Are you looking to expand your home with a new outdoor living space? If the walls of your home are feeling a bit too confining, why not take advantage of our outdoor living space ideas? From pools to pergolas, we will explore some popular outdoor living space ideas and how you can decorate and arrange them for maximum impact.
It can be overwhelming at first, but after reading through our tips, you’ll be able to create an outdoor living space installation that will be perfect for entertaining or just relaxing with family and friends. Let’s get started!
Outdoor Living Space Ideas To Expand Your Home
Let’s go over all the ways you can transform your outdoor living space into the perfect oasis.
1. The Classic Outdoor Living Room Space
A classic outdoor living room space often includes a patio and seating area with a fireplace or firepit at its center. This type of arrangement provides the perfect spot for gathering friends and family around the warmth of the fire on chilly evenings.
To add a touch of class, consider adding potted plants, string lights, rugs, and other items that bring out the beauty of nature in your outdoor living space.
2. A Pool-Centered Backyard
If you have an inground pool in your backyard, then this is an excellent opportunity to create a luxurious pool-centered backyard oasis. Start by surrounding the pool with lounge chairs and umbrellas for sun protection on hot days. Then add a few tables nearby so that you can enjoy a meal outdoors or play board games with family and friends.
3. Small Water Feature Focal Point
Water features are another great way to spruce up any outdoor living space and give it a unique focal point that will draw everyone’s attention when they come over for visits. Consider installing a small pond with fish or frogs in it for a natural look. Alternatively, you could invest in an outdoor fountain that provides soothing background noise as well as an eye-catching centerpiece for your patio area.
4. Front Yard Living Space
Remember, your outdoor living space doesn’t have to be limited to just your backyard! Envisioning a front yard as an outdoor room with furniture, plants, and other accessories has become increasingly popular among homeowners.
Whether you’re looking for a formal gathering place or simply a spot to sit and relax in the sunshine, turning your front yard into an outdoor living space will definitely add charm to your home regardless of your budget or style.
5. Outdoor Television
Outdoor television is quickly emerging as one of the hottest outdoor living space ideas out there. With outdoor televisions, movie nights, sports days, and even educational shows can all instantly be turned into outdoor events with little effort.
They’re relatively easy to install and come with outdoor-friendly features designed to help them withstand the elements while still providing clear, crisp visuals perfect for outdoor entertainment.
6. Outdoor Kitchen
An outdoor kitchen makes an excellent outdoor living space idea. It allows you to enjoy great food while spending time with family and friends outdoors in a comfortable, relaxing environment. Outdoor kitchens can vary in size, shape, and design style depending on your outdoor space.
You may opt for a traditional outdoor kitchen with stainless steel appliances and an outdoor dining area, or consider an outdoor pizza oven or grilling station as the focal point of your outdoor living space. With plenty of creative ideas and options available today, you’ll be sure to find the perfect outdoor kitchen that suits your lifestyle and complements your outdoor décor.
7. Bar
Whether you’re aiming to host an outdoor happy hour or outdoor dinner parties, outdoor bars can serve both as functional outdoor kitchen elements and chic outdoor furniture items. Bar equipment such as outdoor refrigerators, ice machines, coolers, outdoor cooking appliances, and outdoor seating can create an outdoor oasis that you’ll never want to leave. Finishing touches like attractive accents and even stools can help your outdoor bar reach its full potential, so get out there and start designing!
8. Lots Of Plants
Nothing brings outdoor vibrancy quite like outdoor living space ideas featuring plants. When choosing outdoor plantings, consider the location and overall look of the area–whether it’s string lights draped through trees or shrubs in decorative planters.
From classic outdoor shade trees that provide natural cooling in the summer to colorful flowerbeds that erupt into life during warm seasons, having lots of plants as outdoor living space ideas is an excellent way to make outdoor spaces not only more hospitable and enjoyable but also an expression of your creative side.
9. Pergola
Pergolas are a cost-effective outdoor living space idea for anyone looking to have an outdoor getaway without having to splurge too much. Not only does installing a pergola give you a perfect place to escape from the sun or just relax in the fresh air, but it can also provide added visual appeal to your outdoor space.
As semi-open structures, pergolas are incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize and personalize them with vines, trellises, outdoor curtains, lights, planters, furniture, and more.
10. Dining Area
Transform any outdoor area with an outdoor dining space. Whether it’s a tiny balcony or a spacious backyard, outdoor dining can really spice up a living space. Consider weatherizing outdoor furniture pieces with protective covers and adding outdoor rugs or mats to create separate “rooms.”
Add color and visual interest by accessorizing areas with vibrant pieces that draw the eye–think pillows, cushions, and privacy curtains. Incorporate light fixtures like outdoor string lights to give the area an ambient feel.
