Transform Your Outdoor Space Into an Outdoor Room: A Beginner’s Guide for Novice Homeowners
As a homeowner, you might be focused on the interior of your house, getting the furniture just right and making sure every room feels like home. But what about the space right outside your door? Your garden or backyard is more than just an area of grass and dirt—it’s an extension of your home, and with a little love and attention, it can become a beautiful, functional outdoor room that’s perfect for relaxing, entertaining, and enjoying the summer months.
If you're new to gardening or haven't yet considered how to use your outdoor space to its full potential, now is the time to start! The earlier you get your garden ready, the more time you'll have to enjoy it once the warmer weather arrives. Here’s how to transform your garden into a cozy outdoor room—whether you're looking to host barbecues, read a book in the sunshine, or simply enjoy some fresh air.
1. Start with a Plan: Think of Your Outdoor Space Like an Extra Room
The first step in turning your garden into an outdoor room is to treat it like you would any other space in your home. Think about how you use your indoor living areas—do you enjoy entertaining guests, having family dinners, or simply relaxing on your own? Whatever your preferences are inside, you can mirror them outdoors.
Ask yourself:
What do I want from this space? Is it a place for dining, lounging, or gardening?
How much space do I have to work with? Will you need to create zones for different activities, like a seating area and a dining space?
What style do I want? Do you envision a sleek, modern space, or perhaps a cozy, rustic garden?
Planning out the function and flow of your outdoor room is essential. You don’t need to overhaul the entire garden; small changes can have a big impact and create a space that feels inviting and personal.
2. Choose Comfortable Outdoor Furniture
A key element in creating an outdoor room is the furniture. This doesn’t mean you need a full dining set and a sectional (unless that's what you want!). Think about comfort and function—will you need a lounge area for relaxing, or is your main focus entertaining guests?
For beginners, here are a few essentials to consider:
Seating: Comfortable seating is a must for creating a space where you’ll want to hang out. Look for weather-resistant cushions and materials such as teak, wicker, or metal, which can withstand outdoor conditions. A couple of cozy chairs, a small bench, or a hammock can make all the difference.
Tables: If you’re planning on outdoor meals or drinks, a table is a good investment. This could be a small bistro set, a picnic table, or even a repurposed piece of furniture that works outdoors.
Protection from weather: If your garden gets a lot of sun, consider adding an umbrella, pergola, or shade sail to keep things cool and comfortable. Also, can the above protect you when the weather has decided not to be kind?
3. Add Greenery: Plants and Flowers Bring Life to the Space
A garden wouldn’t be a garden without plants, and incorporating them into your outdoor room will enhance the ambiance and add color and fragrance. Plants not only provide beauty, but they also help to define spaces and create a sense of privacy, much like a living wall or privacy screen.
If you're just starting out with gardening, begin with easy-to-care-for plants. Consider:
Potted plants: They’re perfect for beginners because they’re portable and easy to manage. You can fill a space with a variety of plants and move them around if needed.
Flowering plants: Even a few blooms can transform your space. Try geraniums, lavender, or petunias for low-maintenance, colorful options.
Herbs: Not only do they smell great, but herbs like basil, thyme, or mint can also be used in cooking, making them practical additions to your outdoor space.
4. Create Privacy with Screening or Fencing
To make your garden feel more like an outdoor room, you may want to add some elements that provide privacy or help define the space. A fence or trellis covered with climbing plants like ivy or jasmine can provide both seclusion and beauty.
If you’re renting or want a temporary solution, try using tall planters or bamboo screens to block off unwanted views or create a cozy corner. This will help to create a sense of "room" within your garden, giving you more privacy for lounging or entertaining.
5. Lighting: Set the Mood for Evening Relaxation
Don’t let the sun going down stop your outdoor fun! Lighting is an important element in creating an outdoor room that feels welcoming at night. Outdoor lighting can also add to the atmosphere, transforming your garden into a cozy, glowing retreat once the sun sets.
Some simple lighting ideas include:
String lights: These are an easy and affordable way to add a whimsical feel to your outdoor space. Hang them across a pergola, along a fence, or wrap them around trees for a magical effect.
Lanterns and candles: Use flameless lanterns or outdoor-safe candles to create a warm and inviting ambiance. They're also great for creating a relaxing atmosphere for evening meals.
Path lights: Highlight garden paths and walking areas with solar-powered path lights to ensure your outdoor room is safe and stylish after dark.
6. Add Personal Touches: Decorate Your Space
To make your outdoor room feel truly yours, add some personal touches that reflect your style. This could be anything from colorful throw pillows, a stylish outdoor rug, or even unique garden art.
Consider adding:
Textiles: Soft cushions, throws, or even outdoor curtains can make your space feel more like an indoor living room.
Outdoor rugs: These help anchor your seating area and add comfort to your outdoor space, just like an indoor rug would do in your living room.
Decorative items: Lanterns, sculptures, or quirky garden ornaments can add personality to your outdoor room.
7. Get Ready Now for Summer Fun!
The earlier you start preparing your garden, the more time you’ll have to enjoy it when summer arrives. Use these next few months to set the foundation for a beautiful outdoor room. Once the weather warms up, you’ll be ready to host outdoor dinners, relax with a book, or simply unwind with a cup of coffee while soaking up the sunshine.
Remember, transforming your outdoor space doesn’t need to be overwhelming, especially if you're just getting started. Take it one step at a time, focusing on comfort, functionality, and adding beauty to the space. Before you know it, your garden will feel like an extension of your home—a place where you can relax, entertain, and enjoy the best parts of summer.
Are you ready to create your own outdoor room? Share your ideas or progress in the comments! We’d love to hear how you're planning to use your garden this year.