Outdoor Living Rooms, Outdoor Living

How to Create an Outdoor Living Space That's Perfect for You

A fully custom outdoor living space with a pool, cooking station, and ample seating makes your home the envy of the neighborhood. Creating the perfect outdoor living space can seem daunting at first, but with the right tips and tricks, it can be easy.

In this blog, we’ll give you some ideas to get started, as well as some tips on how to make your outdoor living area unique to you.

1. Define the “Why” Behind Your Outdoor Living Space

Before embarking on any landscaping project, it’s important to consider your outdoor living needs. Do you want a space for entertaining guests? A place for your children to play? A peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life? All of the above?

Once you have a clear idea of how you want to use your outdoor space, you can begin to develop a plan. It always helps to have a starting point when designing with a landscaper so they know where to begin. With this information in hand, they can plan a design that checks off your wants and keeps it in budget.

If you’re not sure where to start, a simple list is helpful. Jot down the function you want out of your space and work backward from there. Examples include:

“I want to feel the breeze, but be protected from the sun.”
“I love grilling, but I hate the limited space I have now for setting things down.”
“We’ll have a wide age range of children using the pool from toddlers to teenagers. It needs to be safe for everyone.”

Any experienced landscaper can take your list and provide specific recommendations.

an aerial shot of a pool surrounded by large paver

2. Review Your Potential Space

When it comes to creating an outdoor living area or other landscaping spots, one of the most important considerations is location. After all, you want your space to be both beautiful and functional. Here are a few factors to keep in mind as you think about the perfect spot for your outdoor oasis.

First, think about how you want to use your outdoor living area. If you want a space for entertaining or relaxing, the backyard typically works best. It has the most square footage available, and it’s usually more tucked away from the roads.

However, that doesn’t mean you have to ignore the rest of your property. If it’s in your budget, you could also add on some softscape or hardscape work for the front of your property. Curb appeal does wonders for the value of your home, and you’ll be proud to show it off.

In some cases, a strategic landscaping design could also save you a lot of time on mowing if you have a large property. Replace the grass with a beautiful outdoor patio outfitted with everything you want such as a pool, outdoor kitchen, fireplace, and more.

Explore our gallery of past projects to see this setup in action.

an outdoor fireplace surrounded by chairs. a wooden pergola provides some shade.

3. Consider Shading Options

A pergola, pavilion, or gazebo can add both style and function to your outdoor space.

Pergolas provide shade and can be used to frame a garden path or seating area. Typically square in shape, pergolas are characterized by an open latticework of slats instead of a solid roof which can then be augmented with curtains.

Pavilions are larger and offer more protection from the elements, making them ideal for entertaining or hosting events. Pavilions are rectangular in shape, with a covered roof. They’re a great choice for cooking areas.

Gazebos are another great option for smaller seating areas away from the main cooking space. Typically square in shape, pergolas are characterized by an open latticework of slats instead of a solid roof.

Both pergolas and pavilions can be built using a variety of materials, including wood, steel, and brick. Your landscaper should be able to find the perfect option for your needs.

an outdoor living room. red cushioned chairs with wicker backs surround a modern fire table. A TV is shielded by a wooden cover.

4. Add Seating and Décor That Reflects Your Style

One of the best ways to enjoy your outdoor living space is to add comfortable seating and décor that reflects your personal style.

If you love to entertain, consider adding a patio set with a table and chairs. You can also create an intimate seating area by grouping together a few chairs around a fire pit.

Whatever type of furniture you choose, be sure to add some colorful cushions or pillows for extra comfort. When it comes to décor, the sky’s the limit. Fill your space with plants, wind chimes, bird baths, or whatever else strikes your fancy. The important thing is to create an outdoor oasis that you’ll enjoy spending time in.

Now that you have some outdoor landscaping inspiration, it’s time to get started on your dream ideas. A broad idea of what you want will help the landscapers put together an accurate bid and plan out the perfect design. During that stage, it’s also important to be flexible as many factors go into the design process. Outdoor Innovations can help you build the luxury landscape of your dreams—give us a call to get started!

Elevate Your Backyard with Outdoor Innovation

Outdoor Innovations Landscaping creates elevated backyards for homeowners in Minnesota. From in-ground pools to luxurious grilling stations to outdoor living rooms, we do it all. Explore our past projects and get a quote online to make your dream backyard a reality.