How To Add Comfort and Elegance to Your Outdoor Area

If you’re one of the lucky ones to have a spacious outdoor area, why not make the most of it and make it as inviting as your favourite room indoors? For others who have the same space as you want to upgrade and you can follow suit.

Seventy-two percent of experts say that most homeowners are willing to spend around a quarter of their yearly home remodelling budget on upgrading their outdoor space. Seventy percent of real estate and design professionals also agree that a well-designed outdoor area significantly boosts your home’s value. (1)

But the perks don’t stop there. A stylish, functional, and comfortable outdoor space can also be considered an investment in your lifestyle. With your comfy backyard, deck, or patio, you can easily host weekend gatherings with friends, unwind after work in your lounge nook, or start your day with fresh air and sunlight.

On that note, here are a few tips on how to add comfort and elegance to your outdoor area and turn it into a place you’ll never want to leave.

Choose the Right Patio Umbrellas

First, you need to consider the available shade in your outdoor area. For homeowners with many large trees in their yards, investing in shade solutions may not be a priority. But if your yard or patio is currently bare with no roof or shade at all, investing in patio umbrellas becomes non-negotiable.

Size also matters when selecting the perfect umbrella. So, carefully measure your outdoor area first before purchasing anything. If you're planning to host large gatherings in the future or you currently have a spacious patio area, standard-sized umbrellas won’t suffice. It's best to go for the giant options.

You can check out several outdoor umbrella shops like giantumbrellasbrisbane.com.au and browse their selection of giant umbrellas. These oversized options usually span more than 3.6 metres (12 feet) and can comfortably shade a table with 10 or more guests. With a huge patio umbrella like this, you can easily organize family gatherings and entertain friends without having to worry about extreme weather exposure.

Select Outdoor Furnishings Carefully

Now that you’ve nailed down the shade of your outdoor area, it’s time to invest in some outdoor furniture pieces. You must choose furnishings that are designed to withstand the British climate so you can create a lasting outdoor retreat.

Cushions and upholstery can also enhance the level of comfort of your outdoor space, but you must pick them with care. Not all cushions are designed for outdoor use. So, opt for patio furniture options like deep-seat cushions, bean bags, or porch swings. (2)

Lastly, when you arrange your outdoor furniture, always consider the layout. Create conversation areas where chairs face each other to encourage interaction and provide adequate space for movement between pieces.

Add Greenery for Natural Beauty and Health Benefits

It’s a no-brainer that plants and flowers bring life and colour to any space, including outdoors. But beyond that perk, greenery is also claimed to bring health benefits to humans.

According to Earth.org, people who live closer to green spaces have 50% less risk of developing mental issues like anxiety, stress, and substance abuse. With plants and flowers on your deck or patio, you can have a comfortable, healthy, and elegant space to lounge, read your book, and de-stress! (3)

So, start with tall potted plants like olive trees or palms to add shade and vertical interest. To cover unsightly views, you can add climbers like Clematis or Jasmine. For added colours and beauty, you can hang flowers placed in window boxes. Meanwhile, if you’re not much of a green thumb, you may opt for low-maintenance options such as ornamental grasses or succulents.

Install Ambient Lighting

It’s hard to stay comfortable on your backyard patio at night when it’s too dark, not to mention unsafe and pretty scary. To keep your outdoor space functional from morning to evening, don’t forget to install ambient lighting.

Consider adding string fairy lights across fences or tree branches for a whimsical glow and elegance. For the pathways, install solar-powered stake lights. They won’t add a penny to your electric bills since they charge during the day and automatically light up your space at night.

Wall-mounted sconces or pendant lights are also good lighting choices for your deck in case you need light for outdoor meals or nighttime games. As much as possible, stir away from harsh, overhead lighting as it creates an unflattering environment. Resources also say that overhead lighting can give you that ghoulish and sunken appearance. (4)

Add a Water Feature for Tranquillity

Haven’t you noticed how sitting by the shore and listening to the crashing waves can be so calming for your mind and senses? That’s because, as per research, the sound of water is known to reduce anxiety, promote a sense of pleasure, and lower heart rate. Why not bring this effect into your outdoor space? (5)

Consider installing a freestanding water fountain on your patio. Or, if you have the space and budget, you can even create a pond and fill it with aquatic plants or a recirculating stream. Birdbaths are also appealing options as they can attract wildlife, adding more life and charm to your space.

Key Takeaway

Ultimately, creating an outdoor area that balances comfort with elegance isn't about following trends or making bold changes to your space. Rather, it’s more about thoughtful choices that are functional and make sense to your environment. So, take note of these tips and remember that your outdoor area should feel like a natural extension of your home: equally welcoming, equally refined, and uniquely yours.

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