Fall is the perfect time to spend more time outside. As the days become cooler, and gardening chores have slowed down, I find myself just enjoying the sights and sounds of nature, enjoying a book and cup of coffee in the morning or late afternoon. I feel my outdoor spaces are just an extension of the spaces inside my home, and I enjoy decorating those. Your unique style should be reflected in your garden spaces. I happen to love vintage chairs, junk finds and garden whimsy. This old metal chair is one of my favorite places to rest in front of my garden shed beside my garden.
It’s important to look at your garden space from your style and needs. There are a few tips that everyone can use when designing outdoor areas. It doesn’t matter if you have a huge yard or an apartment deck you can create your own outdoor space.
Gather Ideas from Magazines and Pinterest to Create a Project Board:
I am a very visual person, and I like to gather ideas from magazines or Pinterest. Create a board of all the things you love then start planning. I also suggest you measure out the space and hand draw out what you want in that space, where it will go, and what you have room for before investing in outdoor furniture. You can see one of my pinterest boards here with ideas I have for outdoor spaces.
Locate Areas in the Yard or Deck For Outdoor Spaces:
Do you want to create a space just for you to sit and relax or are you looking for which areas are best for entertaining? Ideally, you want an area of the garden that’s easily accessible and allows you and your guests to enjoy lounging and dining without it feeling cramped. Do you have easy access to the kitchen making it easy to bring food in and out? Do you need lighting? What about controlling insects such as mosquitoes? Be sure you add these ideas to your project board. Is your space big enough that you will need to consider buying outdoor furniture?
What is on Your Wish List?
Outdoor dining furniture is definitely something to invest in when you’re looking to transform the space outside and encourage more entertaining in this part of the home. Furniture for both dining and lounging makes the outdoor space a place people love to gravitate to. There are so many options for outdoor dining. Maybe all the space you have room for is a small round table with a couple of chairs for your apartment deck. But there is nothing better than sitting outside for an early morning breakfast.
For those who love to eat, and have enough space and money, there’s nothing better than having your own outdoor kitchen. Some might have the space and budget to go all out with stone veneer for outdoor kitchens, while others might only have enough room for a little prep area and BBQ. I have to admit, an outdoor kitchen is on my dream list, but for now I’ll have to settle for my grill and smoker.
Finally, don’t just limit your outdoor dining space to the warmer occasions of the year. Incorporating a fire pit, for example, is a great way to help continue enjoying the cooler months that might need a bit of extra heat to keep you outside.
Plan Your Project:
One of the things I learned in a business class is to brainstorm your project, then plan what you need to complete it. The same principle applies to a remodeling project, planning your garden beds, or your outdoor space. Below you will find a couple of sheets I developed to brainstorm what you would like in your outdoor space, and a project planner of what you will need and the cost. And don’t forget that Project Board for inspiration! Just click on the link and save to your computer to print as many copies as you need.
Happy Gardening!
Karen
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