As summer continues to bring warm weather, our friends at Redfin share some tips for creating your awesome personal outdoor living space, with help from their partners including Big Star Lights!
The options are endless with the type of outdoor living area you can create. You can add an outdoor kitchen, entertainment area, or water features. You can even install heaters and a fire pit to keep the fun going through the colder months. To help you plan how to create the perfect space for your home, we asked experts from Miami, FL to Portland, OR to share their advice for creating the ultimate outdoor living space.
"The ultimate outdoor space should be a reflection of your indoor living space. A covered area with comfortable seating, ambient lighting, and organic elements such as a water or fire feature make any outdoor space more inviting. Over the last ten years, we have seen a lot of specialized, high-end, outdoor products move into the mainstream marketplace at much more affordable price points. Solar-powered, exterior lighting can now be purchased at a fraction of the cost of the initial price points. These products are easy to install and can add the perfect amount of ambient evening lighting. Additionally, water fountains or bio-burner fire tables can be placed in such a way that allows everyone to enjoy the soothing sounds of water or the illumination of ambient firelight. Ultimately, your space should flow and function for conversation and comfort while being durable enough to withstand the outdoor elements." -Regina Agro, Chelsea Design Inc.
"I love bringing the Indoors…out! We love using our outdoor sofas both indoors and outdoors. This is a great solution for families with kids and pets. There are so many stunning performance fabrics that will shock you when you learn how well they do outdoors. One of my favorite items for our outdoor furniture is a new line of outdoor velvet pillows. Yes, there is velvet that can go outdoors now. The opportunities are endless in extending the comfort of indoor living outdoors." -Alexandra Lauren Design
"The best outdoor spaces we have constructed have incorporated both direct and indirect lighting to maximize ambiance and mood setting. Top it off with a water or fire feature and you are set for success." –HB Home Services
"Having an outdoor space to escape to is more important than ever. Be sure to incorporate a way to keep warm in the fall with a fire pit or outdoor heaters. A fire pit creates a cozy environment and makes entertaining easy and fun! Grab a couple of Adirondack chairs and you’ve got a great set up without breaking the bank." –Morse Design
"Lighting is an easy way to create ambiance and extend your outdoor living space. Whether it’s adding subtle light to a fountain, waterfall, hedge, or other important feature, lighting should set a mood and create joy. Lighting is also the perfect way to improve the curb appeal, add safety, and increase the financial value to your home." –Southern Outdoor Lighting
"Don’t let stains detract from your perfect outdoor oasis. Dirty siding and furniture are not only unattractive, they will also lower the value of your home. A quick, easy clean with 30 SECONDS Outdoor Cleaner will leave your outdoor spaces looking good as new." –30 SECONDS Cleaners
"When you are looking at your outdoor space try to view it as zoned areas just as you would with your interior. By planning and defining areas for a specific use, or multiple uses ensures that you’re getting the most out of the space. Think in terms of the kitchen area, lounge seating, or play area, there are so many options. Once you have your space planned out, selecting surfaces, finishes and furnishing becomes much easier. Don’t be afraid to define multiple purposes for one area." –Arise Interiors
"Consider your outdoor space in much the same way you’d think about furnishing an interior room – think about lamps, conversation spaces, and framing in the view. Remember to always have a small table or stool so that guests can have a sturdy place to set their drink. Take the time to research the materials you’re selecting so that you know how to properly clean and maintain your piece." –Alexander Interiors
"When decorating an outdoor space with lights, we suggest creating a balance of ambiance and function, so that you end up with equal parts of mood lighting and equal parts of visibility. If you’d like to be able to easily control how much light you have in your outdoor space, we suggest investing in a smart outlet with a dimmer." –Big Star Lights