Designing your dream outdoor living space
Today’s fast-paced, stressful world often leaves homeowners looking for ways to escape, decompress, and recharge. Many of you do this by enjoying time outdoors, but of course, you’ll want a relaxing, comfortable, and beautiful space to do that. Creating your own outdoor living space not only expands the functional area of your home, but also provides you with the perfect spot for hosting gatherings and increases the value of your home.
Planning Your Outdoor Living Space
Before you make a significant investment in your renovations, take some time to consider your needs and goals. How will you be using this and what sort of activities will your space need to accommodate? A peaceful oasis away from all your worries will likely have a very different design from a space designed primarily for entertaining.
Consider the amount of space you have, the dimensions, and existing features that you may want to keep or discard. Other considerations include exposure to the sun, the direction of the wind, and privacy requirements. Each of these will impact your design choices.
Once you know what you want for your outdoor space, you will be better prepared for budget planning. Now you can look into the costs associated with materials, labour, and any special features that you wish to incorporate.
Inspiration for your project can come from virtually anywhere, including magazines, online research, or even something you have seen on TV or in a movie. Consult with a professional about your ideas to see what is feasible within your budget and if there are any alternatives that they can suggest.
Design Principles for Outdoor Living Spaces
When creating your outdoor space, consider dividing it into zones that can cater to different activities. You may have cooking and dining areas, for example, along with a lounging area. This can create a sense of flow and increase functionality.
Of course, an outdoor area should make good use of natural elements. In addition to making the space beautiful and helping to create a peaceful and relaxing environment, plants can also provide shade and clean air. Lush greenery is always appreciated, but don’t overlook elements like water or natural stone.
You will also likely want to design your outdoor space in a manner that provides you with greater privacy. This can be accomplished with the addition of fencing, hedges, and screens, shielding you from the prying eyes of neighbours or those passing on the street.
Be sure to choose appropriate materials for your project. High-end renovations require quality materials that are durable and can withstand the elements while requiring minimal maintenance. Weather-resistant hardwoods are an excellent choice when you want to maintain a natural look, but you may include other materials, depending on your design.
Finally, if you incorporate shade structures, such as gazebos or pergolas, along with heating and cooling options, your outdoor space can be enjoyed throughout a larger portion of the year.
Wooden Shelters: The Perfect Addition to Your Outdoor Living Space
For many high-end living spaces, wooden shelters prove to be a popular choice due to their versatility and natural beauty. They can easily become the focal point of the entire space.
Some of the wooden structures that you might consider include:
Pergolas
These open-air structures feature cross beams that form the roof and provide partial shade. They may be freestanding or attached to your home and can be customized to match numerous architectural styles. They can support climbing plants, adding to the natural atmosphere, and wooden pergolas constructed from cedar or redwood are favoured for durability and aesthetic reasons.
Gazebos
A gazebo is a standalone structure that, unlike a pergola, has a full roof. This allows them to offer greater protection form the elements. They typically feature open sides, allowing for an unobstructed view while still offering shelter.
Gazebos are often used for entertaining large parties or smaller, more intimate gatherings. They may also be used for relaxation. While many will be octagonal, others are rectangular, or even built in a custom configuration. Many wooden gazebos feature intricate details in their railings and pillars, and some may have built-in seating, ceiling fans, and more. A gazebo should be chosen according to desired size, functionality, and the overall design of your outdoor space.
Cabanas
Like gazebos, cabanas are typically freestanding structures. They are often found by pools as a place to relax or engage in leisure activities. They may have curtains or blinds for added privacy. Some wooden cabanas may include seating or daybeds, depending on the intended use.
Pavilions
Pavilions tend to be larger structures that offer significant covered space for outdoor gatherings. They will often feature a fully covered roof that is supported by columns or pillars. They offer shade and protection from the elements and can be built in a range of architectural styles. They may be customized according to desired seating capacity, amenities, and their intended use.
Wooden pavilions often serve as focal points in outdoor spaces and are ideal for a wide variety of events and activities.
Incorporating Wooden Shelters into Your Outdoor Living Space Design
One of the first things you will want to consider is the location and placement of wooden shelters in your outdoor living space. This will be influenced by such factors as sun exposure, accessibility, and views. The proper placement of your structure can enhance the flow of the area, as can integrating the structure with elements like patios and decks to create seamless connections.
The design of the structure is also important. The colour scheme, materials, and finishes can make it harmonize or clash with the surroundings. Paying attention to these details can give you a much more visually appealing space.
You may also want to add lighting and decorations both for aesthetic appeal and functionality, making the space useable into the evening hours.
Maintenance and Care of Wooden Structures
Regular cleaning and inspection of your wooden structures will help ensure their longevity and lasting beauty. Remove any dirt and debris such as leaves from the surface, and inspect the structure for signs of wear, damage, or pests.
To help protect your structures, they should be treated with sealants or protective finishes. This will protect against moisture, insect infestations, and UV damage. Apply these products as directed by the manufacturer to maintain the beauty and integrity of your investment.
Throughout the year, the changing seasons will bring other challenges. In winter, remove the snow and ice buildup and prevent water damage by ensuring proper drainage. When warmer weather rolls around, inspect the structure for any damage or loose components.
Being proactive in the care of your wooden structure helps prevent damage and deterioration. When necessary, be sure to consult with professionals for any necessary repairs or maintenance.
It’s Time to Start Planning
Your dream outdoor space is entirely possible, enhancing your home and providing you a place to relax and enjoy being outdoors, but it requires planning. Adding a wooden structure to your property provides a beautiful focal point and several benefits that make your outdoor space more comfortable.
At First Peak, our experience and expertise in outdoor living space design can bring your dream to life. Contact us today and let us know about the project you have in mind, or to learn more about how we can help you create the backyard oasis you’ve always wanted.