Transforming your garden into an outdoor living space can not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home but also provide you with a functional and enjoyable area to spend time with family and friends. If you’re looking to sell your home, it can be a very smart way to increase the value of your property quickly. As more people are embracing the idea of maximizing their outdoor areas, especially in light of the pandemic, there’s been a big surge in projects to revamp people’s gardens into usable spaces. By utilizing thoughtful design choices, you can turn your garden into a comfortable and inviting extension of your home.
To begin the process of creating an outdoor living space, it’s essential to consider the layout and the specific needs of your garden. This may include areas for relaxation, dining, entertainment, and play. By incorporating a balance of hardscape and softscape elements, you can create a cohesive and harmonious atmosphere that seamlessly connects the indoors with the outdoors. If this feels overwhelming to you, don’t worry! There are a number of companies that can help you curate the perfect design for your garden and implement it for you. When you’re ready, you can start your luxury landscaping with CGLA.
Table of Contents
1. Think Long Term
One of the worst mistakes I see people making when they undertake any renovations, is thinking in the short term. It’s so important to consider where you see yourself in 5, 10, even 20 years. Do you plan to start a family? Maybe you’re hoping to downsize your home in the next few years. Whatever your plans for your life, be sure to take them into consideration for your garden design. A professional landscaping team can help you anticipate these life changes and help you with planning around whatever you foresee your future to look like.
2. Designing for Privacy and Comfort
Creating an inviting and private outdoor living space is essential for enjoying your garden. By focusing on shade and shelter options and privacy solutions, you can transform your garden into a comfortable and secure environment. There are quite a few options for privacy and comfort that you can explore for your garden transformation. Pergolas are a popular choice for creating shade, as they offer a flexible and customizable design. You can either grow climbing plants on them for a natural canopy or install a weather-resistant fabric to provide more constant protection from the sun.Gazebos are another great option for providing shade and shelter. These structures typically have a solid roof and can be adorned with curtains or screens to increase privacy. Umbrellas provide an easy and portable shade solution. They come in various sizes, materials, and colors, allowing you to choose one that matches your garden’s design effortlessly. The more comfortable your garden area is, the more time you’ll want to spend there so definitely keep this in mind. The type of shade option you use will depend largely on your budget and the aesthetic you’re going for.
3. Consider Water Features
Incorporating water features into your backyard landscaping can create a soothing and tranquil environment. They not only provide a visual focal point but also generate calming sounds of flowing water. Because of the plumbing required for certain water features, it’s worthwhile planning in advance what features you’d like to include in your garden transformation. If space and budget allow, consider installing a swimming pool or natural pond. These features make an excellent destination for gathering and relaxation. Add a fountain to your garden for a dynamic water feature that complements your greenery. Fountains come in various styles, sizes, and materials, making them versatile additions to any outdoor space. You could construct a small waterfall or meandering stream as a serene touch to your backyard. These features blend seamlessly into the landscape and help create a sense of tranquility.
4. Don’t Skimp on Lighting
Outdoor lighting is essential to create a welcoming and functional outdoor living space if you’d like to use it during the evenings. There are a few types of lighting you should consider for your garden, such as ambient lighting which sets the overall mood and atmosphere of the space. Options include lanterns, string lights, and wall-mounted fixtures. You also may want to consider installing task lighting which is essential for areas where specific activities will take place, such as cooking or reading. Examples include spotlights and deck lights. Another type of lighting commonly used in garden areas is accent lights which highlight specific features or areas, such as a water feature or seating area. Uplighting and downlighting techniques can be employed to create a dramatic effect. You could also consider solar powered lights which are energy efficient, making them a popular choice for gardens. They can be found in various styles and types, such as pathway markers and decorative stake lights.
5. Bring in the Experts
While hiring a designer for your garden area may feel like a large expense, it could actually save you money in the long run. Having a professional with years or decades of experience can help you navigate many of the questions and challenges you may face redoing your outdoor space. Exterior designers often have established relationships with providers, so they can often negotiate better rates for things saving you money. Likewise, they can help reduce the costs that often come with making mistakes that you then have to reinvest in to fix. It also helps reduce the stress levels of undertaking such a large task, and ensures you have experts overseeing the transformation of your garden. If you’re on a bit of a budget, you can also help the designer to help you find cheaper ways to get the results you are dreaming of.
Transforming your garden into an outdoor space can feel like a huge task, but there are so many rewards. You’ll have a new place for your children to play, you can invite friends and family over for a BBQ during the summer months, and to enjoy your property more. You’ll be making an investment into your property that will appreciate, all while having an extra space to enjoy!
