How To Create An Outdoor Living Space That Can Be Enjoyed All Year Round

How to create an outdoor living space that can be enjoyed all year round

Whether you have a large, expansive house or a narrow terrace, making the most of an outdoor area can provide many exciting and functional options for you to enjoy your home – as well as add thousands of dollars to its value.

Consider these ideas to help you use your deck more often and make it a functional area in all seasons.

PLAN TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR SPACE

When you are working out the design and placement of your deck, don’t automatically look to a standard square or rectangular shape. Sometimes working with your site in mind will provide interesting shapes, which may follow the line of your block rather than just the house. In a narrow site, including a curve can trick the eye into thinking the space is wider than it really is.

The deck doesn’t have to just sit under the roof line or covered area. Allowing it to extend creates a greater link to the outdoors, and helps to blur the lines between the garden and deck areas. Why not consider continuing the deck around the side of the house instead of finishing it off with a set of stairs? This can provide easy one-level access to the side of your home and may mean that guests don’t have to trample through the house when you have a big party.

If you have an ugly view or wish to block out an eyesore on a neighbouring property, then think about running the decking up vertically to create a privacy screen. This can also provide a great place to hang garden art or wall-mounted pots, and still create a cohesive feel in your yard.

CREATE ZONES FOR EATING AND RELAXING