Designing an Outdoor Living Space

This time of year we all think about being outside as much as possible.  One way to achieve that goal is to extend our living environment beyond the confines of our four walls.  Here in the mid-Atlantic region, we are lucky.  Functional and comfortable outdoor living is possible for approximately six months of the year.  This is most worthy of our design attention.

I am often called upon to help a client create an outdoor living space.  This is really fun for me.  I love thinking "outside the box"--literally.  Over the years, I have learned that the same principles of design apply to interior and exterior living spaces.  Here are a few tips that will help you open your doors and draw the outside in!

• Scale and Proportion.  When designing an outdoor space it is important not to ignore these two key principles of design.  Be mindful that your outdoor living space relates in scale and proportion to your residence.  The two spaces should compliment each other and be in balance.

• Flow.  The transition from the main house to your outdoor space is key.  There should be a connection between the two spaces that feels seamless and unified.  Use architecture, color, style, or "feel" to achieve this flow and invite people to move outside.  I often suggest using an interesting design element to coax the flow from one space to the next space.  This can be something as simple as colorful planters or as elaborate as an arched opening or stone fireplace.

• Focal Point.  Every well designed space has a focal point and Mother Nature supplies the perfect backdrop for one.  A fireplace, water feature, stonewall, gazebo, statue or garden are all excellent options to create a bit of drama or wander.

• Include an Element of Surprise.  Create paths or walkways that encourage your family and friends to meander and explore.  Consider a secret garden, small statue or pretty bench at the end of a walkway as an element of surprise.

• Color is Key.  Nature is full of color and it varies depending on the environment.  When choosing color for your outdoor living space remember to compliment nature rather than compete with it.  For example, if you are designing an outdoor space with a major water element, such as a pool, ocean or lake, consider drawing your color inspiration from nature.  Blues, pinks, corals and sand colors work well near a water setting.  If you are designing an outdoor area in a wooded or rustic setting, consider using rich earth tones such as browns, golds, greens and oranges.

• Create a Place to Gather.  Just like inside your home, furniture placement is important.  Space plan with the intention of creating areas that invite family and friends to gather in relaxed, informal settings.  If you are working with a large outdoor area, consider a variety of seating hubs or spots for dining.  This keeps people flowing through the area and pairs to the activity at hand.  Use drapery material or plantings for "walls" to create outdoor rooms.  This is cozy, yet exotic.

• Embrace the Elements.  There is a new wave of materials in the home furnishings industry that make outdoor living easy and worry free.  Most manufacturers offer a line of fabrics that are resistant to color fading by UV rays, soil, mildew and moisture.  Technology is moving outdoors too, with TVs, stereos, speakers and movie screens that are designed to weather the elements.  My favorite new innovation is a table lamp that is made from water resistant materials and features a rechargeable lithium iron battery.  No need for a cord or place to plug in!  How cool is that?

• Move the Kitchen Outside.  The favorite room in the house is the kitchen.  Why not move it outside?  It is no fun to be inside cooking while your family and friends are gathered around the pool or patio.  We have seen a real trend in creating a kitchen or food prep area outdoors.  Outdoor kitchens can range from a simple grill with staging area to a full scale kitchen outfitted with appliances and plumbing.  Just like the indoor kitchen, this is another opportunity to create a spot for folks to gather and connect with one another.

I hope these few tips inspire you to embrace nature and expand your living space beyond the doorstep.  With a little planning you can create a relaxed setting to gather with family and friends near the water's edge, under the stars or beneath the treetops.

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