From laying out vertical gardens to investing in multi-level decking and planning for sustainable landscaping, these are the top innovative design ideas that can transform your outside space.
Using climate-appropriate furnishings is just as crucial, as this can help complete the overall look, livability, and vibe of your outdoor living area.
With these backyard transformation tips and patio makeover ideas, you can maximize your property's usable floor space while also boosting curb appeal. The better your home's curb appeal, the higher its perceived value, and, if the time comes that you want to sell, you may be able to get a higher price for it.
According to an article by Phys.org, homes with inviting entryways, well-maintained exteriors, and tidy landscaping (strong curb appeal, in short) sell 7% more on average compared to comparable homes in the same area.
What Does Outside Space Mean?Â
Also called exterior or outdoor space, the term "outside space" refers to an open-air area outside the confines of residential or commercial buildings. Examples include:
- Gardens
- Patios
- Yards
- Balconies
- Terraces
Outside spaces, if designed and maintained properly, can provide areas for relaxation, dining, recreation, and socialization. With carefully implemented outdoor living ideas, you can extend your home's living area into the calming beauty of the natural environment.
Are All Outside Spaces Considered Outdoor Living Areas?Â
No. Only outside spaces intentionally designed to provide comfort, beauty, and functionality fall under "outdoor living spaces." Raw landscaping, for instance, doesn't qualify as it lacks the functionality and structure that comes from a human-centric design.
Yes, it has dirt, grass, or even plants and trees. However, unless it can do something else that lets it add to your abode's livability, it's just a space outside, not an area that acts as a livable extension of your home.
What Innovative Design Ideas Can Help Transform Your Outside Space?Â
As someone who owns a home with a usable, transformable outside space, consider yourself lucky, as many Americans crave such a feature.
Data published by Market Watch, for instance, cites a survey in which 42% of homeowners say they'd rather invest in creating an outdoor oasis at home than go on a holiday. Over nine in ten also said outdoor time is crucial to their mental and emotional health.
Enjoy all that and more by considering these garden design inspiration ideas and landscaping tips for beginners to maximize your outdoor space and turn it into a haven.
Laying Out Vertical GardensÂ
If you have limited outdoor or patio space, vertical gardening may just be right up your alley. It's a practice that involves growing plants upward using vertical supports, such as hanging structures, trellises, walls, or fences.
You can, for instance, stack planters, hang pots, mount pockets, or repurpose custom window boxes to grow your plants in.
Vertical gardening lets you maximize small spaces where you can grow ornamentals or even get good yields from fruit-bearing plants and vegetables. Their hanging, stacked placement helps improve air circulation and sunlight access, which are both essential for optimal plant health.
Investing in Multi-Level DeckingÂ
A multi-level deck features two or more platforms connected but built at different elevations. Stairs or steps join the platforms, creating separate but functional outdoor "rooms" or "zones."
The distinct areas provide users with different uses. One area can be the outdoor "dining room," for instance, another could be the "BBQ or grilling zone," and a third can be for entertaining guests or relaxing.
A multi-level deck can be an ideal option if you have a smaller outside space and want to maximize it. It also makes for a smart choice for properties with sloping yards.
Planning for Sustainable LandscapingÂ
Sustainable landscaping is an eco-conscious approach to planning, designing, deploying, constructing, and maintaining outdoor living spaces. It considers ecological factors, including the local climate, soil conditions, and wildlife. It aims to reduce environmental impact by:
- Reducing water usage
- Using native and drought-resistant plants or flora that adapt well to the local climatic conditions
- Creating low-maintenance ecosystems or structures that provide food, water, and habitat to local, beneficial wildlife (e.g., bee hotels for bees and pollinators and watering stations for friendly insects and birds)
By incorporating these practices into your outdoor living space, you can share the area with your local, non-human friends and benefit from more nature exposure.
Using Climate-Appropriate FurnishingsÂ
Climate-appropriate furnishings can complete the functionality, comfort, and vibe of your outside space while ensuring you get more bang for your buck with their long-lasting lifespans.
Durable furniture tends to be more sustainable and eco-friendly, too. The longer it lasts, the better its craftsmanship, and the higher the quality of its materials, the less likely you'll have to replace it in the short term. In this way, you also generate less household waste.
Consider teak, acacia, or eucalyptus for wood, as they're durable and sun-resistant. Aluminum is rust-resistant, while synthetic resin wicker is more weather-resistant than the natural kind. Cork is renewable and lightweight, and for fabrics, go with quick-dry, moisture-wicking foam cushions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There Eco-Friendly Lighting You Can Use for Your Outside Space?Â
Yes, you have many eco-friendly lighting options for outdoor use, including solar-powered LED bulbs, wall packs, string lights, and path lights.
The fact that they use LED already makes them energy efficient. However, because solar energy powers them, they can help you save even more on your utility bills.
Most of these innovative lighting solutions come with their own mini solar panels, converting sunlight into electricity and then storing it in a rechargeable battery that engages and turns the lights on at dusk.
What Outdoor Space Projects Do You Need Permits For? Â
Projects for your outside space that involve permanent structures or the addition, installation, or alteration of plumbing, electrical work, and land typically require permits. Decks are a perfect example.
If you're building a new retaining wall or fence for your vertical garden, you may also need a permit from your local municipality.
Turn Your Outside Space Into a Livable, Enjoyable Area
With a vertical garden, a multi-level deck, sustainable landscaping, and climate-appropriate furnishings, you can transform your bare outside space into a highly functional, aesthetically pleasing, and curb-appeal boosting personal haven.
Get more home and lifestyle insights and tips like this by checking out the rest of our news platform.
This article was prepared by an independent contributor and helps us continue to deliver quality news and information.
