I have always been one of those people who loves to create a warm, inviting atmosphere for others, which is why I started looking at landscaping design in the first place. It was incredible to me to see how much of a difference I was able to make by adding a few new plants, and after that first project, I wanted to help other people. I started volunteering to help friends and neighbors do their landscaping, and after a few months, I had developed quite a following. This blog is all about creating a warm, inviting yard through smart landscaping and an eye for detail.
From extra space for entertaining and relaxing to an increase in your home's appeal and value, the benefits of an outdoor living area should be easy to see. Of course, not all outdoor spaces are created equal, so having the space suited to your home and budget may seem overwhelming. Thankfully, help is available when you are ready to design your outdoor living space. Here are a few mistakes to avoid.
Settling with What You Got
If you have recently moved into a home, whether new or old, you may already have some sort of outdoor space. A simple deck or a patio may seem sufficient, but you do not have to settle when it comes to creating an enjoyable and attractive outdoor living area.
Instead of settling on what the builder or previous homeowner opted for, enhance what is already in place with a few extras. For example, an ordinary wood deck can become an extraordinary outdoor oasis with the addition of a pergola roof and attached patio. A boring concrete slab patio can become exciting and attractive with an outdoor kitchen or fire pit.
Forgetting the Sun/Weather
When enjoying an outdoor living space, you will want to experience only the good parts of being outdoors. You do not have to enjoy the negative parts of being outdoors if you design your outdoor living space properly.
The sun can be quite intense, especially in the summer season. The harmful UV rays can burn and damage your skin, increasing the risk of sun cancer if you spend a lot of time outdoors. In addition, the sun can heat up a deck and patio to dangerous temperatures, increasing the risk of discomfort or even burning your feet or hands.
To protect yourself from sun, heat, rain, sleet, and hail, consider building a shelter. A pergola with canopy cover or an actual porch with a roof can be a great addition to your outdoor living space. You do not have to cover your entire outdoor space, though. Consider a covered deck and an opened patio or a large patio that is partially covered with a pergola and canopy while the other portion is open.
Forgoing Additional Lighting
Another mistake many people make is assuming the lighting on their home's exterior is enough for their outdoor living space. Unfortunately, less is NOT more when it comes to lighting.
When designing your outdoor space, be sure to add extra lighting to ensure you have enough illumination for enjoying time with your guests even when the sun goes down. A fire pit or fire place, lanterns, string lights, or even a new outdoor chandelier over your outdoor dining table are all imperative fixtures for a functional and attractive space.
For more help, contact an outdoor living space design service.
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