Ah, springtime. The birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming, and the weather is finally warm enough to venture outside without your nipples turning into icicles. And what better way to celebrate the arrival of this beautiful season than by creating a cozy outdoor living space where you can kick back, relax, and enjoy the sunshine (or shade, if you’re not into that whole “tan” thing)?
Now, we know what you’re thinking. “Creating a cozy outdoor living space? That sounds like a lot of work.” And you’re right. It is a lot of work. But trust us, it’s totally worth it. Because when you’re sitting in your little outdoor oasis, sipping on a cold beverage and enjoying the gentle breeze, you’ll forget all about the time and money you spent making it happen.
So, without further ado, here’s our ultimate guide to creating a cozy outdoor living space. Just try not to get too excited.
Step 1: Find a Suitable Space
The first step to creating a cozy outdoor living space is, well, finding a space. And we don’t mean just any space. We mean a space that’s suitable for lounging, entertaining, and generally being a lazy bum. Here are some things to consider when choosing your outdoor space:
- Size: You don’t want to cram a bunch of furniture into a tiny space and end up feeling claustrophobic. On the other hand, you don’t want to have so much space that you’re yelling to talk to the person next to you. Aim for a space that’s just right.
- Privacy: If you’re the kind of person who likes to sunbathe in the nude, you’ll want to make sure your outdoor space is private enough that your neighbors won’t call the police. But even if you’re not into public nudity, it’s nice to have some privacy so you can relax without feeling like you’re being watched.
- Access: You don’t want to have to climb over a fence or trudge through a muddy field just to get to your outdoor space. Make sure it’s easily accessible from your house or apartment.
Step 2: Choose Your Furniture
Once you’ve found your perfect outdoor space, it’s time to choose your furniture. This is where you can really let your personality shine (or not, if you’re a boring person). Here are some things to consider when choosing your outdoor furniture:
- Comfort: Obviously, you want your outdoor furniture to be comfortable. But don’t just settle for any old patio set. Look for furniture that’s designed for lounging, like chaise lounges, hammocks, or Adirondack chairs.
- Style: Do you want a modern, minimalist look? A cozy, rustic vibe? Or do you just want to throw a bunch of brightly colored pillows everywhere and call it a day? The choice is yours.
- Durability: Your outdoor furniture is going to be exposed to the elements, so make sure it’s built to last. Look for furniture made from weather-resistant materials like teak, cedar, or metal.
Step 3: Add Some Lighting
One of the keys to creating a cozy outdoor living space is lighting. Not only does it create a warm and inviting atmosphere, but it also allows you to use your space after the sun goes down. Here are some lighting options to consider:
- String lights: Who doesn’t love a good string of twinkling lights? Not only are they cute and festive, but they also provide a soft and warm glow that’s suitable for a cozy outdoor living space.
- Lanterns: Lanterns are an excellent option for adding a rustic or bohemian vibe to your outdoor space. You can choose from traditional lanterns or something more unique, like Moroccan-style lanterns or solar-powered lanterns.
- Candles: If you want to add romance to your outdoor space, candles are the way to go. Just be sure to use flameless candles if you have young children or pets.
Step 4: Bring in Greenery
No cozy outdoor living space is complete without greenery. Not only does it add to the overall aesthetic, but it also provides peace and tranquility. Here are some ways to add greenery:
- Plants: Obviously, plants are the easiest way to add greenery. Choose plants that are suitable for your climate and thrive in outdoor conditions.
- Vertical gardens: If you don’t have much floor space, consider creating a vertical garden. You can use a trellis, a living wall system, or even old pallets to create an elegant and functional vertical garden.
- Herb garden: If you like to cook, consider creating an herb garden in your outdoor space. Not only will it add some greenery, but it will also provide you with fresh herbs for your meals.
Step 5: Add Personal Touches
Finally, to really make your cozy outdoor living space your own, add some personal touches. Here are some ideas.
- Pillows and blankets: Throw some pillows and blankets on your outdoor furniture to make it extra cozy and comfortable.
- Art and decor: Hang some outdoor-friendly art or decor on your walls to add personality to your space.
- Entertainment: Whether it’s a sound system or a TV, adding some entertainment options can really make your outdoor space feel like an extension of your indoor living space.
And there you have it! The ultimate guide to designing a cozy outdoor living space. Just remember, creating a cozy outdoor living space takes time, effort, and money. But in the end, it’s worth it. So get out there and create the natural oasis of your dreams!