Four Steps for Designing Your Ideal Outdoor Living Space
Want to add fun and functionality to your home? Many homeowners are choosing to improve their outdoor space to create an inviting area for relaxing with family and friends. As you work with an Oklahoma County, OK expert in custom home plans to design and execute your vision, here are some tips to guide you as you make design decisions for your backyard paradise.
Determine how you’ll use the space
What’s the overall purpose of your desired outdoor space? Do you envision a cozy space for private relaxation or a spot to host backyard dinner parties and barbecues? You might want enough room for a pool, hot tub or any other features that can enhance your overall quality of life. Discuss your overarching goals with your local Oklahoma County, OK custom home plans expert to help you create an overall layout that will help you get exactly what you want from your outdoor living area.
Develop a layout
Work withy our designer to develop a layout for your backyard oasis. Give each outdoor space a functional purpose and thoughtfully consider the placement of all the major features. For example, if you’re adding a backyard dining area, make sure it’s located near the kitchen, and set aside some space for an outdoor kitchen or fireplace if you intend to add those features. You should also plan your layout to take advantage of scenic views. You can use architectural or landscape elements to block unsightly views like the prying eyes of neighbors as well as blocking the strong rays of the sun during the summer months.
Choose quality hardscape materials
It’s best to use a combination of materials when it comes to your hardscape surfaces. Resist the urge to cover all your outdoor entertaining areas with a layer of stone—leaving some surfaces soft provides a more natural and pleasing effect. A little variety goes a long way, helping to break up the look and feel of your backyard.
Add plenty of illumination
If you envision enjoying long, relaxing evenings in the comfort of your outdoor space, as most homeowners do, you’ll need plenty of illumination to create a safe and inviting atmosphere for both you and your guests. A layered lighting strategy is best for all types of outdoor environments, from simple pathways to large patios for entertaining. Choosing quality solar-powered fixtures that run on LED bulbs, instead of traditional fixtures you can buy at big-box stores, is a smart investment. Not only do they require no electricity, but they also turn on as soon as the sun goes down, which means you’ll never have to worry about turning lights on and off when you want to enjoy your outdoor oasis. A comfortable outdoor space opens up so many entertaining possibilities at your home and, when designed and installed by the professionals, can improve your home’s overall value. Work with a custom home planner in Oklahoma County, OK to make the most of your investment. Contact Perry House Plans today to discover how to create the backyard of your dreams!
Categorised in: Custom Floor Plans, Outdoor Living