7 Ideas for Adding a Unique Look to Your Outdoor Living Area

These days outdoor living areas are more than just a backyard with a grassy lawn and shade trees. Make yours more unique and usable in every season with these 7 ideas to upgrade your outdoor living space.

1. Add or Upgraded a Deck

A deck is the perfect extension of your indoor space allowing you to easily connect with nature and the outdoors. If you already have a deck, it can easily be extended for even more outdoor living space. While a traditional wooden deck gives your home a classic look, homeowners have other choices.

Consider having a weather-resistant, easy-to-care-for composite deck installed. They’re more affordable than wooden decks and never need sealing or refinishing.

2. Include Fire Features

Add warmth to your outdoor living space with an outdoor fireplace or fire pit. They make an attractive and crowd-pleasing addition for outdoor entertaining from late fall to early spring. Gathering around the fire with cocktails and roasting marshmallows or s’mores will help your family create lasting memories.

Your outdoor living professional can help you decide on the best choice for you. Options available include wood, natural gas, or propane firepits.

3. Install an Outdoor Kitchen

Take your outdoor level to a new level by having an outdoor kitchen installed. Options range from simple grilling spaces to pizza ovens or fully-equipped kitchens with ovens and refrigerated storage. Add an outdoor dining area and serve your family and friends meals al fresco.

4. Create an Outdoor Living Room

With some planning, you can design an outdoor living area that invites rest, relaxation, and entertainment surrounded by nature. Concrete pavers make attractive and easy-to-maintain flooring for your outdoor living room.

Depending on the size of your lawn, you can create smaller seating areas inside a larger living space for privacy and intimate conversations.

5. Invest in Outdoor Furnishings

Your outdoor living space isn’t complete without furnishings. Add weather-resistant furniture in shapes, styles, and colors that complement the rest of your home. Aluminum and all-weather wicker are good choices. Outdoor rugs and plush cushions complete the look and add coziness.

Purchase covers to protect your outdoor furniture from the harsh elements and bird droppings. When the weather is especially rough (high winds, snow, and heavy rain) store your outdoor furniture in the garage, the basement, or a utility shed.

6. Put in Privacy and Shade

Adding shade to your outdoor living space is important especially if your property is lacking trees. No one wants to sit outside for very long in the hot sun. A few umbrellas will do the trick if you choose ones with adjustable stands so they can be turned to block the sun.

Pergolas are a unique option for adding both shade and privacy. Consult an outdoor living contractor to erect your pergola. Then you can add a trellis to plant climbing vines for attractive greenery, shade, and privacy.

7. Make a Children’s Play Area

Make your outdoor space child-friendly with an area just for kids. Playhouses and treehouses will give them a special place to play on summer days. You’ll find lots of options available from pre-fabricated playhouses to easy-to-assemble treehouses.