How to Create the Outdoor Living Space of Your Dreams in 2022
Your home is an extension of you.
Your preferences and style can be integrated into your home through the way it is designed, laid out and furnished. From the paint colour on the walls and countertop materials, to your furniture selection, decor choices and everything in between, the elements of your home are a true reflection of you.
With the right approach, you can easily continue this into your backyard space. Transform your backyard into a little slice of paradise that motivates you to spend your free time enjoying the fresh air, sunshine and outdoor elements chosen with you in mind.
For help creating the outdoor living space of your dreams, here is the ultimate 2022 backyard refresh guide!
Consider Your Likes and Dislikes
The key to creating any sort of living space, indoor or outdoor, is ensuring that it will be a place that you actually enjoy! As you get started, consider your likes and dislikes.
Love Nature?
Do you enjoy birds and all sorts of wildlife? You may want to consider a flower garden, bird feeders or taking a natural approach to lawn care and weed prevention.
Enjoy Hosting?
Do you enjoy entertaining family and friends alike? Create a space perfect for hosting guests with stylish and comfortable patio furniture, an outdoor audio system, BBQ, and outdoor lighting.
Live a Busy Lifestyle?
Do you live a particularly busy lifestyle, with little free time for outdoor improvement? Consider improvements to your outdoor space that can help to create a maintenance-free environment, long-term.
What’s Your Favourite Colour?
Do you enjoy a certain colour or palette? Make note of certain neutrals and accent colours when shopping for furniture, plants and decor.
Prioritize Privacy
Whether you have nosey neighbours or simply enjoy your privacy, the elements of your backyard can help to create a more secluded place where you feel completely comfortable. Consider installing a new fence, building a privacy wall or partition, planting bushes or trees, or adding a garden trellis with climbing plants.
Pets
If you own a pet or multiple pets, you may want to consider investing in scratch-resistant furniture and creating a pet-friendly backyard with non-toxic plants and even an area for them to relieve themselves that won’t disrupt your lawn!
Make a Plan
Once you have an idea of what you would like your backyard space to include (and what you most definitely don’t want) it’s time to make a plan!
Your plan should include:
Backyard layout and design
Supply list
Short-term and long-term budget
Timeline and goal end date
Your plan should also include what you intend to do yourself and if a professional is needed. For instance, a patio that has weeds growing through the interlock can be handled by you, but sometimes hiring a professional to remove the weeds may prove to be more effective. And it’s a lot less hard work for you!
Purchase Supplies
Once your plan is in place, it’s time to hit the store! You may want to visit local garden centres, big box stores, home improvement depots, and even the dollar store, to find your essentials.
Your shopping list should include a combination of the following, based on your plan:
Garden Tools: Rake, lawn mower, hose and reel, sheers, and trowel.
Plants, Soil and Plant Food: Soil, mulch, fertilizer, and plants of choice.
Weed Removal: Chemical-based weed control or natural approach with products such as vinegar, salt, dish soap, and a spray bottle.
Cleaning Supplies: Rags, cleaning solution, dish soap, and gloves.
Outdoor Lighting: String lighting, in-ground lighting, stair lighting, and motion-sensored lights
Decor: Throw pillows, blankets, outdoor candles, potted plants, and bird feeders
You may need to make multiple trips throughout your backyard project or require supplies at later stages in the project - depending on your plan and what you require!
Get to Work!
You have a plan and now you also have all of the supplies needed to get started. All that is left is getting to work! We suggest starting with a deep cleaning of your backyard, which may consist of raking leaves, cutting the grass and power washing surfaces like the deck, patio, walkways, the driveway, and siding of the house.
Once the area is clean, you can start to tackle the bigger endeavors. You may find it best to start with any structural changes, such as building a deck, fixing a patio or adding a garden. From there, you can continue with any soft-scape adjustments and the finishing touches!
Some prefer to slowly make changes to their outdoor space, dedicating an hour or so each night to gradually finishing the work, while others prefer an all-or-nothing approach and set aside an entire weekend. How you schedule the work is completely up to you and dependent on your schedule!
Remember, you're not alone! Don’t shy away from asking friends, family or a professional for help as you embark on this adventure.
Find the Perfect Furniture
What better way to enjoy your outdoor living space, than with the perfect furniture?
With the right approach, you can select pieces that offer the perfect combination of style, comfort and durability. The furniture you require is based on factors such as your preferences, backyard layout and existing pieces.
Do you own a BBQ or enjoy hosting dinner parties? The right outdoor patio table and chairs are a must-have! Is relaxation and self-care your top priority? Comfortable seating, such as a conversation set or sectional-style couch might better suit your needs.
Keep in mind that once you find the right patio furniture that you may need to place an order for future delivery. If you anticipate a wait time, you may want to select and purchase your patio furniture earlier in the process!
The Finishing Touches
After all of the hard work you’ve put into your outdoor oasis, it’s nearly time to kick back and relax! All that’s left to do is find the finishing touches.
Visit your garden centre for an extra pop of colour, find an outdoor citronella candle to keep mosquitoes at bay or shop online for the perfect Bluetooth speaker - your dream outdoor living space is just around the corner!
