Tips To Improve Your Outdoor Areas
The temperate climate of Florida lends itself to being outdoors for much of the year. While the summer days heat up, evenings cool off after late afternoon rain showers and ocean breezes. Having an outdoor living area where you can relax with friends and family is another great way to enjoy living in the vacation paradise of South Florida. Before heading to the backyard, set up your outdoor living area with a few simple elements to give you maximum enjoyment.
Keep your outdoor living area convenient. By locating it near the door to the house, it will be easier to slip inside to refill drinks, use the bathroom or grab the burgers out of the fridge. You will be more likely to use the area if it doesn’t become a pain to get to.
Keep your outdoor area contained. There is a temptation to make the entire yard your living area – and we understand the sentiment. But it can be too big, and make the space seem impersonal. Try to include at least one solid wall and keep the space to about the size of your living room. Make sure there is enough seating for your family, plus a few guests to accommodate extras.
Keep your outdoor area comfortable. While you don’t want to drag your lounger out into the backyard, you want the seating to be a place you’ll want to hang out. Plush cushions covered in weather and UV resistant fabrics will be a welcome place to kick back. Balance the outdoors with indoor comforts – add cushions, chairs and sofas in patterns and designs that everyone will enjoy.
Keep your outdoor area interesting. The inside of your home is filled with personalized items, mementos and pictures that help keep your home warm and inviting. Recreate that feeling outdoors by adding touches of whimsy, sculptures and natural art pieces that will be able to withstand the heat and sun of Florida.
Keep your outdoor area lit. Adding solar lighting units is relatively inexpensive, and is a great way to encourage your family to use the area even after the sun has set on lazy summer days. Make sure you add lighting to key areas such as near steps, gates and around pools for safety.
Keep your outdoor area in your home’s theme. If your house is set up as a Florida beach camp, extend that look into your outdoor area. Tying the theme of your outdoor room to the overall look of the house can lend design and integration to the area – making it blend into the feel of the home.
Keep your outdoor area landscape friendly. Don’t overcrowd areas of your lawn making it impossible to mow. If it becomes cumbersome to maintain, you most likely will give up on your outdoor area. Keep plants accessible and easy to water; make sure that any furniture is easy to move to allow for landscaping and maintenance.
Keep your outdoor area private. Adding privacy panels in the form of curtains, tall plants or shrubbery can help you enjoy the area, and prevent you from feeling as though you are on display for the neighbors. Stylish fabrics and faux walls are all easy ways to “enclose” your outdoor room and let you enjoy the great outdoors in comfort and style.