As the temperature rises during the summer, people's usual response is to go to outdoor spaces. The smell of barbecues in the backyard and the blooming flowers lure them out to the patio or porch with family and friends. During these months, you would want to have a good design for our outdoor spaces like rooftop gardens, courtyards, dining terraces, patios, and pool decks.
One of the fun aspects when designing outdoor spaces is that you can pop up any color you prefer. It is one spot where you can freely go bold in its architecture-pleasing design. It also works well with whimsical touches like a quirky garden statue or a dragonfly pattern.
Following those basic design principles is essential to create enticing and attractive outdoor spaces that people can access and use comfortably. The finishes, lighting, accessory, furniture, and utility options for these outdoor spaces are continually evolving and expanding, allowing you to have a wider variety and creative approaches.
Here are some tips to achieve superb design to outdoor spaces:
Furniture Fundamentals
Most outdoor spaces have hard edges and furniture materials that most people will avoid. However, people would prefer to sit in those pieces of furniture that can make them comfortable, just like indoors. Likewise, it is also important not to go for those opposite oversized puffy cushions that are likely not to last when exposed to outside elements. Those extreme oversized cushioning will also create undesirable excess warmth during hot or humid climates.
Outdoor sling chairs are an excellent comfort option and easy to maintain. Some best outdoor furniture options include wrought iron, aluminum, and wood-like plastic materials that are wearing better than natural wood. Furniture made from fresh resins and recycled plastic is also a great option as these materials are hard to crack, peel or fade, resistant to mildew, stains, and moisture, and highly durable.
Universal Designs
It is essential to consider universal design principles, especially for commercial applications. Most people find that chairs with arms are easier to exit, and at the same time, a less than 100 degrees back recline of the seat usually is comfortable to people of all ages.
When outdoor spaces apply the universal design principle, everyone enjoys it the same way. These designs cater comfortably to everyone and have no differences due to age or size. Its aesthetic design and access are all interwoven, and anyone feels welcome.
Finishing Touches
Whenever possible, it is an excellent option to incorporate a water feature or fireplace as a highlight in the outdoor spaces. There are many options of water fountains, and fire pits, or fireplaces, including its fuel alternative to wood.
One of the significant considerations of water features is maintenance, as when a water fountain or wall gets dirty, it can become an eye-catcher and turn into an eyesore.
Outdoor lighting is a must to live up to every outdoor space to its full potential. Lighting is a valuable tool and an essential requirement for security and safety and creating a moody atmosphere. However, installing exterior access doors and panels would be best to conceal those outdoor wiring connections safely and adequately. They also prevent them from outside elements and unauthorized access.
Choosing the Right Fabric
When considering using fabrics in outdoor spaces, it requires careful consideration when choosing the right style and quality as it deals with outside elements. Another thing to consider is how smoothly and efficiently the air can pass through the fabric. These considerations are essential to prevent mildew and mold as they can become an eyesore to people and affect anyone's comfort.
Generally, the water-resistant fabric is an excellent idea. But it has some issues and often trade-offs in its breathability since the more water-resistant the fabric, the more it tends not to let air pass through. However, water-resistant and UV-resistant material is a top priority option on umbrellas and awnings as it is essential for all exterior shading applications. It is necessary to note that all materials and accessories in outdoor spaces require regular cleaning and maintenance to maintain their aesthetic and function.
Landscape Meets Interior Themes
Flowers and plants are natural choices as outdoor accessories of varying color, foliage, and heights can make a statement and influence visual interest. Consider the theme established in the interior surfaces in designing outdoor spaces. The continuity of the design and themes from indoor to outdoor spaces are essential and should have similarities to their characters to make them more inviting. A simple, striking sculpture, water feature, streamlined furnishings, and showcase of carefully chosen plants and flowers are necessary and work well in a contemporary exterior style design.
Exterior living spaces are therapeutic simply because, in nature, being outdoors makes us feel more relaxed, reducing stress levels. Psychologically, when we spend time outside, it relieves anxiety and depression, promotes good vision, acts as our sanctuary, and improves our immune system to get away and feel relaxed from those everyday life stressors.
So when designing outdoor living spaces, it is essential to follow the principles of universal design, especially in commercial outdoor areas, to create incredible scenes and ensure comfort to all occupants.
