Outdoor rooms are pared down and more casual versions of what's going on indoors, which may explain why many of us are drawn to that more relaxing, uncluttered space outside. If your finances allow it, a designer can plan and create a space that looks as good—if not better—than your living room. Whether it's the job of a professional or a design-it-yourself project, assess your yard and think about what you're doing before you buy pillows and patio pouf.
What to Consider
The great thing about an outdoor room is that it's a place of relaxation that puts you in arm's reach of nature: shrubs, trees, scented flowers, water features and outdoor accessories. But you can't just plop a settee and outdoor table randomly in the yard and proclaim it your new "outdoor room." Think about these things first:
·Location: Is the room convenient to the house, for quick trips to the kitchen or bathroom?
·Size: Does the outdoor room take up the whole yard? Is there space for other activities for other household members, like children's play equipment, a grill, an herb garden, etc.?
·Shape: While a rectangular shape makes sense, look at the lay of the land in your yard. If it's long and narrow, maybe a diagonal furniture placement or square room would mix things up a bit.
·Continuity: If your house is contemporary, continue the same or similar materials and architectural features with your outdoor room. Use similar colors and materials as indoors, only more casual. A Victorian tea garden setup will look out of character with your modern one-story home.
·Goals: What do you want in an outdoor room? Maybe a refuge, a place to entertain, for privacy or to enjoy your garden?
·Budget: A well-designed outdoor room with carefully chosen vintage and repurposed furnishings can look just as good as a room with an unlimited budget.