It’s almost March and I, for one, am SOOOOO ready for spring! I’m already dreaming of days on the porch and patio surrounded by flowers, herbs, and splashing birds.
It’s been so cold here this month and I have spring fever…you’re supposed to “starve a cold, feed a fever” right? (Or maybe it’s the other way around).
Anyway, I don’t believe in starving anything, so let’s feed our spring fever with a bit of inspiration!
Most of these inspiration images were generated using AI in midjourney and my imagination and are labeled as such.
AI image of a backyard with several outdoor “rooms”
It’s time to start planning your porch, deck or patio now!
Planning an outdoor room is just like planning any other room. You need to
plan for all the activities you want to do in the space
know who will use the space
know the mood you want to create
consider the existing elements in your plan…things like the stone or wood surfaces, the color and style of your house, and the landscape elements
Occasionally, we get asked to help clients with outdoor spaces. And while I am not a gardening expert (much to the dismay of my very talented gardener mom), an outdoor space is basically just an ‘open concept’ room, quite literally!
The plans below were options for a back patio space between the house (bottom of images) and guest cottage (top of images) of a coastal antique property. The walkways and a patio surface were already in place.
We envisioned 3 areas; a dining space with an outdoor serving space, a comfy lounging area, and a pretty garden space with a bench, arbor arch, plantings, and birdbath to create a pleasing view.
Large pots of seasonal flowers and window boxes on the cottage add color and the opportunity to bring in a changeable display of seasonal garden elements.
My own back deck is my favorite spot in my house - whenever the weather is accommodating!
Backyard deck with pots of herbs and flowers, dining area, seating area, and plenty of attractions for backyard birds
The above image is of my back deck from a few years ago, and below is the same space more recently with new furniture.
I love my Polywood furniture! (affiliate link) It’s comfy, the cushions are covered in performance fabric and are bleach cleanable (I’ve tested this multiple time because I chose white 🙄 🤣), AND I got a rocking chair in the mix!
The other end of the deck has a fire pit, our grill, a vertical garden, and a water feature.
You’ll want to consider seating, of course. And lounging, and dining spaces.
AI outdoor dining gazebo
Perhaps you’ll want an outdoor kitchen in the mix. Or an audio-video set up for watching your favorite movie or the big game under the stars.
AI outdoor movie theater
Or an area dedicated to exercise or meditation or a hobby.
AI serene backyard area
Planning Outdoor Storage
Some common outdoor storage needs are
cushions and towels
cooking tools
gardening pursuits
birdseed
pool accessories
And then there are the outdoor flooring and rugs to define spaces, as well as light and heat sources.
AI patio with porch swing and rug
Ambient light sources from all-weather light fixtures might include chandeliers/lanterns, lamps, post lights, or patio light strings (affiliate link) like the ones I have on my own deck.
Special accent lighting can be added to highlight landscape and garden features.
AI backyard fireplace
Heat sources for warmth and ambience are another nice addition. These might be outdoor fireplaces, firepits, chimeras, or patio heaters like my buddy Percy.
AI beachside firepit
Planters and garden beds, water features or pools are all unique advantages of an outdoor room.
We have both an outdoor fountain, for the happy sound of moving water, and a birdbath for our feathered friends and woodland creatures on our own deck.
Don’t forget to plan for shelter and shade - it WILL get hot again eventually! A logia or pergola offers some shelter and can house a ceiling fan (or light fixture).
Awnings, umbrellas, canopies, and sail shades are flexible shelter that can be chosen to complement the home’s architecture. They are also a place to further the color scheme for your outdoor room.
Trellis screens, fencing, tall plantings, or fabric curtain panels can offer shade and privacy or screen an undesirable view
Tiny Outdoor Spaces
Whether your outdoor space is large or small, it can be the perfect escape this spring! Here is a plan we did for a tiny apartment balcony project.
In the Spring 2021 One Room Challenge , I overhauled a desolate pocket patio outside my home office. You can see the pocket patio project reveal HERE.
Just like indoor spaces, there are many pieces to consider. If you would like help with a plan for YOUR outdoor living space, contact us - we’d love to help make your backyard dreams come true!
Other posts you might enjoy:
Setting up our deck for the season
The simple joys of container gardening
