Before Creating your outdoor design, something to keep in mind is our west coast winters. If you want to be able to spend more time in your outdoor living space, building some kind of overhang or having an awning can make a huge difference. This makes the area feel more complete and sheltered, transforming into an outdoor room. I think there's something almost therapeutic about listening to the rain, so being able to sit out on a covered deck on the west coast during the fall and cozying in with blankets and a warm drink is so relaxing. However, we suggest that when it comes to selling your property, matching the design to the rest of your property will be a selling point.
More than ever before, there are many options when deciding what to add to your outdoor space. There's so much variety and opportunities to make your outdoor space look like an indoor room. You can carry out the theme inside your home into the outdoors or simply build a space that feels completely separate from the rest of your home.
Something significant to add to any room, whether inside or outside, is creating ambiance with lighting—The soft flickering of candlelight creates a relaxing atmosphere and a sense of warmth. The flicker of candlelight produces a lovely ambiance that simply cannot be replicated. Adding a few candles around your outdoor space can add effect and create a cozy and intimate atmosphere. Another recommendation for incorporating more outdoor lighting is solar string lights which can be hung or wrapped around your deck or patio.
Next, add lots of seating. Having places to sit with comfy cushions, blankets and pillows with a floor mat or rug make it more enjoyable to spend time in a comfortable living environment. You can display your style when deciding on colours, patterns and design. This is where the fun comes in to determine whether you want to carry your inside theme to the outdoors or do something totally different in your outdoor space. Depending on your deck or patio space, you can decide between patio furniture, a bistro set or both. What's nice about outdoor spaces is that they are naturally less formal than indoor living, which takes the pressure off to have fun designing your little outdoor oasis!
Lastly, think about adding some deck accessories once everything is set up. For example, a bookshelf or magazine rack to put your books in during summer, add some potted plants that you may not want inside, have a free-standing vertical plant wall, or have outdoor drapery panels. The options are endless!
Check out our Pinterest board – Rock Your Outdoor Space for more visual inspiration!