How to Quickly Create an Ultimate Outdoor Living Space
With the weather warming up, it's the perfect time to turn your outdoor area into a comfortable and inviting living space. Whether you have a small balcony or a spacious backyard, we're here to share some tips and tricks on how to transform your outdoor space into a relaxing oasis. In this blog we will take a look at how to quickly create an outdoor living space that you can enjoy all season long.
1. Paint
The range of outdoor paints available now is fantastic, with a great selection of vibrant and modern colours to personalise your garden. To make your planting pop you can paint a long stretch of fence in a grey or black colour - perfect for a modern outdoor living space!
With a fresh coat of paint, a tired and worn deck can be given new life, becoming an inviting and stylish area for entertaining or relaxing. The right colour choice can set the mood for your outdoor living space, whether that's a tranquil haven or a lively entertainment space. Plus, outdoor paint will help protect your surfaces from weather damage, extending the life of your garden.
2. Plants
Introducing new plants to your outdoor living space is a fairly low-budget way to freshen it up or transform a tired corner of your garden. Choose plants that suit the amount of sunlight and water available in your area, and that complement the existing decor.
Whether you go for potted plants, hanging baskets, or a garden bed, adding new greenery will give your outdoor space a revitalised and inviting feel.
3. Have a spring clean
Jet washing your patio is a great way to brighten up your garden - and it is pretty fun too! Over time, dirt, grime, and moss can accumulate on your patio, making it look dull and dingy. This not only improves the visual appeal of your patio, but it also makes it a safer place to be, by removing any slippery or hazardous areas.
Pay attention to other areas of your garden too, tidying up your borders and weeding will completely transform your flower beds. Plus, if you have the space available, storing your gardening tools and the children’s outdoor toys out of sight, will help to create a relaxing and peaceful space for you to enjoy.
4. Lighting
Lighting can make a huge impact on your outdoor living space, by adding style whilst allowing you to use your space into the darker evenings. By strategically placing lighting fixtures, you can create a warm and welcoming ambiance while highlighting specific features of your outdoor area.
For example, string lights can be hung above a dining area to create an intimate and cosy atmosphere, while spotlights can be used to illuminate a beautiful garden or water feature.
5. Heat
Adding a source of heat to your outdoor area, you’re really going to increase the usage as the nights draw out, or into the cooler months. Heating in your garden space will create a comfortable and inviting environment for your family and guests, making your home feel more welcoming and luxurious.
There is an abundance of heating options available, including a fire pit or chiminea, which can provide warmth and ambiance to your garden. We love the luxury look and feel of the Solus Fire pits, or if you’re looking for something that can also be used as a dining table too, Desser have some incredible options available.
Electric heaters are a low-cost solution to heating your outdoor space, these can be wall mounted or freestanding units depending on the requirements of your space. Another option is a gas patio heater that provides heat through a propane tank. Whatever option you pick, heating your outdoor living space will be a fantastic investment.
6. Furniture
Adding furniture to an outdoor entertainment space can completely transform the area. Not only does it provide a comfortable place for guests to sit and relax, but it also enhances the overall aesthetic of the space. Outdoor seating options like chairs, benches, and corner sofas will create a cosy atmosphere, while dining sets and tables provide a functional space for meals and gatherings.
At Walker Landscape and Design, we are lucky to work with two fantastic providers of outdoor furniture. Desser is renowned for its stylish yet practical outdoor furniture, especially the Sunbrella range with weather-proof fabrics that ensure durability and longevity. We are also proud to work with Coco Wolf who creates bespoke luxury pieces for those looking for a custom set up to really elevate their home.
7. Soft furnishings
Soft furnishings including cushions and blankets contribute towards the comfortable and relaxing atmosphere, whilst also allowing the homeowner to personalise the space, adding colour and patterns to match their taste and existing home decor.
Outdoor rugs are a fantastic addition to your outdoor space - they can provide a comfortable surface for bare feet and prevent slips and falls on wet surfaces. Outdoor rugs are easy to clean and maintain, making them a practical and affordable option for any outdoor living area.
8. Water features
Incorporating water features into your garden can provide numerous benefits. Not only do they add visual interest and beauty to your landscaping, but they can also create a calming haven and help to drown out unwanted noise. Plus, water features can attract birds and other wildlife to your garden.
When choosing a water feature, consider the size and style of your outdoor space, as well as your personal preferences and budget. Fountains are a great option for smaller spaces, while ponds or waterfalls can make a bigger impact in larger gardens. You may also want to consider the type of material for your water feature, such as stone, concrete, or fibreglass.
9. Shade
Creating shaded areas in your garden is essential to protect yourself and your family from the harmful effects of the sun. Having a shaded area in your outdoor space can also make it more comfortable to spend time outside during hot weather.
There are many different options for creating shade. Umbrellas are a popular choice and come in various sizes and styles. They are easy to move around and can be adjusted to block the sun's rays as it moves throughout the day. Whereas, some people prefer shade sails, which are made from durable materials that can withstand the elements and provide long-lasting shade. Shade sails are also customizable and can be designed to fit any outdoor space.
To elevate your outdoor space further, you can add luxury with a modern aluminium pergola from Renson. These contemporary patio covers provide a more permanent shade solution, as well as protecting you from the other elements such as rain or wind depending on your customisation options. To find out more about the versatile range of Renson accessories, check out our blog: 7 Ways to Personalise Your Renson Pergola
10. Add entertainment
There are many entertainment options that can be incorporated into an outdoor living space to upgrade the experience for you and your guests. Some popular choices include outdoor kitchens, which allow you to prepare and cook meals while enjoying the fresh air. EO offers a fantastic range of modular kitchens that are stylish and practical, made in the UK with premium materials. To level-up your outdoor cooking, add a pizza oven to your outdoor kitchen, providing a fun and quick way to create delicious meals to feed your friends and family. The portable DeliVita pizza oven is a great choice for a quick garden upgrade.
Outdoor TVs are also a great way to watch your favourite shows or movies while lounging outside. You don’t need to miss a sporting event or TV history when you can enjoy the comforts of your living room in the garden. When working on client gardens, we like to work with ProofVision for all our outdoor TV needs. A sound system is another great way to create a fun and lively atmosphere for parties or gatherings.
Transforming your outdoor space with WLD
Walker Landscape and Design are here to support you with transforming your outdoor space andour showroom is stocked with many of the products and accessories listed throughout this article Book a visit to our Cheshire based showroom to take a look for yourself and to add the finishing touches to your outdoor living space.
If you don’t even know where to start and your entire garden is in need of a transformation then we would love to help! You can take a look at some of our work in the Cheshire area on our website. We can help you design and build your dream outdoor space for you to enjoy for years to come! Get in touch to discuss your project.