11. Covered Area
If you’re looking to add some outdoor living space to your home, consider installing a covered area. This outdoor living idea allows you to expand the space you have while providing shelter from the elements that can make outdoor enjoyment uncomfortable.
Options range from conventional outdoor pavilions, all-weather screened porches, and verandas, as well as hard-roofed outdoor rooms for year-round outdoor entertainment. The possibilities are almost endless when it comes to adding an outdoor covered area for your home.
12. Pizza Oven
If pizza is one of your favorite foods, why not add a pizza oven so you can enjoy homemade pies right at home? An outdoor pizza oven offers more than outdoor cooking; with counter space and shelves, it can also provide an extra outdoor prep area.
Plus, the wood-fired pizzas that come out of these versatile outdoor additions make them an ideal spot for backyard dinners and family gatherings. Everything from homemade calzones to traditional pies can be cooked in a brick, hardwood-burning pizza oven.
Arranging Your Outdoor Living Space
Now that we’ve covered some of the most popular outdoor living space ideas, let’s take a closer look at some strategies for arranging your outdoor space.
13. Patios
Whether it’s attached or detached from the main house, patios are the traditional go-to option for transforming an outdoor area into a livable space. If you’re looking for something that is low-maintenance yet still provides the foundation of your outdoor design, then patio material should be at the top of your list. From flagstone to stamped concrete, patios offer the perfect spot for outdoor dining, lounging, and entertaining.
14. Decks
Decks provide the ideal spot for grilling out with friends and family. Decks provide more of an elevation than patios and can open up new possibilities in terms of design elements such as built-in seating, fire pits, and water features.
To get started on creating a beautiful deck area, think about what kind of flooring works best with the design of your home. Wood decking is always popular, but you can also opt for composite materials if you want something more low-maintenance.
15. Create Walls
Creating walls in your outdoor living space will help define the different areas within it while also providing privacy from neighboring yards or streets. Walls can be made from various materials, such as stone or brick, and come in all shapes and sizes.
You can also create walls by adding trellises, tall potted plants, or fencing with climbing vines or shrubs along the edges of the area. This will help define each individual space while still maintaining an open feeling in the overall design.
16. Multiple Seating Areas
One way to make sure everyone has enough room is to create multiple seating areas in different parts of your outdoor living space, so no one feels cramped together when entertaining guests outdoors. Depending on the size of your space, try adding several different seating options, such as chairs, hammocks, or swings, so that everyone can have their own place to relax outdoors while being near one another.
This helps create intimacy while still maintaining plenty of room for people to move around freely without feeling crowded. It doesn’t have to be fancy–even simple benches tucked away in quiet corners will do the trick!
17. Play With Elevation
Adding elevation changes can give any backyard an extra dimension by creating intimate spaces within larger ones.
Try playing with elevation levels in different parts of the area by using terraces or steps made from stone pavers or wood planks.
You can also build a deck over a patio or a raised bed over a grassy lawn. This will create visual interest as well as extra usable seating options when entertaining larger groups outdoors.
18. Decorative And Hidden Storage
Find ways to store items like grilling tools, firewood, and extra pillows without cluttering up your outdoor living space by incorporating decorative elements like wooden crates or wicker baskets into your design scheme that double as storage solutions. Things like planters with hidden drawers and shelves inside them provide extra storage without taking away from the aesthetic of your outdoor area.
If you don’t want anything visible at all, consider tucking storage containers away beneath benches or tables where they won’t be seen but are still easily accessible when needed.
19. Add A Gazebo
For added elegance, consider installing a gazebo in one corner of your backyard oasis. This feature adds architectural interest while giving those who need it some extra shade from direct sunlight during hot summer days.
Gazebos come in many styles and sizes, so finding one that fits both functionally and aesthetically into your backyard shouldn’t be difficult.
Decorating Your Outdoor Living Space
Next, let’s go over some decorative trends that will make your outdoor living space even more beautiful.
20. Start With Neutral Colors
Everyone has different tastes when it comes to colors, so it’s best to start with neutrals such as white, gray, and beige. These colors go with just about everything and can be used for walls, furniture, and other decorations. You can always add pops of color later if you want to brighten things up.
21. Wicker Furniture
In terms of outdoor furniture, wicker furniture is a great choice because it’s lightweight and easy to move around if needed. Wicker furniture comes in many different styles and designs, so you can find something that works well with whatever aesthetic you are going for.
22. Iron Furniture With Cushions
For an added touch of luxury in your outdoor living space, consider adding cushions to iron furniture pieces. Iron furniture provides a more contemporary look, while cushions make it more comfortable and inviting. This combination is perfect for creating an inviting atmosphere in any outdoor living space.
