You want an outdoor space that works for your home. You also want something that’s beautiful.
Can you create a place that has both qualities? Absolutely.
An outdoor area that’s useful and well-designed can give you years of enjoyment. But in order to get that “I just stepped into a magazine look” you’ve got to understand how to strategically style a gorgeous open-air space.
Whether you’re keeping your backyard gatherings intimate or looking to have a place that’s fit for big weekly barbecues, here are some tips that will help you find that perfect look for your outdoor oasis.
Create a cohesive look
Your outdoor space should make you feel calm and rejuvenated.
What it shouldn’t be is busy, cluttered, or chaotic.
Sitting in your lounge chair and drinking a glass of your favorite beverage outside should be one of the most relaxing parts of your evening after a long day at work.
But not all outdoor areas feel this cozy.
Have you ever seen a backyard that simply has way too much going on? The patio is jam packed with furniture, a variety of old pots, and a display of gardening tools along the sides of the yard.
It’s a lot to take in. And when you want to rest in your open-air retreat, clutter and disorder should have no place in your backyard.
To create a strong and cohesive look, you have to know what kind of style you want to achieve. But that can be hard to do when you already have a lot of stuff on your deck cluttering your space and your mind.
So start by taking away everything from your patio or deck. Go ahead – clear off the entire area. Then think about what pieces deserve to stay and go.
Some of your furniture may need to be replaced completely. Others can be repainted, repaired, or cleaned. Avoid a mixture of mismatched pieces: a wicker chair here, an iron wrought table there, and an aluminum stool in the corner. You want your outdoor pieces to look like they all belong together.
Think about it functionally
Your backyard should be incredibly attractive and pleasing. It can be the perfect place for you to get away from the stress of everyday life. It begs to be complimented, cared for, and enjoyed during the year.
It should also be functional.
Everyone uses their outdoor areas in different ways. And everyone has an idea of what the “perfect” landscape should be for them.
Some homeowners want an outdoor oasis that’s the textbook picture of backyard entertainment. They want an outdoor kitchen complete with an oven, a bar, and comfortable seats.
Others want a place where they can spend quiet mornings and gear up for the day with a cup of coffee and their favorite book. It’s where they go when it’s time to calm their mind.
Some see their backyard as the perfect place to grow some vegetables and herbs to use for their culinary experiments. Creating an outdoor area that houses fresh produce is vital to their health and fitness goals.
Before you begin the decorating process, think about how you want this space to be used. This will guide you as you design your perfect outdoor spot.
Style it like a room in your home
Your backyard is an extension of your home. It’s where you come to leave the pressures and strains of life.
What kind of scenery do you want to surround yourself in? And what feelings do you want your guests to leave with after they’ve visited you?
These are the questions you should ask yourself before you begin decorating your outdoor space. Take a few moments to pick out a few adjectives and moods to describe what your perfect backyard retreat should be for you and the ones you love.
Got a few in mind?
Good! Now let those words lead you to discover a decorative palette with pieces that create those feelings. Using an array of colors, fabrics, and textures, you can intentionally design an area you’ll never want to leave.
Create an outside sitting area just like you would create a living room in your home. Take an outdoor sofa and place two armchairs by each side. Center a coffee table in the middle and adorn it with a pot of succulents or your favorite flowers.
Accessorize your outdoor space with plush pillows, decorative candles, and vibrant rugs. There are a variety of weatherproof items that are guaranteed to make your place look more personal. Use garden statuary, mirrors, and garden stools to inject some personality into your space, too.
Of course, you don’t have to do all of this on your own.
Creating a retreat that makes you and your family happy takes a huge amount of time. There’s a lot of skill that goes into designing your perfect outdoor sanctuary, and it isn’t always easy.
At Sunflower Landscapes, we realize that your idea of a backyard getaway is unique to you. When you work with us, we’ll guarantee an outdoor escape that’s distinctive and dazzling.
Let your dream sanctuary become a reality this year.
Request a free consultation with us and we’ll transform your backyard into something absolutely breathtaking.
