Imagining and planning your dream outdoor living space can be a lot of fun. From browsing social media, looking through remodeling sites, and creating Pinterest boards; there’s inspiration around every corner.
But before you get ahead of yourself, there are a few essential things to consider before you begin piecing together that dream design.
What Exactly Should You Consider?
When dreaming of our perfect yard, we tend to get a little overexcited. Sometimes we forget to take into consideration what we already have or what our yard can actually handle. But don’t worry; that’s why we are here to help you figure it all out.
Here are three essential tips to take into consideration before jumping into your yard design:
1. Know What You Want And Why You Want It
When the time comes to plan your dream yard, you need to have a clear idea of what you want from your outdoor living space. Ask yourself: What will you do in your dream space? You want to design a space that suits your purposes, and finding an answer to this question makes it possible.
Will you be hosting children’s birthday parties or watching the big game on Saturday night? Do you need a controlled space to keep the TV safe, or is finding the perfect spot that won’t cause glare from the setting sun more important? Do you spend your time outdoors relaxing with a good book or grilling out? Do you need a shady nook with a hammock and a relaxing waterfall, or an outdoor kitchen and firepit with plenty of seating for guests?
Spend time in your yard imagining the possibilities, and don’t be afraid to get creative. Think about what would give you the most joy and use, and keep those ideas at the forefront of your mind. Having a long-term vision for the space you want is the first step in guaranteeing that you get your perfect backyard.
2. Design Your Patio To Match Your Home
A common mistake in the early phases of design is not nailing down a unified theme or style for an outdoor space, or bringing a dream from a former home to a new home. Patios do not have a universal fit that suits each and every house. Rather, they should echo the style and design of your home. This is especially important for your home exterior and any areas where indoor and outdoor spaces “interact.”
A good designer will assist you early on in selecting the defining elements of your design. They can help you pick out matching colors, find accents to make your yard pop, or choose subtle hues for a relaxing space. Communicating with your designer will allow for the creation of a unified and useful outdoor escape that your family will enjoy for years to come.
3. Consider the Seasons
You don’t want to create a space that’s perfect for the summer but useless in the winter. Comfort is a primary design concern, and you need an area that’s going to be comfortable and functional 12 months a year.
This is a significant factor to consider when beginning your design, as features like fireplaces, pergolas, and spas are major design elements. Will you only want to use your patio on brisk autumn nights or bright summer days? Personalize your dream design to make sure that the space you end up with will suit you all year long.
Consider whether you want the space to be multi-functional or if you would prefer separate sections. Do you want a fire pit and a gondola separated across the yard? Or would you like a gondola near the fire pit for easier use during the winter?
Plan Your Perfect Yard
We all get excited planning our dream yards using images from HGTV and home magazines. But those spaces may not realistically suit our needs or yards, so remember to keep these questions in mind when planning. And of course — if you want help creating an outdoor space that’s perfect for your home and as gorgeous as it is functional, please give us a call at (816) 741-2035, or book an appointment on our website. We have developed a simple 3 step plan to get your backyard project moving forward. Step #1 (Consult): Schedule a design meeting. Step #2 (Plan) We come to you to develop the perfect design and plan for your space. Step #3 (Creation) Sit back and relax as our team of pros quickly and efficiently turn your dream into reality. We’d love to help you design the outdoor living space of your dreams.