Design Your Ideal Outdoor Living Space

Having a decking area or balcony attached to your property is the perfect opportunity to create an outdoor living space that works for you and your family. If you focus on the right areas, this can be a space that you'll get many months of use from. However, if you get the design and layout wrong, it could simply become a space that you can only use for a few weeks of the year.

If you've just moved into a new property or you've had some work done on your current home, you want to make the most of your outdoor space. You should take some time to consider what you want to achieve from the area, and this way you'll get more use out of it.

Lighting

Installing the right lighting on to your balcony or decking area can make all the difference to how you can use the space. It will enable you to sit out there well into the evening and also generates a warm and inviting atmosphere. There is a range of ways that you could add light into the area, and there are so many types of products available. For instance, with glass balustrade systems you can attach pretty string lights that will brighten up the space, or if you have any trees or shrubs you can add hanging lanterns on to them to complete the look.

Keeping Warm

Introducing a source of heat into your outside space will keep you warm throughout the year, and it also enhances the ambience. Fire pits are becoming more popular, and you don't have to have a large amount of space to achieve this look. There are smaller versions available, and some outdoor tables have them already built in for extra convenience.

The design of your balcony can also improve the levels of heat. There are some decorative balustrades you can choose for your design, but the more gaps there are, the more open the space will be to draughts and the elements. If you look at glass balustrade systems, these will keep the area more enclosed and enable you to use your outdoor room more regularly, even when the weather isn't perfect.

Have the Right Seating

It's important to consider how you will be using the space before you introduce any furniture. This will ensure that you choose the right type of furniture and that the balcony or decking area doesn't become cluttered. For instance, if you're more likely to use the space for relaxing, you'll want to choose a comfortable lounger, whereas if you want the area for dining and entertaining, a table and chairs would be more suitable.

Once you've designed your ideal outdoor living space, you'll be all set to enjoy the area whatever the weather. An outdoor room doesn't just have to be restricted to the summer months, and with some clever designs and a bit of creative thinking you can utilise the area throughout the year.