Whether you’re looking to relax with your family in the evenings or throw parties for the whole neighborhood, an outdoor living space can improve your everyday life. And though there are many different types of spaces you can create, there are a few basic tips to keep in mind that will help you throughout the process. From determining why you want an outdoor space to picking out the right furniture, here are a few ways that you can build a great outdoor living space:

Know what you want from the space.

First of all, it helps to understand the benefits of creating an outdoor living area, as well as what you’re hoping to get from it. For example, a comfortable space can provide your family with somewhere to hang out in the evenings, weekends, or whenever works with your schedule.

You can also turn your home into the place to be for neighbors and friends. And depending on what kind of space you build, you can use it for anything from watching TV to cooking and eating meals to practicing yoga.

Another advantage of creating an outdoor living space is that it can raise the marketability of your home and attract potential buyers if you ever want to sell. This is especially true if you build a deck onto your home, and the experts at DW Elite Decks can get the job done right, providing you with a beautiful place to enjoy friends and family.

Determine where to build.

Where you create your outdoor living area matters. Consider when you will want to use the space most often, and factor in where the sun shines around your home at different times of day. While you may not want direct sunlight every time you hang out in your outdoor living area, you don’t want it to be completely deprived of sunlight either. You will also want to consider whether you want trees around your outdoor space, as well as what kind of landscaping you would like.

Carefully choose the furnishings.

There are many options when it comes to outdoor furniture these days. Whether you go with iron, aluminum, traditional wood, or some other material will depend on what kind of space you are creating and what you want from your furniture. Going with a weatherproof synthetic patio may provide you with the most versatility and durability.

Select great lighting.

You will also want to be sure to select the right lighting solutions for your outdoor space. For example, all walkways and stairs should have adequate lighting, and you want porch lights to illuminate entry doors. Also, if you build an outdoor kitchen and dining area, you will need to use task lighting in the cooking areas, as well as dimmable lamps, candlelight, and/or other lighting to boost the atmosphere of your dining area/lounge.

Don’t hold back on the amenities.

Finally, think of any amenities that you can add to your outdoor living space that will make for a more comfortable experience for your family and/or guests. For instance, a fireplace can serve as a focal point while also keeping you warm in the colder months. A fountain can also boost the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space, as can wall decor, flowers and plants, and so on.

Spending time outside is good for your health and well-being, and one of the best ways to enhance outdoor time for your family and/or friends is to create a space for it. Once you decide what you want from your outdoor living area and where to build it, then strategically choose your furnishings, lighting, and amenities. Then, you will be well on your way to creating the outdoor space you envision.

Article by Kris Louis (guest writer)