Creating a Functional and Beautiful Outdoor Living Space

With summer on the horizon, functional and beautiful outdoor living spaces are naturally on the mind. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or a space to entertain guests, a well-designed outdoor area will transform your home and lifestyle. From comfortable seating to beautiful landscaping, the possibilities are endless when it comes to creating a unique and inviting outdoor space for your home.

G.J. Gardner Homes has a wealth of experience in designing homes that balance function with beauty and our outdoor living spaces are no exception. Our focus on customization lets your alfresco area reflect your personal style and preferences, from a built-in BBQ to an outdoor fireplace and even a relaxing spa.

With G.J. Gardner Homes, your outdoor living space will be seamlessly integrated with your home design, making it the perfect place to unwind, entertain or take in the outdoors – whatever your preference.

Our building experience has let us glean the key elements that create a truly efficient and aesthetic outdoor living space. From patios and deck designs to outdoor kitchens, we know how to achieve an outdoor space that works not just on its own but flows from your indoor space.

Designing outdoor living spaces

There are a variety of factors that can impact the functionality and overall look of your outdoor living space. By carefully considering these factors and incorporating them to suit your lifestyle, you can create an outdoor living space that will enhance your overall home.

Get started by thinking about your future outdoor living spaces:

• Purpose: Consider the intended use of the outdoor living space, whether it is for entertaining, cooking, or relaxation. This will help determine the layout and necessary features.
• Climate and weather patterns: The climate in your area will influence the choice of materials, plants, and need for shading or shelter from the elements.
• Indoor-outdoor connectivity: Think about the overall design of your home and how the outdoor space can extend the interior. Features like large glass doors, covered patios, and outdoor kitchens can help blend the lines between indoor and outdoor living.
• Natural materials: Incorporating natural elements like stone, wood, and plants can create a cohesive and inviting outdoor space. Water features like fountains or pools can also enhance the area’s aesthetic appeal and create a relaxing atmosphere.
• Lighting: Adequate lighting not only ensures the space is functional in the evening, but it can also highlight design elements and create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Designing a functional and beautiful outdoor living space requires careful planning and consideration of these important factors. With the help of a custom home builder like G.J. Gardner Homes, homeowners can create an outdoor space tailored to their specific needs and desires while enhancing their home’s overall design and functionality.

Outdoor living space design ideas

When it comes to designing an outdoor space, homeowners are often overwhelmed with choices. To help inspire you, here are some of our favorite outdoor living space design ideas to consider.

Outdoor Kitchen

An outdoor kitchen is a fantastic addition to any outdoor living space. It allows for cooking and dining outdoors, which is perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying a family dinner in the fresh air. The outdoor kitchen can be designed to include everything from a grill and sink to a refrigerator and storage. It’s important to choose durable and weather-resistant materials such as stainless steel or stone and include proper ventilation and lighting for safety.

Fire Pit

A fire pit is an excellent addition to an outdoor living space, providing a warm and cozy atmosphere for cooler evenings. It also adds a natural focal point to the area, creating a space for gathering and conversation. With an endless range of styles and sizes, you’re sure to find a fire pit to light up your outdoor space with ease.

Water Feature

Water features are a great way to add a soothing and tranquil element to an outdoor living space. From fountains and waterfalls to peaceful ponds, water features can be added in a range of sizes and styles to suit any aesthetic as well as the maintenance you want to commit. Beyond just their beautiful look, water features can also attract wildlife and create a retreat-like atmosphere for relaxation.

Outdoor Dining Area

An outdoor dining area will transform family mealtimes, as outdoor meals let you connect over food whilst taking in the fresh air and beautiful scenery. With a variety of materials to choose from such as wood, stone, or concrete, and the option of an overhead structure, your alfresco dining area can be catered to your style preference and climate. 

Outdoor Living Room

Extend your main living space outdoors through outdoor living space. Through comfortable and inviting design choices, an outdoor living room can rival the relaxation of the inside, offering fresh breezes, sunshine, and nature. Adding an overhead structure such as a covered patio or pergola lets you add features such as a fireplace or television to make it even more functional. 

Vertical Garden

An outdoor space is the perfect opportunity to embrace nature at every chance you get. A vertical garden is a unique way to enhance the greenery of this space on the walls of your home or overhead structure. It’s a great option if your outdoor space lacks the footage to include a sizeable grassy backyard. A vertical garden is achieved by installing a trellis or vertical garden structure and can host a wide range of plants from flowers and herbs to succulents. These plant walls are extremely versatile and functional as well. You can use them to create a sense of privacy or even as a feature wall to highlight a specific area. 

Outdoor Shower

Refresh any outdoor living space with the addition of an outdoor shower, providing a convenient way to rinse off after a swim or a day of gardening. You can design an outdoor shower with features such as a rain showerhead or built-in bench. Don’t forget to consider privacy and proper drainage when designing an outdoor shower.

Custom outdoor living spaces

Opting for a custom outdoor living space allows homeowners to design a unique space tailored to their specific needs and preferences. With the help of a custom home builder like G.J. Gardner Homes, homeowners can collaborate with a team of experts to create a space that meets their requirements, from selecting the right materials to incorporating the desired features and amenities. This ensures that the outdoor space is not only beautiful but also functional and efficient. 

Custom features tend to increase the overall value of a property as well, making it a worthwhile investment for homeowners now and in the future. 

Get in touch

Designing an outdoor living space is a fun and exciting process that lets you make the most of the outdoors. G.J. Gardner Homes’ considered approach to planning and design ensures each outdoor space is both beautiful and functional. Get in touch with our friendly team today to learn more about our home designs today.