If you’re blessed with a backyard space, maximizing its potential can work wonders in your social life. This is especially true these days, when people feel more comfortable outdoors rather than indoors.
Zone design requires some knowledge, which is exactly why we turn to design professionals for their best advice.
Learn how to use space
“Do you have many family celebrations with kids and pets running around, or is this a space for adults for cocktails and conversation? Want to cook outside or do you have enough seating and surfaces to serve up little bites? Multiple zones geared to specific activities help drive the flow of outdoor spaces; create zones For cooking, eating and relaxing.
“Natural stone is timeless and lasts forever. It feels authentic outdoors and also comes in a variety of options. If you have a pool and kids are running around in it, you need to pay close attention to slippage and choose a material with a delicate texture to avoid skin on bumpy knees and toes.” But always keep enough grass, plantings, and trees to make sure you feel like your backyard is part of Mother Nature and not a concrete jungle.Limestone is great because it doesn’t retain a lot of the sun’s heat, so there are no burnt feet.It also comes in many shades and tones.
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“Always keep the main ways out clear and clear. Getting in and out of the house should be easy and unobstructed. I also like symmetry and balance and tend to create spaces with the same footprint. One side can house the outside kitchen and dining, while the other side can Relax, rest and read.Always design for the size of the space;it is essential to have the flow and freedom.
“It has different types of seating to suit different uses. A mix of sofas, club chairs, lounge chairs, pool lounges with parasols and plenty of side tables so everyone can easily place a small plate, drink or reservation. Mixed materials like teak, outdoor graded metal, and synthetic woven pieces are long-lasting. We tend to steer clear of glass, even if it’s toughened, because it only takes one quick moment for a mishap to occur. We also love our premium quality melamine tableware and glassware for safe outdoor use for casual meals. ”
– Kendall Wilkinson of Kendall Wilkinson Interior Design in San Francisco
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Make it attractive
“Recreational and dining areas provide little corners that allow for a more intimate atmosphere. By adding covered seating, mood lighting, outdoor rugs, and lush landscaping, guests will feel welcome and relaxed.
‘Create small posters in your backyard space. Keeping furniture minimal and grouped into different areas helps create a welcoming atmosphere.
Creating an indoor/outdoor living area provides a seamless flow. You want your guests to move freely and be able to access all the different areas in your outdoor space.
“Outdoor speakers and lighting set the tone for your outdoor space. Pairing some gorgeous candles, flowers, and stunning table settings creates an ambiance that guests will surely appreciate.”
— Tiffany Isaacs of Simon Isaacs Real Estate in Palm Beach, Florida
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Consider a pergola
“It is also important to consider outdoor upgrades in terms of ROI. How do I create a space that can be used all year round? Will the upgrades increase the value of my property? The answers to all of these questions will help determine options beyond the choice of furniture, such as whether to add Fixed structures, water features or embedded devices.
“As with interior design, a well-designed outdoor space needs to provide comfort and performance. In addition, an outdoor space must be weathered. Even the most well-coordinated outdoor lounge or kitchen will remain unused unless it can be protected from rain, sun and temperatures maximum.
Pergolas offer protection and durability. Motorized pivot vents, which can be changed at the touch of a button to let sunlight through or improve shade, can be closed just right on rainy days. StruXure products are made of durable powder-coated extruded aluminum, making them scratch-resistant, virtually non-corrosive and virtually non-corrosive. Maintenance free.Pergolas can also act as anchors, helping to define unique spaces within a larger, multipurpose backyard design.Pergolas can be matched to your home’s architecture and color scheme – then transformed into any “room” your family desires: an outdoor living room, Theatre, kitchen, spa.”
– Scott Selzer, CEO of StruXure Outdoor Pergola
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Look at the logistics
“When designing an outdoor space, make sure you have some type of lighting on hand. LED string lights are a great choice for ambiance, or even lots of candles.
‘We love putting in artificial turf when designing an outdoor space. This is definitely something you’ll want to consider if you live in a city, as it offers this option for throwing a quilt and sitting comfortably on the floor.
“I love using seating around a large rectangular dining table because it offers the most flexibility to sit and accommodate any number of guests. It’s also helpful to have a nice set of vintage folding chairs to bring in and take out as needed, as they can fit anywhere and move around without taking up space. Large Secondary seating area with a lounge or Adirondack chairs also allows for an extra conversation area This can be a casual place people come back to after a meal You can always find quilts on Etsy or Ebay to keep in a basket outside that can be thrown on the floor for quick seating Informal: I prefer throwing blankets as needed rather than dealing with outdoor rugs.
“Finally, you will need music when entertaining outdoors, Bluetooth speakers are the most convenient.”
Designed by Holly Waterfield, this urban backyard features enough space to relax and dine.
Matthew Williams
– Holly Waterfield, lead interior designer for The Brooklyn HomeIn Brooklyn, New York
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