With summer temperatures rising, nothing is better than having your friends and family over for a barbecue, telling stories with a bonfire, or stargazing at night. There’s just something about the outdoors that helps you create great memories with your loved ones. 

If you’re ready to spend time outside and make the most of the season, keep reading because, in this blog post, I will reveal all the elements you need to design the perfect outdoor space!

#1. Functionality

The first essential element in your outdoor space design is functionality. Ask yourself what your primary use for your outdoor space is. Narrowing this answer down to two or three main activities will help you decide what to do next. 

Here are some of the common uses for outdoor spaces:

1. Relaxing, reading, or watching TV
2. Outdoor games and activities for adults and kids
3. Cooking, dining, and entertaining
4. Gardening
5. Sports

It’s okay if you’re considering using your outdoor area for multiple activities. For example, when we were planning our backyard remodeling project, I didn't even think about adding this private wooden wall. But then we realized that would make the perfect spot to mount a TV for sports fans, and having the area around the firepit would create a cozy space for others to unwind and chat. How cool is that?

To make the most of your outdoor living space, consider adding amenities like a grill, a bar, an outdoor kitchen, a heater, a fire pit, a misting system, a pool or hot tub, or a fountain. 

#2. Sun-Orientation

Another essential element in your outdoors is the sun’s direction and angle. 

For instance, if your main goal is to entertain, place your dining table in an area with gentle morning or evening sun. Avoid placing it in spots that receive harsh midday sunlight. 

Or, if you plan to garden, all your vegetables and flowers should face south to get the most out of the sun.

The sun's orientation will also impact your choice of furniture. For example, wood, all-weather wicker, or metal are excellent choices for outdoor furniture frames that will withstand weather conditions. 

In this process, you also want to consider your interior design style and the mood you’re going after. For example, if you want a relaxing and cozy space, add lounge chairs or outdoor sofas in a west-facing spot for evening relaxation, ensuring enough shade for the afternoon. 

#3. Weather Conditions

Weather and temperatures are two things that impact your furniture and design elements for your outdoor space. Especially if you are selecting hardscape flooring, think about how to treat slipperiness when wet and during the winter. If you have little ones or pets walking outside, consider whether the material will be strong enough to prevent a fall. 

I recommend adding hardscape materials; they act like permeable surfaces that enable rainwater to penetrate the ground instead of unstable surfaces that lead to rainwater runoff. 

Additionally, if you add patio pots, ensure they are sufficiently heavy and stable, so they won’t tip over with strong winds. A tip is to select plants that match the sun condition requirements for the desired placement. If you plan to use faux plants, always choose ones native to your area so it looks as natural as possible.

#4. House Entry 

Your home's adjacent entry is another essential element in your outdoor space makeover. If you plan for children, pets, and even adults to be active outdoors, try to find ways to avoid bringing the dirt inside as well as a designated spot for snow gear, coats, and gloves in the winter. 

I always recommend incorporating well-designed drop zones to collect wet towels, shoes, pool bags, wet snow gear, and other outdoor gear to protect your indoor space. 

#5. Lighting Needs

Despite having the best natural lighting, your outdoor space needs other lighting sources. If you’ve been reading me for quite some time, you know I love to include lighting layers in my designs because they provide a luxurious look to a room. 

You will need additional lighting resources, especially when planning to use your outdoor space after the sun goes down. 

The lighting options for your outdoor space will vary depending on your needs. You could go from having a hard-wired, permanently installed outdoor fixture, such as a ceiling light on the underside of a framed overhang, or a wall sconce on the exterior wall of your home. 

Another thing to consider is lighting any pathways from your home to the outdoor space to create a cozy mood. If you prefer something modern and more fun, string lights are available in different sizes and styles according to your outdoor primary goal.

One great thing about outdoor lighting is that it creates a cozy atmosphere for enjoying your outdoor space while showcasing its beauty from the inside. 

Look at these outdoor projects and how the outdoor lighting creates a difference in looks and ambiance.

As you can see, adding the right elements to your outdoor space should be tied down to your design goal. If you keep it in mind from start to finish, you’ll end up with a great outdoor space that will elevate the look of your home. 

Comment below with any questions about outdoor design and remember to pin this article as inspiration for your new outdoor space. Share it with your loved ones as the first step in your remodeling project.