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When you want to bring some fantastic outdoor living ideas to life, you have certainly come to the right place. We are going to use our knowledge here at Shedstore to bring your outdoor living spaces to new heights in a way that makes you feel like you finally have the home you have always wanted. It is the quick, easy and enjoyable way to make a house a home in a way that will truly set you free.
Ten outdoor living ideas
Our list of outdoor living ideas is designed to bring your home to life in a way that will make you smile every time you get home. Whether it is the outdoor entertainment area you have always wanted or a cosy country garden illuminated with elegant solar lights, you are sure to find all of the sparks of inspiration you will ever need. Just what you want to hear when it is time to set the tone in your own signature way.
To create our top ten, we have considered all the key things that make an outdoor living room everything it can be:
- Comfort - that makes you want to stay outside late into the evening
- Lighting and warmth - that opens your garden up in all seasons
- Privacy - that gives you that refined touch that makes all the difference
Add to the fact that we know you want to show off your new outdoor area and you will find everything you need to place it in the spotlight. All you have to do now is have a quick read of our list and then sit back as your creative side sparks into life.
1) Add comfort — lots of comfort!
The best outdoor living ideas come with stylish wooden garden furniture that feels like it was always meant to be there, an indoor space in the great outdoors. Couple it with outdoor heating (more on that shortly) and you will have a cosy little space you will never want to leave.
Using design know how makes sure that you have soft lines in your seating design, as opposed to anything too industrial or weighty. You need to feel like you can sink into your outdoor furniture just as you can when you put your feet up in the lounge.
Add in a matching set of outdoor garden cushions and throw pillows and you will be able to set the tone for a relaxing outdoor space you will instantly fall in love with for years to come.
2) Al fresco dining with an outdoor cooking area
Taking your ideas for outdoor living spaces to new heights could include introducing an outdoor kitchen and dining area that allows you to host your guests in style. Imagine being able to chat away while you rustle up some fresh home cooking on the grill and serve it on a dining set to match.
The beauty of this approach is that you can turn dining al fresco into an art form by making the ingredients the stars of the show. No more feeling torn between the kitchen and the living room, now you can bring the food directly into view and make the whole experience more fluid and natural. This is ideal when you want to be able to set the tone for an evening that will flow naturally from one activity to the next.
3) Fire pits for warmth and a WOW factor
Our list of outdoor living room ideas would not be complete without a warming touch to keep everyone toasty. Creating an 'outdoor room' as an extension of your indoor living space is essential for entertaining and comfort. Positioning your new garden benches and garden chairs around a fire pit is the perfect way to add a serious WOW factor to your new-look setting.
The glow, warmth and cosy aesthetics all come together to create a focal point that is sure to make you smile. You will naturally congregate in the evening, light the fire, and share stories while you chat about the events of the day. It is a great way to bring everyone together that feels natural and homely while never feeling forced. Do not forget the gentle crackle of the fire, it is sure to provide the perfect natural backing track to your evening.
4) Furniture and seating options
We love the idea of communal seating mixed with solo chairs. An interior designer can help create functional and aesthetically pleasing outdoor spaces by transforming areas like outdoor living rooms into relaxing retreats or luxurious outdoor havens. You could have a long bench along one side that is for anyone who likes to float around and sit with different people throughout the evening, while a loveseat is a great place for the happy couple to base themselves.
As you will not want to have guests over every evening, consider adding a few matching chairs, a coffee table and other side tables that you can dot around the place and then pick your favourite spot. Getting creative with multiple seating areas is all about remaining flexible and adaptable. You want to have the freedom to move things around so that you can cater to groups of varying sizes, all while making sure that everyone feels comfortable and relaxed in your garden.
5) Garden bars — “I'll have a double”
Stylish outdoor living spaces certainly do come in all shapes and sizes, but it is having a double that will really get the party started! Having your own space in indoor-outdoor living areas allows families to engage in different activities simultaneously without feeling cramped. If you want to double up on the style, then consider adding a dedicated garden bar so that you can really set the tone for an evening never to be forgotten.
