Considering the design and layout of your outdoor area – When the time comes to start thinking about the design and layout of your outdoor area considerations must be made to ensure the end product is one that you’re not only happy with, but one that reflects your style and one that you could see you and your family enjoying for many years to come. A well designed outdoor area should flow freely from the outdoors in. Design elements such as colours, textures and patterns should be considered as well as the types of materials to be used. All of these components allows the homeowner to build and design a functional, appealing outdoor area that can be enjoyed for many years to come.
Planning is the key
Creating an outdoor living area conceptually requires thought and time. To begin, it’s always a good idea to sketch any ideas you may have and list some key points in which you would like to include in the design. Remember to include any existing paths, flower beds, fences, garden beds, deck areas etc. Add characteristics you want to achieve and then think of dividing the project into several phases. This initial planning phase will ensure the rest of the project runs smoothly and hassle free.
Once you have an idea of what you would like, a great starting point would be to consult a landscape designer. With their expert advice, they’ll be sure to guide you in the right direction and give you tips and ideas you may have not thought about.
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Another great resource is Google and landscape design books. Searching through these resources may help you develop ideas you may have not yet considered. Also speaking with relatives and friends who have re-designed or designed their outdoor areas from scratch is another useful tool. Gaining insight into other people’s ideas will ultimately help you develop an area you will be happy to use for many years to come.
Consider your space
An important point when it comes to designing your outdoor area is to consider the space in which you have to play with. There are many factors that will determine how your area will look. Have a walk around and access the space. Make note of what you’d like to keep and what you’d like to remove. You may also have existing elements you’d like to keep such as a shed, deck or path, so consider these when designing and planning your space. Considering the amount of sun and shade your area will receive is also important as is considering the view. For effective results design an area that will make the most of any view you may have. Having adequate drainage and safely built decks and pergolas will also ensure the end result is of the highest standard.
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Materials that reflect your style
Choosing materials is important when it comes to designing your outdoor area, as they will define the overall look and feel of your space. Choose materials that you can not only afford but that work well together to create an effective, long lasting outdoor area. At this stage, it’s also important to consider the inside of your home and your personal style. By doing this you’re outdoor area will flow nicely from the indoor area and in effect create a unified look and feel.
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Less is more when it comes to colour
Colour is a powerful tool in creating a visually pleasing design. As is with your material choices, your colour choices should reflect your personal style. An idea would be to take note of your colour choices inside the home and reflect this same look and feel outside. By doing this you create a free flowing space from the indoors to the outdoors.
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Too many colours can create a busy space that fills cluttered and uneasy. Less is more when it comes to choosing colours. Unifying the visual design of an outdoor area can be achieved with the use of one colour. This colour will become the feature of your space. You can then choose to support this colour by using a couple of complementary colours. Just remember the simpler the better. Don’t over-do the colour. Two or three colours is usually ideal and if you stick to this rule we guarantee you’ll create a space that’s both visually pleasing and one that you’ll want to show off for many years to come.
Decorating your space
Decorating your outdoor area need not be a hassle. You may have items such as old pot plants or bird baths laying around your home that just need a bit of a makeover. Rather than heading out and buying new pots or a new bird bath, why not get creative and update what you already have. There’s nothing a bit of DIY and a coat of paint can’t fix! Scatter cushions are also a great way of adding a splash of colour to any space. Not only are they comfortable and add a homely feel, they can also be purchased in an array of styles, colours and patterns. Another alternative is to visit local op shops where you may find that perfect piece to help decorate your area. Pinterest, Instagram, design books and Google are also great resources when it comes to finding ideas and tips to decorate your space. At the end of the day you want to create and decorate a space that you and your family will enjoy and one that reflects your personal style. The options are endless when it comes to decorating. Just have fun, be creative and be you!
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Plant choices
When it comes to choosing plants and flowers for your space, considering the environment and climate conditions in which you live is very important. For example if you live in northern Australia where the temperature can get extremely hot, consider plants that are going to survive the warmer weather and vice versa if you live down south where the temperatures are cooler in comparison, consider plants that prefer the colder climate.
At the end of the day, the world is your oyster when it comes to designing your outdoor area. With these few considerations and tips you’re sure to create a space that will be enjoyed for many years to come. The biggest tip we can give is have fun when planning, choosing and designing your outdoor space. Take the time to explore different options and let your creative juices flow.