Whether big or small, having an outdoor space is an absolute asset to a home. Not only because it increases its value, but it can also provide you with luxury and comfort. It’s an extension of your home where you can have quiet time or entertain your guests and bond with them.
Above everything, comfort in your outdoor spaces should be as much of a priority as it is in your indoors. Perhaps your outdoor room is already in place, but you think something’s not right. How you arrange your furniture might have something to do with it.
Establishing the purpose
Before anything else, you should know the main reason you’ve built an outdoor area in your home. Is it for entertaining or for relaxing? Do you want an outdoor kitchen? Knowing the exact purpose is the foundation of how the area will appear and function. This way, you will know which features and pieces to get and how you’ll arrange everything in place.
Finding a focal point
Any room would feel much more appealing and welcoming when arranging the furniture around a focal point. A focal point can be an architectural feature, a unique framed artwork, a mirror, or a dramatic piece of furniture.
To look for your focal point, observe the area and identify the most significant piece or feature. It might be a painted wall or ornate antique furniture. You can build a kiln to create exotic loaves of bread or a wood-fired pizza oven Neapolitans can be proud of if you have an outdoor kitchen. Or to keep you and your friends warm to cap off a dinner party outside, you can build an outdoor fireplace or fire pit, complete with an outdoor bar. The largest aspect is going to be your focal point. It can be the most significant piece of furniture you have if you don’t have any distinguishing architectural features anywhere.
A focal point should be something exciting and attractive to look at. Something that is supposed to be there, that the space wouldn’t feel complete if it’s for it. It should be the first thing you see when you walk into the area. The other features or pieces around it would depend on it to create a complete and appealing visual.
Once you’ve established your focal point, find ways to highlight them, such as painting a wall in an attention-worthy color that blends in with the rest of the features. You can use lighting if your focal piece is an artwork, a houseplant, or a piece of furniture or decor.
Designing the flow of traffic
Not thinking of the flow of space in your home is one of people’s common mistakes when designing a home. When talking of the indoors of a home, the first thing you walk into can be a foyer, the main living room, or just a minor lounging area. This specific area can blend into the kitchen or another room that follows the home’s interior.
However, the flow of outdoor living space doesn’t apply to the details of the indoors. Therefore, it’s crucial to think about the flow of space among outdoor concepts or feel awkward and cluttered. Ensure that there is enough space to walk comfortably by considering the size before arranging and placing furniture.
Promoting comfort
Bringing the indoors outside is a way to promote comfort. Designing it the way you would design your indoor living room gives it a comfortable vibe, whether it’s a dining or a lounging space.
Of course, there are furniture pieces and accessories meant for the outdoors in consideration of the weather. There are some features that the outdoors should have for protection from the heat or the rain without diminishing the access to outdoor elements. This way, you can relax as you would indoors while benefiting from Mother Nature.
Another thing you should prioritize is the outdoor lighting. It can add to the whole feel of the area. Without it, your outdoor living space wouldn’t be as comfortable as your indoor living space. Setting up proper lighting allows you to use the area even in the evenings.
If you want to use your outdoor space all year long, you should consider improving the air quality. Depending on your purpose and how often you need the space, you can add a fireplace or a space heater. Installing a ceiling fan is necessary if you’re in a warmer area, letting fresh air circulate. It also allows heat properly distribute when you have a fireplace built.
The purpose of having an outdoor living room is to have almost the same function as the indoors and get the benefits of the outdoors that the indoors don’t provide, such as sunlight, fresh air, and nature’s view. It supplements homeowners with more uncluttered spaces to relax or do some sedentary tasks in peace.
