10 Unique Outdoor Living Spaces to Inspire Your Backyard Oasis
A recent study stated that a whopping 86 percent of U.S. households have some sort of outdoor living space. This could include a full backyard, a terrace, or even a balcony.
Seeing as so many people have outdoor living spaces, oftentimes the area isn’t properly utilized. This is perhaps because of lack of time, funds or simply not knowing what to do with it.
This article shows you ten achievable outdoor living space ideas for every type of space and budget.
Read on and find out how you could transform your outdoor area.
1. Swimming Pool Plunge
A classic outdoor living space idea is to transform it into a swimming pool area. You don’t necessarily need a large backyard to do this, and it doesn’t need to be that deep either. Swimming pools are enjoyed by both families and couples and add value to your home.
Swimming pools come in an unlimited range of styles and sizes from classic to boutique inspired. Look at these beautiful swimming pool ideas for some inspiration.
If you have the space, then add a patio for al fresco dining and some lounge seating around the pool.
2. Welcoming Front Veranda
Your outdoor living space doesn’t have to be located at the back of your house. Your front porch or veranda can be transformed into a great space for entertaining friends and neighbors, especially f they have a tendency to come over unannounced when the cleaner hasn’t been and you feel your home is in too much chaos to want to let people inside.
If your veranda is small, you could think about expanding a section of it and adding extra seating, a small table, and atmospheric lighting to make it look welcoming. If you’re not keen on being overlooked by others, put up trellises and creeper plants for some privacy from passers-by.
An alternative if you’re limited by space and have nowhere to expand your veranda is to create a long bar table, complete with bar stools.
3. Shaded Sanctuary
Shades are one of the most versatile outdoor ideas, especially if you’re limited in space. You could use either a giant parasol-type shade or a more static style one on a pagoda-like structure.
Covered outdoor living spaces have seen a rise in popularity in recent years thanks to the fact that they are adaptable. They allow you to keep cool during the summer and packed away winter months to let the sun into your home.
Take inspiration from the shady beds you see in tropical destinations. Build a wooden structure over your decking and then drape floaty linens over to give a luxurious shaded and relaxing sanctuary to escape from the hot summer sun.
4. Private Bedroom Balcony
Extend your bedroom into the outdoor space by building a private bedroom balcony. Think luxury here when it comes to decorating it. Use light-colored fabric such as linen, and wicker furniture. Embrace a neutral color palette to make your space more open and airy!
Choose a few signature pieces of gold or silver items to decorate the space with, such as an oversized lantern or planters. Use polished pebbles to decorate the space to give a feeling of a spa and add string white lanterns to add light.
This should be an extension of your bedroom where you can spend lazy mornings relaxing or sitting out with your partner on warm summer evenings.
5. Clean Paved Terrace
A great idea to give the illusion of more space is by using clan and light-colored paving tiles. If you’re looking for ideas for small outdoor living spaces, then omitting clutter is key. Use light-colored materials to reflect the light giving the appearance of more space.
Clean paving tiles are low maintenance and beats having o get the mower out for a small patch of grass. You can also add the illusion of having a larger space by playing with different levels. By breaking up the space with elevated planter beds, it creates depth.
Encourage the eyes to go upwards, by using a trellis and climbing plants to raise the focal point f your backyard.
6. Rooftop Retreat
If you’ve got limited space to create an outdoor haven, then take a look at transforming a rooftop or balcony area. Rooftops are an ideal space to create a secluded outdoor space.
Depending on the structure of your building, you may be able to incorporate this fairly easily. If you’re having extensive work done on your home, you may want to incorporate a rooftop balcony into your plans.
Add in a few lounge chairs and a hammock, add pots of bamboo that make a relaxing rustling sound in the breeze and you’ve created a perfect retreat away from the chaos of the main downstairs living area.
7. Al Fresco Kitchen & Dining
Outdoor kitchens can be created even in the smallest of outdoor spaces and can be adapted to fit in a small corner or balcony or use a portable grill.
If you’re pushed for space, opt for folding tables and chairs that can be packed away. You can even buy folding tables that hook onto the balcony.
Get clever by creating hidden outdoor storage space to keep cooking items. You could incorporate these into seating or part of a wall.
8. Tranquil & Tropical
Plants can transform an outdoor space into a tropical paradise and can be adapted to work in any size space. If space isn’t an issue, then invest in large colorful glazed pots filled with tropical palms. To give an ultimate tropical feel, add a small water feature such as a rock fountain.
Smaller spaces can also create a tropical-inspired garden. Make use of hanging baskets with plants that drape over the edges, this gives a jungle-like feel without taking up floor space you could also build a vertical wall garden that will add texture and color to your outdoor living space. Even with a limited pace, you can still install a small wall-mounted water feature.
In both cases, go for plants that need little maintenance. To add texture, things like asparagus ferns work well. For the ultimate low-maintenance plants, then dracaena draco will survive with minimal water. To add a dash of color then cordyline is a good option, and for adding scent then jasmine is a firm favorite.
9. Fireplace Gathering Spot
To make use of your outdoor area all year round, a firepit can be a great investment. These can be portable or permanent. Set up your fire pit area away from buildings and overhanging trees. An advantage of a firepit is that they allow you to host guests all year round even if you have limited indoor space.
If you’re creating a permanent feature, then you might want to incorporate a grill feature to make it into a multi-purpose garden feature and add a seating area around the edge. Decorate the area with a set of string lights to add more charm and a cozy ambiance to the area.
A great idea for a beautiful budget outdoor living space is to upcycle and create fun seating out of pallets. Alternatively, if you’re not on a budget and want furniture that will withstand the winter months, then opt for iron or stone furniture. These will last longer and is less likely to blow away, just remember to cover them up when they are not in use.
10. Entertainment Galore
Add some functionality to your outdoor area with a projector and minibar. This is a great option, particularly if you enjoy hosting.
Depending on the space you have available, you could make a static mini bar, or use a portable one. To create your home cinema, find somewhere secure to place or mount the projector. If you have a blank wall this makes an ideal screen, if you don’t then either purchase a pop-up screen or use a large white sheet.
To make your garden extra cozy, lay out a large camping mat or outdoor rug on the ground. You could buy sustainable rugs made from recycled plastic which are ideal for outdoor use as they are pet-friendly and washable. Furnish the space with bold-colored cushions and beanbags. Add in some small colored lanterns and you have a perfect place to entertain your friends and family.
Which of These Outdoor Living Spaces Inspired You?
Were you inspired by these beautiful outdoor living spaces and want to recreate them at your home? Do you know where to start or are you procrastinating? Your Great Outdoors has been handcrafting unique outdoor living designs since 2008.
Our experienced team of designers can turn your dreams into reality. We pride ourselves on offering the best customer experience in the industry. To get started either visit our outdoor showroom or speak to one of our professional team to discuss your project.
