With longer days and sunnier skies here, there’s no better time to make the most of your outdoor space. If you have a beautiful deck or patio, now’s the perfect opportunity to step outside, and turn that space into your go-to spot for lounging, dining, or entertaining.
If your outdoor space is not all you dream it could be, however, we have several suggestions to help bring it up to par. Make plans now so that as we make our way into summer, your outdoor space is ready to enjoy.
Remember: Design is a process.
Before making decisions about furnishings and decor for your outdoor space, it’s important to consider several critical factors.
The very first consideration toward creating the ideal outdoor space — whether it’s a big backyard, a front porch, or just a balcony — is to determine how you want to use the space.
- Determine The Functionality Needed
Function should drive all decisions about outdoor elements (indoor, too!). Think through the activities you may want to pursue in your outdoor space. This list could include:
- Enjoy quiet moments with a book, journal, or morning coffee
- Outdoor games and activities
- Playing with pets or children
- Sip cocktails or mocktails as the sun sets
- Cooking
- Entertain guests with food, firepits, or conversation circles
- Bird watching or nature immersion
- Patio gardening
- Stream a movie or game night under the stars
The more activities you hope to do in your outdoor space, the more critical a proper furniture layout becomes. Be sure to check out our design services if you’d like help creating a functional outdoor space.
Be mindful of the orientation of your outdoor space relative to the sun’s direction and angle during the months you’ll be using it most.
- Consider The Orientation
Take note of which areas get full sun or full shade at different times of day. This can vary quite a bit between spring, the summer solstice, late summer, and early fall. Afternoon sun, especially in south- and west-facing areas, can be intense during the summer months. Meanwhile, some spots may benefit from cool coastal breezes that tend to pick up later in the day.
Also, pay attention to where sunrises and sunsets can be viewed or whether particular angles allow sight lines to the most appealing views of nature. And don’t forget about other adjacency concerns. Are certain areas more exposed to street noise or sounds from neighboring homes? Do insects tend to gather in particular spots? Are there less desirable views, such as a neighbor’s driveway or parked vehicles, from specific angles?
Both the desired functionality and the space orientation will impact decisions about furniture finishes and the spatial arrangement of furnishings. Consider whether furniture choices and seating arrangements will allow for everything from relaxing solo with a book or coffee. Also, think about gathering with others for meals, games, or evening entertainment.
Generally, if you wish to entertain, you’ll want furniture pieces to face one another so they’re a comfortable distance for having a conversation.
If you’re planning outdoor dining furniture, capacity can be simple to compute. A six-foot rectangular table will seat approximately six people, an eight-foot table — eight people, etc. A 48” round can seat four to five, and a 60” round table can seat six to eight.
When arranging furniture outdoors, try orienting pieces to allow views to the most pleasing features of your space or of nature. Also, consider how the outdoor setup will impact the view from inside the home. For example, you may want to use a large umbrella to shade a seating area. But when viewed from inside, you can see the mechanicals of the umbrella, and it blocks your view of the sunset (or similar).
Weather is a very strong consideration in choosing finishes for outdoor furniture. Wood (often teak), all-weather wicker, or powder-coated aluminum are good choices for outdoor furniture frames that will stand up well to weather conditions.
- Consider All Weather Conditions, Including When Your Outdoor Space Will Not Be In Use
Although outdoor fabrics that can withstand the elements without fading or decaying are widely available, added protection is still important. If your outdoor furniture will be exposed to occasional rain or unrelenting sun, we highly recommend using high-quality, breathable furniture covers. You can also choose pieces made with solution-dyed acrylic fabrics and removable cushions, as they offer excellent UV resistance and quick drying.
In addition to temperature considerations, it is also important to consider rainfall, wind, and off-season conditions as you consider finishes. If you’re selecting hardscape flooring, think about slipperiness when wet, and how it will be treated during the winter. If kids or pets will be walking on an outdoor surface throughout the year, consider whether the material remains safe and durable despite frequent rain and intense sun exposure.
When selecting hardscape materials, consider the need for permeable surfaces that allow rainwater to seep into the ground versus impermeable surfaces that cause rainwater runoff.
You’ll also want to make sure patio pots are heavy and stable enough to withstand occasional strong winds. The material should be durable enough to handle Southern California’s intense sun and temperature fluctuations without cracking or fading. This way, you won’t need to move heavy pots frequently with seasonal changes.
Select plants that thrive in abundant sunshine and dry conditions, matching their sun exposure needs to the intended spot. If you plan to use faux plants, always choose varieties native to the region—like succulents or drought-tolerant shrubs. This way, you get the low-maintenance benefits of artificial greenery without sacrificing authenticity or style. This will ensure that your outdoor space feels natural and inviting despite the harsh sun and occasional dry spells.
Always remember to consider the connection of your outdoor living space with the adjacent entry to your home.
- House Entry Considerations
If pets, children, or even adults will be active outdoors, is there a way to ensure they won’t bring dirt or mud in from the outdoor space when they enter?
We always recommend incorporating well-designed drop zones to collect wet towels, shoes, hats, pool bags, and other outdoor gear to protect your indoor space.
In an existing home, the best solution may be dark-colored, washable, and durable rugs inside the door and door mats outside.
If you plan to utilize your outdoor spaces after the sun goes down (and you probably do!), you’ll need to include one or more outdoor light sources.
- Lighting Needs
This can include a hard-wired, permanently installed outdoor fixture. Examples are a ceiling light on the underside of a framed overhang or a wall sconce on the exterior wall of your home. Your home may already be equipped with an outdoor sconce by the backdoor or some spotlights under the eaves.
You’ll want to plan lighting for the area itself and for any pathways from your home to the outdoor space.
Other outdoor lighting options include low-voltage sources that are plugged into an outdoor outlet, such as string lights that can be strung up to the underside of a pergola or canopy. String lights are inexpensive and available in a wide variety of styles and colors. If you have a covered patio or overhead structure, a lighted ceiling fan may be a good option. The cool breeze can add comfort and deter pesky bugs.
Outdoor lighting not only provides ambient lighting so you can effectively use your outdoor space. It also offers lovely accent lighting that highlights the beauty of the outdoor space when viewed from indoors. When positioning outdoor lighting, always consider the view from the indoors looking out. Exterior lighting that highlights outdoor features, such as an ornamental tree or bush, can enhance your home’s nighttime aesthetic.
If you want to fully enjoy all aspects of an outdoor living space, consider other desirable amenities. This might include a grill, a bar, an outdoor kitchen, a heater, fire pit, a misting system, a spool or spa, or a fountain.
- Other Outdoor Amenities
As you can see, there is much to consider when planning for an outdoor space design before you even begin to think about furnishings and decor. If you need help creating a fabulous outdoor living space, we’d love to help you! Fill out a Project Inquiry Form today.
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ASR Design Studio is an exclusive residential interior design studio in Southern California.
We specialize in remodeling, new builds, furnishing, and thoughtful styling.
Our approach to creating homes blends our signature style of modern coastal design with our clients’ personal preferences, lifestyles, and objectives.
We believe that your home should tell the story of who you are.
