Create the Perfect Outdoor Space
Your outdoor space serves as an inviting extension of your home, and the Texas spring weather ushers in sunny days and cooler nights that make it the ideal time to create the perfect outdoor setting. Before buying patio furniture or coming home with a truckload of plants, experts at Garden Design encourage you to consider these questions:
- Will you use the space for hosting? Typically how many guests do you expect?
- Will this serve as a quiet place for you to relax?
- Does your area need to be kid and/or pet friendly?
Whether you choose modern and sleek or comfortable and classic, you can create a beautiful outdoor space ready for weekend gatherings and relaxation. Many Normandy Homes floorplans include kitchens and family rooms that flow naturally to the patio areas. Take stock of the questions above as you prepare the perfect outdoor retreat.
Furniture and Function
Will you host full-scale dinner parties and need an outdoor dining table or do you want to create a living room atmosphere with smaller tables to hold food and drinks? If you love escaping into a good book or snuggling with your kids as the sun sets, gliding furniture or a hammock might be a smart purchase. Even if you plan to order online, visit patio furniture stores to compare styles and test out the comfortability of furniture. Remember to measure your patio area and furniture before you buy! Don’t forget to plan space for the grill.
Entertainment
Do you want to mount a TV for movie night? Do you love card games or board games and need a pop-up table? Do you frequently play yard games and need an attractive storage bin to keep in the backyard? Keep these things in mind as you plan furniture layout and spacing.
Plants
Adding color and greenery to your patio and outdoor space is an ideal way to usher in spring. Experts encourage homeowners to invest in easy-care plants, so you can relax instead of constantly maintaining your garden or potted plants. Discover these 8 Low-Maintenance Plants (indoor and outdoor) that Thrive in North Texas. Remember to research which plants attract bees and avoid those for your dining area.
To explore your inner gardener, consider building flower boxes, a vertical herb garden, or a succulent wall. Get the kids involved as you check out these 35 DIY Vertical Garden Ideas.
Fire, Water, and Lighting
If winding down next to a crackling fire sounds ideal, incorporating a freestanding fire pit is an easy addition without the time and expense of a huge yard overhaul. From wood burning to propane, freestanding fire pits have come a long way in design and function. You’re certain to find something to match your style and purpose to complete your perfect patio. Adding a water feature, whether it’s a plugged-in fountain or a small waterfall in your landscaping, ushers in a relaxing atmosphere. Finally, incorporating string lights or accents lights along fences or landscaping also adds to the ambiance and helps the party continue after the sun goes down.
Textile Accents
Outdoor rugs are gaining in popularity, as they add warmth and color to outdoor spaces. Wayfair offers these tips on How to Choose the Best Outdoor Patio Rugs based on material, amount of traffic in the area, and if the patio is covered or exposed. Colorful pillows also create visual interest and tie in a cohesive look for your outdoor space.
Protection from the Elements
Select Normandy Homes floorplans include covered patios, and some offer extended patios as an option for owners. If you wish to extend your backyard experience beyond the covered patio by creating an uncovered gathering spot, consider ways to protect guests from the hot sun, such as outdoor umbrellas or a pergola.
Just like your home, your outdoor space is ever-evolving as you find new purposes and fresh ways to enjoy it. Don’t wait until it’s perfect to fully embrace this season – use it as is for your morning coffee on the patio and an evening barbecue with friends. Then as you find pieces you love, add them to create a welcoming outdoor oasis.