An outdoor space can do a lot of things for you. It can be the perfect place to relax after a long day at work or an opportunity to make memories with friends and family. If you want your outdoor space to be as inviting as possible, keep on reading. Here are seven ideas that will help create a more inviting outdoor space:
1. Lighting
Nothing makes a backyard feel like more of a retreat than having the right lighting. A hanging light or two around your patio is enough to give it that cozy glow that sets the mood for any occasion. However, if you really want to bring the atmosphere together, think about adding string lights all over your yard so you can have them on during daylight hours as well as night.
2. Fire pit
A fire pit is a perfect way to make your backyard stand out from all the others in your neighborhood. The dancing flames and crackling embers really bring life to any outdoor space, and it’s the best place to gather family and friends for a great time. Just be careful!
When you’re hosting a bonfire, always make sure that there is an adult present who can monitor everything that everyone does around it. Also, be aware that fires release carbon dioxide, which can be dangerous if breathed in too much or too quickly, so take frequent breaks from being directly next to it.
3. Accessories
Don’t neglect to decorate your outdoor space with fun accessories like rugs and pillows. These things are easy to get hold of, and they can really add so much character to your yard. All you need is a few well-placed pillows or rugs, and you can instantly transform any area into a more inviting place to relax.
4. Seating
To create the most comfortable outdoor space possible, make sure that there is plenty of seating available in different areas around your yard. If there’s one specific spot that everyone gravitates towards in your backyard, then, by all means, build an extra bench in that area for people to sit on while relaxing and enjoying themselves.
Just be considerate about where you’re putting your benches if you have them outside during wintertime, when it may become difficult for people with mobility issues (or even children) to get up.
5. Water features
What is more inviting than the soothing sound of running water, especially when temperatures climb above 100 degrees? Having a sprinkler or fountain in your yard gives everyone something fun to do during the summer, and it’s great for kids who want something splash-proof to play around with while wearing their bathing suits. Just remember that you’ll want to be careful about where you’re placing these items if they are too close to where people go into the house because that might end up flooding either your patio or sidewalk.
Also, make sure that there is ample space between any outdoor water features and nearby electrical outlets (or anything else plugged in like lights). Finally, some areas may prohibit certain types of water features due to drought restrictions, so always check your local laws before you start building anything.
6. Flooring
If you want your outdoor space to be completely hassle-free, then concrete coatings are the perfect solution to make it easy for anyone to walk barefoot around your yard. They’re extremely durable and will give you no trouble when trying to clean them regularly, but also do not feel hot on the feet like concrete can. One of the best concrete flooring options is concrete stamp coating, and this can come in a variety of patterns and designs that will certainly give your outdoor space a one-of-a-kind look.
7. Plants
If you’re looking to create an inviting outdoor space, then there’s no need to limit yourself to only using decorative accessories and structures. Adding shade-giving trees, ornamental flowers, and other greenery can really change the entire dynamic of your yard so you can have a nicer place to spend time on pleasant days. However, be warned that plants outside can add to your outdoor maintenance duties by requiring more watering and/or pruning than others that live indoors.
Landscaping your outdoor space can be a lot of fun, and it’s a great way to show off your personal style. By using some or all of the tips we’ve provided, you should be able to create an inviting area where everyone will want to gather and spend time together. Just remember that it takes regular upkeep to keep everything looking nice, so make sure that you set aside enough time each week for maintaining your yard.