bring your outdoor living area to life. From dreamy, string lights and decorative lanterns, to colorful pillows that will define the space – go for items that make you feel at home.
Creating the perfect outdoor living space doesn’t need to be difficult – just trust your own design aesthetic and have fun with it! Now that you know how to design an outdoor living area, it’s time to get creative! With these three simple steps, you’ll be able to create a unique outdoor oasis that reflects your style and meets all of your needs.
If you ever get overwhelmed or need help designing yours, reach out to a professional designer who specializes in creating unique outdoor spaces. With their experience and expertise, they can help bring all your ideas together in one beautiful place so you can start enjoying nature from your very own backyard. Enjoy!
Have a question about styling your outdoor space? Leave us a comment and we’d be delighted to answer!
Elina Brooks
| 6 June 2023I want to be able to enjoy the garden view in my backyard well, especially this summer, so I am thinking of adding a living space outdoors to use for afternoon tea times and other forms of entertainment. I’m thankful for your suggestion when you told us to add decors like string lights and lanterns to bring the outdoor area to life and make us feel right at home. I’ll be sure to consider these ideas once I find services to hire for my backyard living space design soon.
Kathleen Jennison
| 8 June 2023Great to hear about your plans for the backyard! Adding string lights and lanterns will definitely help make the outdoor space feel cozy and inviting. If you need any help in finding services that specialize in outdoor living space design, I’d be more than happy to provide some recommendations. Wishing you all the best during your transformation process! 🙂
Thanh Hung
| 29 October 2023Amazing article Kathleen, thank u so much for sharing. Love reading your blog, and the way you put your effort in your writing.
Kathleen Jennison
| 23 January 2024Thank you for your kind words about my blog, Thanh. I am so glad that you enjoyed the article and it resonated with you. Your support means a lot to me and motivates me to continue creating valuable content for my readers. Thank you again for taking the time to read and leave a comment!
Mesa Tree Removal
| 13 November 2024I really enjoyed reading your blog on creating a unique outdoor living area! The ideas you shared for blending natural elements with modern designs are both inspiring and practical. I especially like how you emphasize the importance of creating a space that not only reflects personal style but also considers functionality and comfort. Incorporating features like water elements, fire pits, and durable outdoor furniture is such a great way to maximize the space, making it both beautiful and inviting.
One aspect that stood out to me was the mention of landscaping and tree placement in outdoor design. In areas where tree removal may be necessary to make way for a new outdoor space, how do you recommend balancing the need for clearing space with the desire to maintain a natural, shaded environment? Have you seen any creative ways to incorporate tree removal into a redesign without losing the aesthetic and environmental benefits trees provide?
Kathleen Jennison
| 17 January 2025Thank you so much for your kind feedback! I’m thrilled that you found the blog inspiring and practical—it’s always a joy to hear that the ideas resonate with readers. Creating a balance between personal style, functionality, and comfort is so important, especially when designing outdoor spaces.
You’ve brought up an excellent point about tree removal and how it impacts the overall design and environment. When space clearing is necessary, I always recommend starting with a thorough evaluation of the trees on-site. If removal is unavoidable, consider repurposing the wood for benches, tables, or even raised garden beds to preserve a connection to the original landscape. For maintaining shade and a natural aesthetic, replanting smaller, fast-growing trees in strategic areas can be a wonderful solution.
Additionally, incorporating features like pergolas, shade sails, or trellises with climbing plants can replicate the cooling and visual effects of mature trees while adding unique character to the space. Thoughtful landscaping with native plants and shrubs can also soften the transition and maintain the natural beauty of the environment.
I’d love to hear more about your outdoor design plans! Thanks again for such a thoughtful and engaging comment. 😊
fitfuture
| 18 November 2024Such a fantastic post! The ideas for creating unique outdoor living spaces are inspiring. Great design tips, thank you
Kathleen Jennison
| 17 January 2025so happy you found this information helpful
Kleyl
| 12 December 2024Add plants, flowers, or even vertical gardens to create a fresh and inviting atmosphere.
Kathleen Jennison
| 17 January 2025love plants and flowers, thanks for the suggestion