As fall approaches, it will soon be possible to spend more than a few minutes outside before fleeing for the comforts of air conditioning. One way to make the outdoors more inviting is an outdoor living space. Your family can enjoy meals outside, by yourselves or with guests, or just relax. Whether you’re upgrading an existing space or assembling a new one from the ground up, these ideas will help you create a space you’ll want to return to again and again.
1) Before making any major purchases or starting significant projects, it’s important to consider your goals for the space. How much time do you anticipate spending there? Is a unified design and color scheme important to you, or is your aesthetic more eclectic? Answers to these questions can help you decide what to include in your plan and how to arrange those elements.
2) Consider whether you’d like multiple areas, either to separate areas for eating and relaxing or just to provide options. Define boundaries with larger pieces of lawn furniture or long planters. Connect separate areas with paths made from mulch or stone. Paving stones are another (more expensive) possibility.
3) You may want to organize the space around a focal point. If your space will be used primarily for quiet relaxation, a fountain will provide the soothing sound of running water.
If you want to spend a lot of time outside as the weather cools, heaters are an option, but they generally don’t provide much visual appeal. Many people opt to make a fire pit the focal point of their outdoor space. Portable models allow you the flexibility to move your social space to different parts of your lawn. Or you might prefer to choose a particular spot to have a pit installed, or even dig it yourself.
4) Multiple seating options will allow your guests to choose the one they find most comfortable, as well as provide some visual variety. In addition to the standard chairs, stools, and benches, consider chaise lounges, hanging chairs, bench swings, and hammocks. If you could use some more storage space, look for benches and chairs with compartments under their seats.
5) Decorate the area with plants and herbs in colorful pots. You’ll probably choose plants primarily on the basis of their appearance, but this is also a chance to further enhance your space with aromas. Include some choices that will fill the air with fragrances. (You might want to do a little extra research to make sure that the smells you’re adding are compatible.)
6) Add even more ambience with light and sound. Play your favorite music through portable Bluetooth speakers. You can even buy pots with speakers built in. Sources of illumination begin with sconces that you can hang from a post or wall and place candles in and extend to the latest in solar-powered bulbs. You can adjust the direction, color, and brightness to achieve exactly the effect you’re looking for.
Simply Organic relies on natural products to keep your turf healthy and beautiful. We want your lawn to be admired, but we also think it should be experienced and enjoyed. Our treatments are safe for people and pets, so why not bring some of the comforts of home outside and make the most of the grass that our partnership with you has produced.