What could be better than having an outdoor space to enjoy? Whether you have a garden or just a little courtyard, even the smallest outdoor space can be turned into your own personal escape.
This is especially useful in an urban setting where people are living close together and don’t always have much time for themselves – enjoying nature in your own small way is the perfect way to get some “me time” and relax.
However, many people fail to make the most of their outdoor space, with it often either being underutilized or downright neglected! If this sounds like you, don’t worry – here are some useful tips that can help you improve your outdoor space.
1. Create Shade
If your outdoor space is getting too much sun, it can be difficult to enjoy it. People from really sunny places like Florida can vouch that you definitely can get too much sunlight, especially when you plan to spend a few hours outside.
For those from the Lee County area, the solution has presented itself in the form of Ft Myers awnings, but regardless of your location, getting a motorized retractable awning might just be the way to go. It will allow you to have full control over how much light you want to let into your outdoor space, and the best part is that most places offer them in all different kinds of designs so you can choose one that fits your personal style.
If you’re not a fan of awnings, then perhaps a pergola would be a good option for you. It offers the same benefits as an awning, however, it’s not as flexible – once it’s there it’s there, so you need to be extra careful about where you plan to put it.
2. Patio And Pathways
Providing some structure to your outdoor space can be a great way to make it feel more like an outdoor room. Building a brick patio, as well as some pathways leading up to it, can not only give your outdoor space a bit of character but also the structure that it needs.
The types of pathways you choose to build will depend on what kind of style you want for your outdoor room, and there are paths that suit every single type – from classical to modern. You can have fun with the design and even the colors you choose.
For example, you could use different colors to show the borders between your lawn, patio, and pathways. No matter what colors you end up choosing – make sure that they fit well with the rest of your exterior – there’s nothing worse than having an outdoor space that clashes like crazy!
The brick pattern and color should enhance the surroundings but not take over. You want it to feel like an extension of your living, but still embrace the fact that you’re outside enjoying your little slice of nature.
3. Plants And Flowers
One of the most important details for any outdoor space is the use of plants and flowers. Not only do they make your exterior look more aesthetically pleasing, but they also provide you with something to take care of – which can be relaxing.
Plus, the fact that they serve a very useful purpose is an added benefit that just makes them even better! You can choose to grow flowers or vegetables, or both. Whatever you decide on, it’s important that you choose a variety that’s easy to grow and maintain, so that it can look great all year round.
A good idea would be to start small, as if you plant too much from the beginning, it can quickly get out of hand and become a burden – not something that anybody wants.
If you do decide to plant vegetables make sure that you put up a fence to keep the animals (especially cats) away from your crops! Growing plants is also very useful since they purify the air and help reduce noise pollution. However, it’s important not to place all of your plants in one area – it can make your exterior appear overcrowded. Instead, try to spread them out all over the place so that they complement each other but aren’t packed together in one specific spot.
Read More: How to Upgrade Your Outdoor Space Before Summer
4. Ourdoor Furniture
Having nice outdoor furniture can provide your exterior with the perfect way to relax in the sun or enjoy a good beer in the shade. You can find really cool furniture that’s also very functional. If you like to entertain guests outside – for example, when you have barbecues – then it might be time to invest in some nice outdoor tables and chairs.
It will be an excellent way to provide your exterior with the proper setup for any event. However, if you’re not one to entertain often, then perhaps opt for some more comfortable furniture that’s also easy to maintain, like wicker or plastic chairs. Of course, having a garden swing or hammock in your exterior design is never a bad idea!
Whether you want to just read a book or take a nap, having the option of choosing how to relax in your exterior means that it will be perfect for whatever mood you’re in. That’s what makes it such a great feature to have – you can create your little slice of paradise and enjoy nature even in the most urban setting.
5. Water Feature
A water feature can be a relaxing addition to your exterior. It will not only provide you with the soothing sounds of running water, but it will also encourage you to take care of it as well as keep it looking nice! Whether you choose an animal drinking fountain or just want to build a pond – having some sort of water feature is always advisable.
It’s easy to purchase one online or at your local department store, but if you’re looking for something more unique – why not build it yourself? If you have any construction skills then this is an excellent way to make your exterior stand out from all the others.
The water feature doesn’t even have to be the main focus of your design. You can place it in a corner of the exterior and decorate around it, allowing your water feature to become one of its accessories.
Conclusion
There are several tips that can help you improve your outdoor space – whether at home or even on the balcony. The main idea is that you want to create something that feels like an extension of your living room, just without the walls!
If you’re looking for some inspiration, head online and look at some of the beautiful outdoor designs that others have put together. You can even visit a local garden centre for more suggestions on how to improve your exterior and give it an extra edge.
