With the Bay Area’s enviable climate, it’s just crazy not to take full advantage of every square inch of outdoor space, especially since there are many more outdoor living options now than ever before. But where to start?
Regardless of the amount of area you have to work with, your first decision is how do you want the space to function – and just as importantly, how do you want it to feel?
Take an objective look at your lifestyle. Are you looking for:
• a tranquil escape or romantic retreat?
• an intimate entertaining area or expansive party palace?
• a gourmet outdoor kitchen and dining area?
• a cozy family gathering spot?
• a safe-but-fun destination for your kids and their friends?
• an exercise and play area for you or your pets?
Next, consider your style preferences. Elegant or funky? Eclectic or traditional? Matching sets or a collection of repurposed castoffs? Do you prefer privacy or festivity? When are you most likely to use the space, during daytime hours or in the evenings? Asking yourself detailed questions can help you define your plan and decide what extras you’ll need. Will you want:
• covered or shaded areas (awnings, umbrellas, pergolas and porches)?
• multiple levels for seating, dining and other activities?
• ponds, pools, fountains, waterfalls or other water features?
• outdoor lighting for safety and ambience?
• grilling or cooking spaces?
• an outdoor shower, sink, spa, fireplace or firepit?
• sound systems for entertaining?
• dining and seating? for how many?
• exercise equipment, a putting green or other recreation areas?
• playground equipment or other child-safe areas?
• fencing for privacy, access control or safety?
• a doghouse, kitty condo or other pet shelter?
• a potting bench, greenhouse or other gardening accessories?
Think it through, plan carefully, and choose durable, suitable, low maintenance materials.
For example, you can expand your space by incorporating vertical space – use hanging plants, wall pockets or vertical-gardening systems; hang shelves or display artwork and collections. Create privacy with large trees or shrubs, or install outdoor curtains, shutters or dividers. Define areas with different materials: artificial turf for dining, lawn and play areas; wood, tile, composites (such as Trex® and TimberTech®) or cellular PVC (like AZEK®, Wolf™, Genovations®) for decks and porches; mulch, gravel or pavers for walkways. Up-light plants, under-light stairs and benches, hang fixtures, or string party lights. Your choices are virtually limitless, so look at photos, read blogs and shop around until you find your inspiration. A good place to start idea-shopping is houzz.com.
Don’t forget that synthetic sod is the perfect way to anchor your new outdoor living space. It defines spaces distinctly, needs virtually no maintenance, feels fabulous underfoot, is safe and soft under play areas, and is impervious to pets, children, weather and traffic. It’s affordable, durable, and comes in an array of colors, thicknesses, blade lengths and turf-types. Installation is easy, and gratification is instant.
What are you waiting for? Let’s go outside!
