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With summer just around the corner, people are spending more and more time outside. If you’re the homebody type, you may enjoy spending your time outside a little closer to home; however, that doesn’t mean you have to spend your time in a boring, empty space! Summer is the perfect time to create a beautiful, inviting outdoor space for your family and guests. If you’re new to outdoor spaces, and you’re unsure how to begin, you’ve come to the right place! This guide will help you get a great start on the perfect outdoor space for you, as well as help you determine how to optimize your space along the way!
Consider What You Are Working With
The very first thing you must consider when creating an outdoor space is its size and what you wish to use it for. If your outdoor space is going to be your balcony, you have considerably less amount of space to work with than someone who is using a backyard. It is important to keep in mind the amount of space you are working with to ensure you optimize your available space in the best way possible for you!
Another thing to keep in mind is what you plan to use your space for. If you are the type to have large barbeques with all your family and friends in your backyard, lots of places for sitting or a large table for food could be a great addition to your space. However, if you just like the occasional get-together with just a few close friends, you wouldn’t need so many areas for eating or sitting.
Your specific wants and needs are important to keep in mind when creating your outdoor space. What works for one person may not always work for you, and that’s okay! This is your outdoor space and it should be tailored to your specific wants and needs.
Stick With the Theme of Your Choice
It may sound like a no-brainer to some, but when it comes to your outdoor space, choosing and sticking to a specific theme is generally the way to go! Whether you enjoy a rustic, classic space or a modern, futuristic feel, a theme can be important to stick to. It ensures your space looks well put together, tidy, and planned out.
If you mix new futuristic furniture with old wooden furniture, your space can look thrown together or rushed without much thought. This can come across as odd and take away from the beauty of your space, potentially causing eye sores in the process.
It is best to stick with a theme that best suits you. If you enjoy bonfires, perhaps a rustic, woodsy theme with a firepit as its centerpiece is a great theme for you! If you plan to use your space to curl up with a book amidst an array of flowers, a beautiful Japanese garden with a bamboo area for sitting in the middle of all those flowers could be the perfect use of your space!
Tailor your space to a theme that best suits you and the space you’re working with.
Sometimes Less is More
While grabbing whatever looks good in the moment and shoving it in your space may sound appealing, those extra, out-of-place items can make your outdoor space look crowded and strange. For this reason, it is best to make your space look filled, but not overflowing as to be too crowded.
For example, if you only plan to have two or three guests over at a time, perhaps that ten-chaired table, as beautiful as it may be, is not the right fit for your space. It could be too large and make your space feel small and stuffy. Instead, try a smaller five or six-chaired table instead. This allows everyone to have a seat without wasting a lot of space.
While you don’t want loads of empty space, don’t be afraid of a little bit of empty space when creating your outdoor area. It can make your space feel more breathable and freeing.
Don’t Be Afraid to Try Something New!
If this is your first time creating an outdoor space, it is possible you are still trying to decide what you want your space to look like and contain. While you may be hesitant to try new looks or bold ideas, sometimes those items end up being the perfect final touches that can bring the whole place together in a beautiful fashion!
Trying new things can sound scary, but who knows? You may end up loving the new look!
Conclusion
Whether you have a large yard to work with or a small balcony, outdoor spaces are a great way to enjoy some warm weather and fresh air this summer. While scrolling through those photos of beautiful outdoor spaces, keep in mind that not every idea is going to work for everyone, and that’s okay! With these tips, you can tailor your outdoor space to be exactly what you always dreamed it would be!
Sources
Mydomaine.com
Nytimes.com
Bhg.com
Thisoldhouse.com