Making the most of your outdoor space requires a clear vision of what you want to do with it. Work out what you would like to do, if possible, or what you are willing to spend time on doing. Is it a place where you want to lounge on a chair, have a party, or grow some vegetables? Once you know what you want to do with it, then it becomes easier to come up with ideas for decorating, planting, or landscaping.
Outdoor Spaces
Outdoor space a great place to spend time with friends and family during the summer – and the rest of the year if you plan it right. Whether you have a small area with a few patio chairs, a big garden for plenty of lawn games, or the luxury of a pool or hot tub, the options are endless for how to use an outdoor space.
Your garden can be made more private or more public. If you need privacy, you can buy trees and shrubs to surround your space and block out any views of your home. If you want to be more open and allow passers by to look in and see what you’re up to, installing a wooden fence would be a great way to provide some privacy without blocking anyone’s view of your lovely garden.
The Benefits of Having a Garden
Gardens make a home seem a lot more spacious and inviting. An outdoor area increases the flexibility or the space you live in and, in many cases, it increases the property value.
- A great way to spend some time relaxing with friends and family.
- More space for entertaining which makes your home more functional
- Lots of opportunities for relaxation,
- A beautiful space in which to exercise
- Growing your own fruit and vegetables
Another benefit of having a garden that is not given enough attentions is that it can reduce stress and anxiety. During the COVID pandemic lockdowns many people found their gardens to be places of great solace. Gardening is a type of therapy for many because it helps you get out and enjoy nature while focusing on the task at hand. It doesn’t matter if you’re planting, weeding, or just enjoying the benefits of your previous work.
How to Make the Best Use of Space
The size of your garden may make it seem like a daunting task to maximize usage. You may be tempted to fill it with a pool, a hot tub, a large play space or an outdoor kitchen but it is often better to think in small areas.
Think about things that you can do with less space to make your garden more flexible. You can take advantage of any available vertical space by putting in some raised vegetable gardens. You can also get creative with positioning of furniture to create entertaining areas that can also serve another purpose, like creating a reading nook. If you have pets, you must also take account of their needs.
To create the illusion of more space , take a cue from the Japanese style designs and place a reflecting pool in the garden. Grow a lot of different types of shrubs and trees that can be used as screens, especially if you put them in movable containers. You can also utilize furniture in the garden, including wall art. Try planting big, bold flowers in solid planters rather than in open spaces.
One of the things that you can do in small spaces is to maximize lighting, making use of natural light or using solar lighting. Well placed pieces of art glass, spotlights or mirrors will reflect light. Try bold colours that will catch the attention of the viewer and draw the eye to the feature or area you want to emphasise. Create different areas such as a fun zone for kids, relaxation zones, eating areas, reading nooks, lounging space. They don’t have to be large and can flow into each other.
Applying just a few simple, well planned ideas will open up your outdoor space. Well chosen furniture, statement pieces and plants will make it a unique and personal space that you will love to use all year round.