From backyards featuring stamped concrete patios to front porches that stretch around the facade of the home, modern homeowners are using their outdoor living spaces more than ever before. Relying on their technical skills and advanced industry knowledge, interior designers are capable of blending indoor and outdoor spaces in a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing way.
Key Principles of Designing Outdoor Living Spaces
Outdoor living spaces are designed to be a natural extension of the indoor residential space, adding both value and comfort to the overall home design. Interior designers should keep in mind the key principles of designing outdoor living spaces, particularly considering that gardens, backyards, and front porches are often used not only for relaxation but also for entertainment purposes.
Assessing Space and Functionality
Before you can begin developing a design idea and creating a more beautiful outdoor living space, you will first need to assess the space that is available and determine the intended use for that outdoor area. According to research published in the Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing journal, outdoor living spaces provide people with an opportunity to enjoy their natural environments in a private and secure setting. Interior designers are charged with the task of maximizing the space available in order to create a natural haven for their clients within the confines of their own homes.
Blending Indoor Comforts With Outdoor Durability
In many ways, interior designers work to bring the luxury of indoor furniture into the outdoor environment. However, this requires you to know how to select comfortable outdoor seating that also will be durable enough to withstand the weather conditions. The climate of the particular area where you are working will dictate the type of weatherproof outdoor furniture that you need for your project.
Choosing Outdoor Furniture and Decor
As you begin searching for outdoor furniture ideas, keep in mind the design goals of the space. If this is a more formal outdoor living space designed for entertainment, then you will want to select high-end furniture that complements the aesthetic of the natural living space. On the other hand, if you are creating a family-friendly patio designed for relaxation and quality time together, then you may want to focus more on low-maintenance outdoor furniture that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.
Selecting Functional and Stylish Furniture
According to the River Journal, you can select functional and stylish outdoor furniture by:
- Choosing furniture based on ergonomic factors. Sturdy cushions and a solid structure help ensure that any individual is comfortable while using the furniture.
- Prioritizing high-quality materials, especially for cushions. The best materials for outdoor furniture include polyester or acrylic blends, which are generally considered to be both durable and weather-resistant.
- Considering the structural components of the furniture. Weatherproof outdoor furniture is necessary, particularly because more people consider this to be an investment in their lifestyle, and they want their furniture to last for years to come. The best structural materials for outdoor furniture include aluminum, teakwood and synthetic wicker, all of which can withstand exposure to the sun, wind, rain, and even snow.
Adding Aesthetic Touches with Decor
Modern and sustainable outdoor furniture can be complemented by outdoor decor elements. By exploring different garden decor ideas and patio lighting ideas, you can effortlessly add aesthetic elements that create a truly wondrous outdoor space that feels both relaxing and indulgent.
Designing for Comfort and Climate
At the end of the day, you are working to design an outdoor living space that your client will use frequently. It’s essential to design this space with their comfort in mind, which requires you to take into account the local climate. For instance, your outdoor lounge design for a home in Arizona will vary significantly from an alfresco dining design in Michigan.
Shading and Weather Protection
One of the primary considerations when creating an outdoor living space design plan is exposure to the elements. According to research published in the International Journal of Biometeorology, shade is one of the most effective ways to increase comfort in an outdoor living area — especially in dry, arid climates that are prone to high temperatures throughout the year. Being aware of the best outdoor shade solutions can help you create a space for your clients that is not only beautiful but also cool and comfortable.
Heating and Cooling Elements
Along with exploring the various outdoor decor ideas that are available, you should weave heating and cooling elements into your design. When designing a four-season patio area, you may want to include a gazebo that offers shade and has an attached fan overhead, ensuring that there is always a breeze blowing through the entertaining space. In addition, you may want to include an outdoor fire pit, allowing your client to add heat to the area when necessary.
Enhancing Ambiance With Lighting and Accessories
Throughout your interior design career, you will find that outdoor entertaining spaces are used at all hours of the day, requiring you to be aware of the leading outdoor lighting solutions when working with your clients. Lighting is more than just practical; it creates an ambiance for the outdoor living area.
Layering Outdoor Lighting
Layering outdoor lighting allows you to create a versatile space and gives your client the ability to create the exact ambiance they crave at any given moment. Consider these patio design tips to begin layering outdoor lighting:
- Create a foundation using ambient lighting. Your outdoor living space design should include key fixtures, such as lamps or overhead gazebo lighting, to improve visibility outdoors after dark.
- Improve safety and security with task lighting, which serves a specific purpose. Task lighting features include stair lights or pathway lights that provide light in high-traffic areas.
- Artfully incorporate accent lighting into the design. For example, you may add a spotlight to core design features, such as a fountain or an outdoor sculpture. You also may add fairy lights or other types of accent lighting to add a sense of romance to the space.
Incorporating Natural Elements
Natural elements (such as water and fire features) are key to blending indoor and outdoor spaces. Fire pits, fountains, and other natural design elements can considerably enhance the atmosphere and functionality of the space.
Creating Privacy in Outdoor Living Areas
One of the primary concerns of people who want to enhance their outdoor living space is privacy. By using the best garden privacy solutions, you can effortlessly integrate features into the design that protect the security and privacy of the people who live there.
Using Greenery and Natural Dividers
Landscaping for privacy has long been used by interior designers who are working on outdoor entertainment spaces. Some of the best plants for screening and privacy include arborvitae, Cyprus, and deciduous shrubs.
Adding Privacy With Fencing and Outdoor Drapes
Fencing and outdoor drapes can also be added to your interior design plan to increase privacy and comfort. For example, you could add fencing around a hot tub that was being installed on a patio, or you could include drapes on the gazebo that could be drawn to increase privacy or prevent bugs from getting inside the area.
Designing for Easy Maintenance and Longevity
While interior design trends tend to shift and evolve rapidly, outdoor design styles are more classic and traditional. For the most part, the same elements and design techniques are used year after year. Keeping this in mind, you can create a low-maintenance plan that your clients can easily manage for years to come.
Selecting Low-Maintenance Materials
Intentionally choosing low-maintenance materials that can be exposed to the elements will help protect your design for years to come. Wicker, teakwood, and synthetic fabrics are ideal for outdoor furniture and other design elements.
Seasonal Storage Solutions
Incorporating seasonal storage solutions into your design can transform any patio or deck into a clean, functional place to enjoy. Seasonal storage solutions are particularly important in regions that experience all four seasons.
Integrating Technology in Outdoor Spaces
In addition to your outdoor flooring options and lighting solutions, also consider integrating technology into your outdoor space.
Outdoor Entertainment Systems
Outdoor entertainment systems like audio speakers and TVs are becoming increasingly common within outdoor design strategies. Consumers today expect high-performing and aesthetically pleasing speaker systems to be included within their design plans. Many want to be able to watch TV outdoors, too, giving them greater opportunity to fully enjoy their outdoor living space.
Smart Lighting and Climate Control
Advanced, Wi-Fi-enabled technology allows interior designers to incorporate smart lighting solutions and climate control features in outdoor living spaces. The preferences and budget of your client will determine your ability to leverage technology to improve overall comfort and convenience.
Explore Outdoor Living Space Design Strategies at Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design
Modern homes often include outdoor living space areas that are designed for both relaxation and entertainment. As a result, interior designers need to know how to leverage the best outdoor living space ideas to create a natural space that is both beautiful and functional for their clients. At Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design, we offer an on-campus Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design degree as well as an online Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design degree — which include a comprehensive, skills-based interior design curriculum emphasizing key design principles, business management, and creativity.
Request more information about our fine arts degree programs today.