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Creating an Outdoor Living Space: Ideas and Inspiration

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Your outdoor living space is an extension of your home, and if you're not using it, you're losing out on a valuable opportunity to create your own personal oasis. If you have a patio or deck that's been neglected for years, it's time to brainstorm ways to improve it and use your space for leisure or entertainment instead. Here are a few outdoor living space ideas to get the creative juices flowing:

Mood Lighting

Not everyone has a large deck they can enjoy during the summer. However, you can use light to make your outdoor space more enjoyable. Try candle lanterns, tiki lights, and other lighting on tables or railings to make your space glow.

Furnishings

If you have a porch or deck, bring some of the indoors outside by adding some furnishings like sofas, chairs, and rugs. Of course, always choose products from the outdoor section of the store because they're designed for use outdoors and are more resistant to water. Of course, you should consider your willingness to take items with fabrics indoors when it rains or snows. If you can't trust yourself to take care of the furniture, consider getting something that doesn't require as much maintenance.

Catio

Sure, you could have a patio, but if you have a pet cat, they might appreciate a catio. A catio is a patio for your cat. These outdoor cat enclosures allow your cat to spend time outside without spending time outdoors. Instead, they can experience all the mentally-stimulating scents and sights of the outdoors without any of the dangers. To make the experience more fun, you can build your own catio or purchase one online.

Get a Bird Bath

One item that can make your outdoor space feel more relaxing is a bird bath that will attract the local birds while giving you a soothing fountain sound you can enjoy while hanging out in your hammock or on the patio. If you've taken our advice and given your cat a catio, a bird bath can make their time outside even more enjoyable because it will attract more birds to your yard.

Hammock

And speaking of a hammock, if you don't have one, you need one. Hammocks are versatile and enjoyable. You can nap in them by swinging yourself to sleep or reading your favorite book while enjoying some time in the shade. All you need for a rope hammock is two trees close enough together, but if you don't have them, you can purchase a hammock that doesn't require trees. Instead, these popup hammocks allow you to place them anywhere in the yard or on a porch or balcony to turn your outdoor living space into a relaxing oasis.

Privacy Wall

No one wants their neighbors to see everything they do. A privacy wall is a great way to add some color to your yard while adding a layer of privacy. You can use wooden walls to give your outdoor space a backsplash for outdoor kitchens or to prevent your neighbors from peering over your fence.

A Garden

Growing your own food is a great way to be sustainable and can make your outdoor living space feel more like yours. Every yard can benefit from a garden that allows you to grow your own food and enjoy the freshest vegetables. Of course, you should choose what to plant based on the amount of sun that reaches your yard and your comfort level. If you don't have a green thumb, consider starting small with an outdoor herb garden and working your way up.

Gardens are also a good idea if you have a small outdoor living space, such as a balcony. While apartment dwellers usually can't benefit from large outdoor living spaces, they might have balconies or patios that allow them to enjoy the great outdoors. But, unfortunately, they don't have a lot of space. Luckily, you can grow herbs and some flowers, fruits, and vegetables on your balcony if you have the right dirt and planters.

A Fence

If you don't like the idea of a privacy wall, consider getting a fence that can give you some privacy from the neighbors. Additionally, a fence allows you to wall off your yard to make the space feel less open and cozier. Having an enclosure around your property is also ideal if you have pets or children because it can keep them in the yard.

For example, if you have a dog, you won't have to worry about keeping them on a leash if you invest in a tall enough fence. However, if you go this route, you'll need to ensure your dog won't dig under the fence and escape. You can train your dog to stop digging or invest in products that deter dogs from digging.

Plant Shrubs and Flowers

One way to create an outdoor living space that feels like yours is to plant flowers and shrubs to give your home pops of color. You can choose flowers based on your preferences. For example, some plants attract various animals and critters while others deter them. Additionally, you should choose plants that are easy to care for. For example, perennials die in the winter and come back in the spring year after year, so you won't have to plant and replant after the winter.

A Mini Bar

Turn your backyard into an entertainment space by adding a mini bar near your lounge area. Luckily, there are several ways to create an outdoor mini bar, such as using a bar cart, floating shelves, and coolers next to a table. Additionally, you can build your own using a few pieces of wood with a cooler underneath. You can also include a place for you to barbecue in your backyard and host parties.

Upgrading Your Yard

Your yard is part of your property, and if you're not using it, you're missing out on an opportunity to use it as a place of peace and relaxation. There are lots of financial tools that can allow you to get the backyard of your dreams. How you upgrade your yard will largely depend on what you want to use it for. For example, add an outdoor bed or hammock if you want to use it as a relaxation spot. Meanwhile, if you want to use it for entertainment, you can focus on an outdoor bar, kitchen, and tons of seating.

Megan Isola

Megan Isola holds a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and a minor in Business Marketing from Cal State University Chico. She enjoys going to concerts, trying new restaurants, and hanging out with friends.

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