For many homeowners, setting up outdoor space and choosing the right decorations and furniture can be daunting. Keep in mind that you are not designing an indoor space. And the approach isn't as exact as that since you have to factor in many elements.
Because of this, people make mistakes, leading to a disorganised, cluttered outdoor area that lacks appeal or functionality.
So, to assist you in styling a dream outdoor garden area, here’s an overview of the most common outdoor design mistakes as well as suggestions on how to steer clear of them.
Mistakes You Should Avoid When Setting up Your Outdoor Living Space
Here are a few common errors to stay away from when designing your outdoor space, as well as tips on how to jazz up the area for the best appearance, functionality, and comfort.
Designing for Indoors rather than Outdoors
While it’s good to be able to make a seamless transition from your indoor living area to your outdoor patio, refrain from using indoor furnishings and decorations outdoors.
Indoor furniture isn't designed to stand up to the weather and other elements. And the aesthetic of indoor decorations and furniture is unsuitable for an outdoor space. In a nutshell, it would appear rather odd in place on the porch or patio.
So if you'd like to add a chair and a dining table to your outdoor living area, avoid looking at your indoor furniture as the answer. Instead, consider purchasing weather-resistant outdoor garden furniture that is built for outdoor use.
Excessive or Too Little Furniture
Any living area has to be functional and stylish. With inadequate patio furniture, you will lack enough spots to relax and peacefully enjoy your backyard oasis. And with excessive outdoor furniture, you may clutter your outdoor area, leading to it feeling congested and not having sufficient space for a simple flow of traffic.
So when deciding on outdoor furniture, choose items that are cosy, built for the outdoors, and appear attractive alone, alongside a couple of other pieces. And ensure that the furniture is in proportion to the size of your outdoor area.
If you're going for a minimalist look, add an element of color and personality, like a throw blanket, plant, or handmade pottery.
Not Enough Décor
Even if you've got the most beautiful outdoor furniture, your outdoor space will lack a sense of completion without any décor. So, incorporate a couple of weather-resistant outdoor items that will create cohesion in the area without causing it to feel cluttered, like pillows and cushions, pottery, jars and vessels, hanging decorations, exterior walls, such as glossy outdoor wall tiles, stylish fencing materials, candles, lighting, garden sculptures and outdoor murals
Lack of Plants
It isn't an outdoor living area if there are no plants. After all, incorporating plants can cozy up your patio, serve as an elegant décor, and even add pleasant fragrances to your home exterior.
Based on the shape and size of your outdoor area, consider incorporating tropical trees, potted shrubs, or a vessel of flowers freshly picked from your garden.
Excessive Plants
Although an outdoor space is not finished without plants, excessive plants can clutter your space. So if you are using potted plants, vessels, raised beds, or an array of plants, ensure they are properly spaced to ensure that they don't grow all over your outdoor living space.
There has to be plenty of space for seats and other decorative elements, so your outdoor space can have a harmonious look.
Poor Furniture Arrangement
Outdoor furniture has to be set up in a manner that encourages comfortable social interaction without having to shout. It ought to provide space for walking about freely without any barriers.
So ensure that you organize furniture properly around your outdoor space, positioning seats close to one another for easy interaction and tables to place refreshments and plates, or near a fireplace, with space for people to get up and comfortably walk around the dining area, fire pit, and seats.
Not Enough Lighting
In addition to creating an inviting atmosphere, outdoor lighting is compulsory to create a safe and functional outdoor space secure, especially at night.
There are numerous kinds of outdoor lighting that you can select, such as:
- String lights
- Solar-powered lights
- Pendant lights
- Bollard light
- Floodlights, e.t.c
Ensure that your outdoor space and every area of your space are well-lit so the place will remain visible at night.
Illuminating every corner of your space also creates an illusion of a bigger space and looks visually appealing.
