5 Tips For Designing Your Outdoor Space
Tackling an exterior design project may seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be!
Now that springtime is here we’re being called to return to our porches and patios to enjoy all that the season has to offer. But if your little piece of earth is less “Great Outdoors” and more “Just Okay Outdoors” you may be feeling a bit stuck or overwhelmed.
Never fear — whether you’re facing a compact cozy courtyard or a more spacious suburban sprawl, we’ve got five simple tips to help you plan and execute an oasis that’s perfect for you. Let’s dive in!
1. Plan Around a Purpose
Similar to interior design, a great way to start planning for your exterior design project is to think about how you’d like to use the space. Ask yourself questions such as:
Do I like to host many people for barbecues?
Do I want to create a private area to relax in a hot tub?
Do I need to save some open green space for children or pets?
Once you have some of these important goals identified, you can use them to start planning your ideal outdoor space. Just like creating an indoor floorplan, a comprehensive site plan will help you divide your outdoor space into multiple zones. This important first step will help you not only prioritize your space and budget, but make better, context-driven decisions later on when it comes time to select your furniture, plants, hardscape, lighting, and any other elements you wish to include.
To maximize use for this backyard, multiple zones were created including a space for dining, a conversation area, sunken planting beds, and open yard space for pets and kids.
2. Work with What You’ve Got
In addition to making a plan based on how you’d like to use your outdoor space, take some time to soak it all in and really assess what you’re working with — warts and all.
Before you start adding anything new to your space, be sure to address any glaring issues first. Clear out any overgrown, dead, or diseased plants and trees. Fix any elements in disrepair such as fencing, decking, concrete, or siding. If there are more major items to address such as a collapsing retaining wall, necessary regrading of a hilly property (Pittsburgh, amirite?), or storm water management, bring in a professional to help you assess the situation.
While this is by no means the fun or sexy part of an outdoor project, including items like this in your budget and timeline not only helps you start fresh with a sound foundation, but protects your investment in any of the other elements you plan to add later on.
In addition to “the bad, and the ugly” be sure to take stock of “the good” your outdoor space has to offer as well! Maybe it’s a great mature tree, a boundary hedge, or some interesting architectural elements on your home’s exterior. Look for opportunities to create focal points around these special features, and really play them up when you plan the layout your outdoor space.
A tinted protective sealant helps restore this concrete walkway, while preventing further deterioration. At the end, a newly installed gate adds not only color, but privacy.
3. Consider the Elements
This might seem obvious, but if you fail to plan for Mother Nature’s seat at your outdoor table, then you can plan to fail.
One of the more simple considerations should be selecting plants that are not only appropriate for your climate, but for the amount of sunlight your space gets. You can learn about your region’s Plant Hardiness Zone and use that info to research which trees, shrubs, and flowers might work best for your space. In addition, understanding your home and yard’s orientation will help you plan a watering schedule to help your new plants thrive whether they get morning, afternoon, or evening sun.
Another consideration is your yard’s soil type and quality. Depending on the size of your space, your initial investment in plants could be quite high — especially if your goal is to add more instant impact by using more mature trees and plants. Set yourself up for success by examining your yard’s soil type before making any decisions. There are actually six different types of soil, each of which being best suited for different species of plants. You can also purchase kits to help you test the pH and primary nutrient levels of your soil to determine if any additives or fertilizers could be helpful.
Last, think about what you’ll need to comfortably enjoy your new outdoor space. Plan for adequate and changing protection from both sun and rain, such as umbrellas, pergolas, or retractable awnings. Observe your yard’s wind patterns so you don’t end up down wind of a fire pit, or placing your dining table in a wind tunnel.
In time, this trailing trumpet vine will grow to cover the Craftsman-style arbor, providing protection from the elements for anyone on the swing.
4. Be Realistic About Maintenance
Even if you consider yourself to be an avid gardener, you’ll want to carve out some time for you to actually enjoy your new space in between all the care and upkeep. Think carefully about your tolerance for ongoing maintenance, and any associated costs, and factor that into your decisions for everything from plants, to furniture, to paint and stain finishes.
Even in areas with plenty of rain, drought-resistant plants can be a helpful for someone who finds daily watering to be a chore, or irrigation systems to be too costly or unattractive. They’re also a great option if you plan to be away for any extended periods of time over the spring and summer months! If regular weeding and mulching seems like a chore, opt for a variety of potted plants or a living wall over more typical planting beds.
Will you be happy with furniture that needs to be covered or stowed away at the first sign of rain? If not, choose sun and water resistant outdoor fabrics — or better yet, find a design you like that doesn’t require any cushions at all! Are you on board for staining or painting your deck every few years (or paying someone else to do it for you)? If not, opt for a pest and rot resistant woods that will patina naturally over time, or one of the more weatherproof composite options.
While a small water feature can be manageable, plan for an additional $3,000-$5,000 annually for upkeep on a swimming pool.
This living wall is a great solution to dress up the otherwise plain concrete garage wall. It’s also a weed-free low maintenance alternative to typical planter beds.
5. Bring the Indoors Out
When you’re selecting pieces for your outdoor space, approach it in the same you would any other “room” in your home! Although there a few more special considerations to make for weather resistance and durability, it’s still another chance for you to express your individual design style, and surround yourself with unique items that bring you joy.
To start, resist the urge buy a complete set of outdoor furniture. Mixing different wood, metal, concrete and stone elements for your table, chairs, etc. will help add tons of texture and visual interest to your space. And while the color and pattern offerings may be more limited when compared their indoor counterparts, there have been many great advancements in the look and feel of these outdoor performance fabrics over the years!
If the standard cushions that are offered for a piece of furniture you like are too basic for your taste, don’t buy them! Instead, take note of their dimensions and work with a local designer or seamstress to find an outdoor fabric that’s available by the yard from Sunbrella, Olefin, Outdura, or the like. If you prefer a natural fabric over the synthetic options, look for sailcloth, broadcloth, canvas, or even some raw linens (best for partially covered areas).
You may spend a little bit more for the custom cushions, but you’ll end up with something one-of-a-kind that you truly love. For a more budget-friendly alternative, opt for the neutral cushions but add in some character with more vibrant outdoor throw pillows, and/or an umbrella. These are often easier to come by, and quite a bit more affordable. They can also be changed out more easily as your tastes change from season to season.
Once you settle on your large pieces, layer in other furniture and décor elements as if you were putting together an indoor space. An outdoor area rug, accent tables and ottomans, potted plants, tabletop items, and multiple points of lighting, including bug repellent candles will help you tie everything together nicely.
For lighting, look for string lights or fixtures that have a high IP rating. Without getting too technical, an IP rating consists of two digits — the first speaks to the fixture’s ability to stand up to dirt, dust, and other solid particulates, while the second rates its moisture resistance. Generally speaking, the higher the rating better — aim for IP65 for something weatherproof.
“Layering” light with multiple types and sources throughout your outdoor space will help create a cozy, intimate atmosphere.
We hope these simple tips have you feeling inspired to take full advantage of your home’s outdoor space! While we might not get to use our backyards year-round here in Pittsburgh, it’s hard to beat sitting around the fire with a glass of wine, or having a good “alfresco” meal with family and friends.
Keep in mind that like any home design project, transforming an outdoor space takes a lot of time and effort! But rather than watching the paint dry, this time you’ll be watching your flowers bloom and your trees get taller year after year. Sounds like a pretty good tradeoff, right?
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