A Hands-On Guide To Extending Your Living Space Outdoors

Are you looking to extend your living space outdoors? If so, you will likely be on the search for a guide that will provide you with all the information you need to plan and design an outdoor space that meets your specific needs and preferences.

Whether you want a place to relax and entertain guests or a functional space for cooking and dining, find out how to turn your outdoor space into a beautiful and enjoyable extension of your living space.

From determining your needs and choosing the right location to selecting materials and adding amenities, you’ll find all the essential considerations for creating a successful outdoor living space below.

Determine The Purpose Of Your Outdoor Space

The first step in extending your living space outdoors is determining the room’s purpose. A clear understanding of the purpose of the space will help you make the right design choices.

You’ll also be better positioned to make informed decisions about costs and how to get the best hands to fix things. Take a weekend off and create a visual plan for each area of your outdoor space. Use sketches and notes to gain clarity.

Plan Your Budget

Budgeting for your project ensures you have enough funds to complete the work once you begin. This is especially important to avoid incomplete outdoor spaces. Take your time to research the costs of materials and hiring professionals and decide if you’re financially ready.

You might want to order specific materials ahead to save costs. If you have to import items, ensure that you comply with regulations, so you don’t have legal issues.

Choose The Right Location

Consider the location of your outdoor space carefully. It should be easily accessible from the main living area and receive enough sunlight and shade. You should also consider the prevailing wind direction, as this will affect the comfort level of the space.

Whether you are extending out front or out back, choose a location that allows you to maximize the space available, without decreasing the value of the property.

Select The Right Materials

Choose durable materials, low maintenance, and weather-resistant for your outdoor space. Natural materials such as wood, stone, and brick are popular, providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

If you’re unsure about what to use, check similar designs online and see what they use. You can also consult professionals for advice on choosing materials. It is often best to get professional advice to get the best materials that’ll last a long time.

Incorporate Seating

Make sure to include plenty of seating options in your outdoor space. This can be in the form of comfortable chairs, benches, or even floor cushions. Ensure the seats are well-placed to avoid direct sunlight and safe from other weather elements.

You can go for outdoor hammock seats or beds to enhance the view. You should also consider safety and comfort when placing seats outdoors, especially for hosting events.

Add Shade And Shelter

Providing shade and shelter is essential for creating a comfortable outdoor space. You can install a pergola, porch, gazebo, or porch awning. These outdoor spaces are excellent for hosting informal events and small parties.

You can also design a perfect sunshade porch umbrella that keeps your room cool. If you’re choosing awnings for your porch, why not choose an established company like Marygrove with a track record of affordable exquisite designs?

Add Lighting

Proper lighting is essential for creating a warm and inviting outdoor space. Consider installing outdoor lighting fixtures such as lanterns, string, or solar-powered lights. Your creativity with lighting will express your persona in your outdoor space.

You can check online for lighting ideas that fit your home’s context. Solar led lights are excellent because they do not incur extra bills and increase flexibility. Additionally, you could even install smart lights that you can control on your mobile devices.

Include A Fireplace Or Fire Pit

A fireplace or fire pit is an excellent addition to any outdoor space, providing warmth and a gathering place. You can use an electric or wood-fuel firepit or a grill-style fireplace. Installing an outdoor fire pit will improve the ambience and comfort of your outdoor space. Remember to install safety features such as boundaries and fire extinguishers. Keep little kids away at all times.

Create A Dining Area

Design the dining area to attract and keep attention, but ensure it is comfortable enough for guests. If you plan to use your outdoor space for entertaining and dining, make sure to include a table and chairs. You can also add a bar or outdoor kitchen for a more luxurious feel.

An outdoor dining area could also serve as a storage area or pantry, especially if you add a storage cellar. You could also install beautiful artwork or face the dining where guests can catch the moonlight. You’ll have many warm nights to enjoy outdoor dinners.

Include Water Features

Adding a water feature, such as a fountain or pond, can add a sense of tranquility and relaxation to your outdoor space. An outdoor fountain, for instance, is relatively easy to maintain, requiring regular cleaning to remove leaves. \

Installing a water feature may mask environmental noise from traffic or sports activities. Again, consider safety and install barriers or boundaries to restrict access. A mobile swimming pool may be better safety-wise.

Add Plants And Greenery

Adding plants and greenery to your outdoor space will bring life and color to the area. Consider incorporating potted plants, herbs, and flowers to add a touch of nature. You can also use climbing plants, chandeliers, and artificial turf to improve the design.

No matter your gardening skills, you can easily nurture outdoor plants and greenery by choosing rugged plants that thrive with little attention. You could even take up gardening as a pastime.

Hire Or Consult Professionals

Consider consulting or hiring professionals when extending your living space outdoors. Several things require a professional hand. Find those who can recommend and install your items. You may spend more, but you’ll enjoy the projects. When choosing professionals, consider their skill level and track record and compare prices.

Final Thoughts

Extending your living space outdoors is an excellent way to add value to your home and get more satisfaction. Choose the right features and materials and create a budget you can work with. Remember to hire professionals for those projects that require skilled hands.