Not only is it a great talking point when your guests first arrive, but a garden bar will also offer a natural place around which everyone can chat and congregate. You also will not have to constantly go back inside as you do your rounds offering everyone a top-up. Stock up in advance and you will be able to create a cosy atmosphere that is sure to get everyone involved and singing songs.
6) Integrate plants seamlessly
The best outdoor living ideas combine greenery with a whole new approach to hosting and entertaining in outdoor spaces. The key is to make sure that your choice of plants does not overpower other inclusions in your available space, all so you can strike the kind of balance that dreams are made of.
With a little planning, you can create exactly this type of aesthetic by introducing a range of different sizes of pots set alongside a few artistically positioned sections of trellis. The key is to make sure that you can catch your greenery in the subtle glow of your evening lighting, that way you will be able to balance natural and manmade additions in a way that is sure to make you smile. Each pot really can add to the wider picture if you follow this approach.
7) Outdoor entertainment area
The wonderful thing about an outdoor cooking area that connects naturally with your wider outdoor entertainment area is that it invites everyone to have a try. The concept of outdoor rooms is essential in designing front and back gardens to enhance liveability and functionality, creating spaces that suit family needs. You could clear your statement wooden loveseat to one side, play some music, and have a casual dancing session, or you could get the games out and play late into the night. The choice is yours when you decide to take control of how your outdoor space evolves.
Every time you find a new idea, make a mental note and you will soon have a whole host of options when entertaining groups of all shapes and sizes. We love the idea of having a section of decking where you can easily position your seats to play some traditional family games.
8) Outdoor living spaces with privacy
We know that you want to be able to create spaces that make you feel at home, and we know that this means our outdoor living ideas must come with a degree of privacy. Of course, you do not want to feel locked down or hemmed in by overbearing fencing, but you also do not want to feel like you are under the gaze of prying eyes either. The key is to strike the right balance.
You can create subtle and nuanced fencing by training climbing plants to fill out a few sections of the trellis. Mount them on a handrail around your decking and you will have a little bit of shade from the view and still plenty of natural light, so you do not feel like you are boxed in or cornered.
9) Shelter with style
We love outdoor living ideas that combine style and function to provide shelter outdoors. To help make it happen, we can introduce you to:
- Bike storage - that keeps the clutter at bay while also introducing you to
- Large summer houses - that provide a welcome break from the rain
Each addition you make is sure to give you new ideas about how you can use the rest of your garden. For example, what if you decided to create a space in which the summer house turns into a winter snug simply by having a small patio and fire pit nearby? It could be well worth a closer look!
10) Use multiple levels to stunning effect
A tiered garden offers a natural range of seating areas and plenty of flexibility if you approach things the right way. We have seen some beautiful results over the years where homeowners have transformed their gardens with sleepers and raised beds. The ability to break up the linear flow of the traditional garden and offer something new really does help marvellously to set the tone.
Multiple levels also offer you a chance to pepper the place with seating in a way that encourages your guests to mingle. Rather than feel like they must make a beeline for the seating area, they will naturally make their way around the garden throughout the evening, putting their feet up whenever the mood takes them.
Conclusion
Bringing outdoor living ideas to life can turn your garden into a space that really adds to your lifestyle. With a bit of planning and imagination, you can design an outdoor living area that balances function and style. From soft furnishings in cozy seating areas to patios that feel inviting with weatherproof garden furniture, every detail matters in your dream outdoor space.
Outdoor living spaces can be tailored to your needs, whether it is a place to chill with family, entertain guests or just get outside. Add an outdoor rug or woven furniture to make it more comfortable and add visual interest, and do not forget the importance of a fire pit as a focal point for warmth and atmosphere. For those who love to entertain, a designed outdoor cooking area is a must, so you can dine alfresco with ease.
There you have it! A built-in fireplace, hanging planters and a covered patio. Bliss!
Contact us
Discover how Shedstore can bring your outdoor living ideas to life with innovative solutions for any outdoor setting. From transforming a back garden into a cosy outdoor living room to creating an elegant dining space, we offer expert advice and quality products to suit every style and requirement. Let us help you design an outdoor living area that combines comfort, practicality and visual appeal, complete with everything from garden furniture to weather-resistant furniture and stylish soft furnishings.
Our contact details are:
- Phone – call us at 0333 003 0518
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