How to design an outdoor living space guide, patio contractor in Denver, Colorado property garden advice, US home planting tips

How to Design an Outdoor Living Space

28 August 2022

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Have you been longing for an outdoor living space, but don’t know how to get started? Whether you want a s’more center for your children or a luxury vacation home in your own backyard, an outdoor living space adds value to your life and your home.

There are a huge variety of attractive and useful outdoor furniture and appliance options, and designing an outdoor space is easier and more fun than ever. Outdoor seating rivals anything you put in your living room, with weatherproof cushions and comfortable pillows. Gas grills and smokers are filling backyards with delicious smells. Beautiful features like potted plants, fountains, and copper fire pits create luxurious ambiance.

Before writing off the project as too complicated, consider breaking it down into steps. First, make a plan based on your lifestyle and budget. Second, draw a design that fits your plan. Third, search for inspiration, research products, and find an installation company. Last, relax and enjoy your new outdoor space!

Make a Plan

Before you do anything else, you need to have a plan. Before you look at all the inspirational photos for ideas, you need to know what you want from your space. Think about all the ways you want to use your outdoor space, who you will use it with, and when you will use it. Will you be having large gatherings? Do you want to use it in different seasons and weather? Will you be including children in the space?

It might be helpful to write a list of all the things you imagine using your space for. Before you’re ready to shop and plan your layout, you need to know exactly what you want the space to be. To be practical, don’t just dream of what you want to do in the future. Plan around your current habits as well as your dreams.

Draw a Design

Draw a basic design of your ideas. You can (and will) change this later as you do more research, but you’re less likely to get carried away with fanciful plans and expensive purchases if you draw your basic plan to start with.

Use graph paper if it’s easier, but a simple sketch of the layout will solidify the ideas floating around in your head and give you a starting place for your research.

Research

Before you are ready to finalize your plans and start shopping, make sure you do your research. You want to know which products are the best, which companies to use, and what processes and installation procedures will give you the results you want. For example, when extending your patio. Consider researching composite decking builders, as they can help you decide which materials and processes are best for your project. Read reviews to determine which builders have the best reputation and what products they recommend. You can even view pictures of their work online to get an idea of what your deck could look like.

Scour websites and magazines for inspiration. Look for the aesthetic that fits your personality and the practical touches that fit your needs. Update your drawings as you get more inspiration.

Shop

Once you know what you want, have a plan, and have done your research, it’s time to go shopping! Before you head to the local home improvement store, make a list of what you need, to purchase. Don’t forget to find out what tools and supplies you or your contractor need for the installation. If you need large material orders like rock, tile, or concrete, have it delivered.

If you are hiring a contractor for the job, or for part of the job, don’t buy anything without going over your plan and purchases with them. They will need to know if you make changes, and they might have some professional opinions on best practices, materials, and products that you will want to listen to.

Install

If you plan to build your outdoor area yourself, make sure you know what you’re getting into. Moving gravel, installing pavers, and pouring concrete are hard work and will fail if done incorrectly. YouTube is a great resource for DIYers.

Gas firepits and grills should be installed by a professional, as well as any structural features like pergolas or rock walls. If you want to hire someone for the installation, or for part of the installation, make sure to find a qualified, responsible contractor or landscaping company.

Ideas

The Rustic Look: This would look lovely out in the yard rather than on a patio next to the house. The centerpiece of this arrangement is a beautiful copper fire pit. It sits on a stained concrete floor or flagstones and is surrounded by curved stone benches. Huge copper pots of flowers are arranged around the edges of the area.

The All-Weather Room: This room is located in a covered area, perhaps a gazebo or a covered patio built by a patio contractor in Denver, next to the house. It’s arranged to be comfortable in most seasons. Summer use is enhanced with ceiling fans, screens, and curtains. Cold or rainy weather calls for outdoor heaters, a fire pit, and a sheltering roof. A gas grill and eating area can be added to increase the time you spend in this lovely room.

The Outdoor House: This is a luxury room that serves as an extension of the house’s living areas. Outdoor couches surround a firepit or fireplace, and an outdoor TV is mounted on the wall. Next to the seating area, arrange an outdoor eating room with a gas grill, beautiful table, and a concrete countertop along one wall. Cover the whole area with shade cloth.

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