23. Environmentally Friendly Decor
Another great way to spruce up your outdoor living space is by incorporating environmentally friendly decor elements into the mix. From solar-powered lights to recycled materials used as accents–there are plenty of ways to add eco-friendly touches without sacrificing style or quality.
24. Fans
During the hot summer months, fans can be a lifesaver when it comes to keeping cool while enjoying the outdoors. Place fans around the perimeter of your patio or deck, or opt for ceiling fans to keep air circulating throughout the entire area.
25. Use Plants
Adding plants is one of the easiest ways to instantly transform any outdoor space into something special. Not only do plants provide beauty, but they can also help filter out pollutants from the air–making them an ideal addition to any eco-conscious homeowner’s backyard oasis.
26. Umbrellas
Umbrellas are an essential outdoor accessory–great for both style and protection from the sun (or rain). Umbrellas come in all shapes and sizes, so you can find something that fits perfectly in your outdoor living area and provides optimal protection.
Popular Focal Point Features For Outdoor Living Spaces
Whether you have a large backyard or a small patio, there are countless ways to create a focal point in your outdoor living area that will draw the eye and make it feel like an extension of your home. Let’s look at some popular focal point features for outdoor living spaces.
27. Fire Features
Nothing brings people together quite like gathering around a campfire or fire pit. Fire features such as fire pits and chimineas can provide warmth during cooler months and become the center of attention during social gatherings. You can even find fire features that double as tables for more convenience. Not only do these pieces add character to your outdoor space, but they also help extend its usability throughout the year. You can learn more about the cost to install a fire pit here.
28. Active Area
Having an active area in your outdoor space is one way to ensure that everyone has something fun to do when they come over. From horseshoe pits and basketball hoops to trampolines and swing sets, there are plenty of options for creating a recreational zone in your yard. Adding an active area will not only give you more use out of your outdoor living space, but it will also provide hours of entertainment for family and friends alike.
29. Hanging Chairs
Hanging chairs can be used as conversation starters or simply as a place for relaxation while enjoying nature’s beauty outdoors.
30. Canopies
Canopies come in various sizes and designs, making them perfect for both large patios and smaller decks alike. They provide shade from the sun on hot days but still allow natural light so you can enjoy spending time outdoors without feeling too enclosed or cut off from nature’s beauty.
31. Outdoor Theater
Outdoor movie nights are always fun, so why not take it up a notch with an outdoor theater setup? An outdoor theater provides all of the comforts of watching movies indoors but with the bonus of getting fresh air! Installing an outdoor theater isn’t too hard; all you need is a projector, a screen, speakers, and seating.
Lighting Options For Outdoor Living Spaces
One easy way to bring a new level of style and sophistication to your outdoor living space is by incorporating the right lighting. Let’s take a look at five stylish lighting options for your outdoor living space.
32. Tiki Lights
Tiki lights are the perfect way to light up an outdoor living space with a touch of tropical vibes. These lamps come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be used to light up pathways, decks, and patios. Best of all, these lights offer a subtle yet effective glow without being too bright or intrusive.
33. Eco-Friendly
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly option that still looks great in your outdoor living space, consider solar-powered lighting. There are plenty of styles available from which to choose, ranging from lanterns that hang from trees or posts to spotlights for illuminating pathways and gardens.
34. Chandelier
Want something truly special for your outdoor living space? A chandelier is an unexpected yet elegant choice that is sure to turn heads. Some chandeliers are made specifically for the outdoors, while others can be adapted with weatherproofing features such as rust-resistant finishes and shatterproof glass shades.
35. Garden Lights
Garden lights are perfect for adding interest and texture around flower beds, shrubs, and trees in your garden area without burning too much energy or taking up too much visual space. Depending on the size and shape that you choose, garden lights can provide an ambient glow or focused task lighting when needed–making them highly versatile pieces any outdoor living space could benefit from having.
36. String Lights
Last but not least are string lights–arguably one of the most popular choices when it comes to lighting any type of outdoor environment. String lights offer maximum flexibility since they can be draped anywhere you want–around posts or across trees–creating beautiful patterns along walkways as well as providing ambient light during evening gatherings on your patio.
Grand Design Landscape Can Build Your Perfect Outdoor Living Space
Now that you’ve seen all of the amazing possibilities for your own outdoor living space, it’s time to get started on making your vision a reality. Whether you want a classic outdoor living space or something with a little more flair, the experts at Grand Design Landscape can help make your vision a reality.
Fill out our contact form today and let us know how we can help turn your backyard into the oasis of your dreams.