Creating an outdoor space for entertaining should reflect your personal taste. Pick a theme for the outdoor area. Consider a Japanese-inspired space with a bamboo fence, a soothing palette of plants, and a stone footpath and fountain. A traditional English garden might have a rustic cobblestone fire pit and seating made of weathered wood. Cottage-style themes are also lovely and work well in small balconies. The foliage can be scaled to fit the space.
Creating zones
You’re not just creating a place for your family to relax. Instead, you’re creating zones that will be used by family members and friends for many different activities. A great way to do this is to place seating areas near cooking areas. The goal is to make the zones feel as much like destination areas as possible, so it’s important to think about how to use color to set up each zone. Outdoor rugs can help define zones and add a nice touch of color to any lounge area.
A secluded area in your yard is another great way to create a relaxing area. Using a lattice fence as a screen can create the feeling of a secluded, calming space while also allowing light to enter. It also breaks up planting beds to provide a sense of separation. You may also want to consider creating an outdoor room where you can sit and enjoy a meal, especially during inclement weather.
Investing in high-quality outdoor furniture
There are three main materials used to construct outdoor furniture: wood, synthetics, and metal. The choice of these materials will depend on your lifestyle and the look you are after. Each material requires different levels of care and mobility. Some are heavy and durable, while others are lightweight and dainty. To make the best decision, read through the following tips:
First, measure the space you have available. You should also take into account the shape and traffic flow of your outdoor space. You may want to buy smaller pieces if your yard is oddly shaped or if you intend to entertain a lot of people. For instance, if you have a narrow yard, you may want to choose a smaller bistro table or bar stools instead of a full dining set.
Choosing outdoor furniture is an investment that you should make with the same enthusiasm you put into your indoor furnishings. Quality outdoor furniture opens up a world of possibilities and can even make your financial future bright. However, if you don’t have the budget for quality furniture, you might want to consider a wicker set instead. These items are much more durable and will last longer than cheap alternatives.
Creating a central point
Creating a central point for your outdoor living space can help you create a more social space. In addition to incorporating a beautiful fountain or fireplace, consider placing seating in the area that draws guests into the space. While a well-placed picnic table can be a central point, you can also choose an outdoor kitchen or flowering tree as a centerpiece. No matter what your preference, a central point can add a social edge to your yard.
Creating a central point when designing outdoor rooms for entertaining in your yard can be similar to designing a room in your home. If your living room has a focal point, repeat that same idea in your yard. Perhaps your kitchen has an island bench that serves as an entertainment center. In a similar fashion, a central point may be a feature wall. Or, if you have a pet, consider installing a pet-friendly feature that will attract a large number of guests.
Adding whimsy to outdoor furniture
When designing outdoor spaces for entertaining in your yard, look for fun accents that are reminiscent of the outdoors. While natural colors like green and brown work well together, black can be overpowering in direct sunlight. Instead, opt for bright accents, like colorful cushions or accessories. These pieces can be an unexpected splash of whimsy. Just be sure to choose materials that will stand up to the weather.
For a jolt of fun, try applying spray-painted stencils to the fabric. The stencils are usually made of low-pile, smooth material that will hold up to paint. The stencils should be large enough to accommodate the paint color, as they can be difficult to remove once painted. Make sure to choose paint colors that match the cushions and furniture.
