If you want a relaxing getaway anytime you want, it’s easy to create one. All you need is an outdoor living space or backyard. It can be your stress-free haven after a tiring day at work (or school) or the ideal place for your weekly cozy date nights. Your backyard can be your entertainment haven, a place where you can spend fun afternoons with friends and loved ones. You can convert your outdoor space into anything you want.
Before doing any serious work on your backyard, though, you have to ensure that it is safe and weather-proof. To protect your patio or porch from the snow and rain, put up a glass roof. It doesn’t have to cover the entire area; just one side will do. That way, you still have a lot of space left if you want to spend the night stargazing.
You may also want to install patio drop shades, which are especially useful in the summer season. They can shade you from the harsh rays of the sun. What’s good about drop shades is that most of them are made of screen mesh, which is more durable than cotton. You shouldn’t have to constantly worry about replacing them with new ones.
You should also ensure that your backyard is clean and free of any clutter. A messy outdoor space is not really relaxing and stress-free, don’t you think so?
Once your backyard is ready, it’s time to get to work and transform your vacant outdoor space into a comfortable living area.
Tips for Converting Your Outdoor Space into a Cozy Living Area
If you want a backyard that can serve as your ideal getaway destination, here are some ideas you might want to consider.
1. Trim or prune the trees.
Part of clearing the clutter in your outdoor space is trimming or pruning hedges and trees. Focus on overgrown trees and prune the parts that aren’t necessary. Trim the branches and remove dry, brown leaves. Hedges should be trimmed as well, so they can be formed well.
Ideally, you should prune trees and hedges at least three times a year. It’s vital to do this in early spring or wintertime.
2. You need a theme.
If you want to style your backyard, you need to choose a theme so you’ll get an idea of which designs to use. Picking out a theme can be difficult with all the options you have, but it’s a matter of personal choice. Choose a theme that represents your personality or what you like. For example, if you like yoga, you can go for a Zen-inspired backyard.
With a theme, it’s also easy to bring everything together in one cohesive unit.
3. Look at what you already have.
What’s the best thing that you like about your outdoor space? Does your backyard have a beautiful view of the sunset? Or maybe you have a favorite spot for stargazing? If you have these distinctive spots, or anything similar to these, find ways to work around and highlight them. Maybe you can place some large pillows or cozy chairs in that spot where you can stargaze at night or view the sunset. The idea is to enhance these spots so you can bring out their strengths.
4. Consider seating first before planting trees or flowers.
If you plant your favorite flowers in the middle or on one side of the backyard and then suddenly realize that it’s the perfect spot for your newly bought outdoor lounging chairs. With the flowers already planted, it’s too late to change things. This is why it’s ideal to work on your seating first before planting.
Your goal should be to determine where you want your lounging chairs and other outdoor furniture to be placed. It is essential to measure the area to know what kind or size of chairs to use or if the ones you have are ideal.
Since you’re already at it, you also have to ensure that the outdoor furniture you choose is cozy and comfortable. Aside from lounge chairs, you can also go for chaise lounges and deep seating sets. These are relaxing and allow you to completely relax and stretch your legs after a busy day in the office.
You can then add a table and some fluffy throw pillows. An umbrella will not only complete the relaxing vibe but also protect you from the sun, rain, and other similar elements.
5. Heating and cooling options are vital.
If you want your outdoor space to be comfortable at all times, you need to consider your options for heating and cooling.
You can use big outdoor fans or a fog misting system for cooling in the hot summer months. Your drop shades will also be put to good use on such days.
If you want to relax in your backyard even when it’s starting to get cold outside, ensure that your outdoor heaters are ready to use.
6. Good lighting should be a priority.
You should light up your outdoor space. Choose low-wattage LED or soft lights if you want a calming, romantic mood. Your neighbors might not like it if your lights are too bright.
Nowadays, you have multiple options for lighting: string lights, portable table lamps, and lanterns, among others. You can wrap a tree or two with string lights, or you can line up several small lamps or lanterns on your table.
7. Landscaping is essential.
Getting someone to help you landscape your backyard, even just a part of it, is vital if you want flowers, plants, and a garden that blends well with your general theme. A landscaped backyard is also pleasing to the eyes.
8. Add some water elements.
Water helps you relax, so it’s always a good idea to have a small garden koi pond, garden pond, birdbath, or fountain. A swimming pool is the best option, but only if you have enough space for it.
9. Privacy is a necessity.
If you don’t want your neighbors or anybody other than your family snooping on you, putting up a fence or wall will give you the privacy you need. If you want something more aesthetically pleasing, you can have your landscape artist put bushes, tall shrubs, bamboos, or hedges.
10. Add vacation or getaway features.
To completely transform your backyard into an ideal vacation spot or weekend escape, you should add the following:
A hammock – This is ideal for spending quiet moments in. You can hang one in a small area or corner of the yard. You can also put your hammock near the porch or patio corner. Hammocks should be hung between two sturdy trees.
A fire pit – Find an area where there’s a gravel or stone surface so you can install an outdoor fire pit. If you don’t want something too bulky, you can go for a tabletop fire pit. You can use the table area for your drinks, barbecues, or cocktails. Add some chairs and scatter them around the fire pit. Lounge chairs are ideal for this.
A treehouse – This can be your getaway within a getaway or a hideout when you need to be away from people for a while. It can also serve as your children’s play area.
The tips listed above are some things you can do for your outdoor space transformation. Don’t hesitate to add your ideas, particularly the ones that reflect your personality. More than anything else, your outdoor space – and your home in general – should be an extension of who you are.
