Designing Your Outdoor Haven: Expert Tips for Creating a Cosy Outdoor Space

Whether you have a sprawling oasis of greenery or a small city balcony, you should consider making the most of your outdoor space. By doing so, you can create an area to socialise with friends, bond with your loved ones, or even just relax on your own.  

On the other hand, if you don’t feel comfortable in your outdoor space, it’s likely that you will avoid spending time there. In truth, that is just a waste of a wonderful airy space where you and your friends and family can be in touch with nature. 

Of course, taking on a task like this can feel daunting, but worry not, as we have compiled a series of expert tips that can help you with the design and creation of an outdoor haven you can be proud of.

Photo by R.D. Smith on Unsplash

Understanding Your Outdoor Space 

The first thing you should do is take a look at the size and layout of your outdoor space. By doing this, you will recognise what might be suitable and what won’t work at all because of space limitations. 

For instance, large water features might work well in a spacious country garden, but when they’re placed on a city balcony, they can be intrusive. Likewise, micro-gardening is a beautiful addition to an allotment or balcony but can seem under-ambitious when placed on a few acres of land.

That’s just space – you should also consider the features you already have in the garden and whether they need to be replaced or just improved. On top of that, it’s important you take in the UK climate. For instance, a year-round gazebo is not going to work in the Northeast, or if you’re planning on buying a hot tub, it may be worth getting a cover to ensure that it’s blocked off when the leaves are falling off the trees in Autumn. 

Key Elements of a Cosy Outdoor Space 

You’re probably asking yourself, ‘what makes a cosy outdoor space?’ 

As far we are concerned, a cosy outdoor space is a place in your garden or balcony where you can relax, dine, and socialise. And you do all this while feeling completely comfortable. 

Thus, it sounds obvious, but the first thing you should consider when setting up your outdoor space is seating. It should be comfortable enough that you can sit back with your morning coffee and unwind. 

Next on our list is an outdoor dining set-up. Of course, your comfortable seating can double as this, but if you have a bigger garden, it can be nice to have two separate areas. 

Then, you should consider lighting. There are some excellent solar options on the market, and when paired with an outdoor heating system or chimenea, they’re perfect. And lastly, you should be able to make your outdoor area your own by adding nice little personal touches. Everybody is different in this regard, but the joy of having an outdoor space is that you can try things you might be reluctant to give a go inside your home. 

Rattan Sofa Set image via BillyOh

Planning Your Outdoor Space 

They say, “fail to prepare and prepare to fail,” and that’s 100 percent true in this instance. Before you even consider setting up your haven, you should put a plan in place. 

As boring as it sounds, the first thing you should do here is set a realistic budget. There are brilliant outdoor facilities at every price range, so this will just stop you from getting carried away. This budget can involve setting a list of priorities – a top tip here is to develop that list based on the potential usage of each product and the importance of its overall functionality. For instance, if you intend on having a BBQ every weekend but only using your outdoor pizza oven once every few months, then prioritise the BBQ. 

Then, create a layout plan. This will help you keep on track and create the space you envision rather than a half-baked outdoor area. 

Implementing Comfortable Seating Solutions 

The seats you choose for your outdoor haven will depend on your own tastes. 

The following are just a few of the options… 

Rattan Garden Furniture

This is a stylish, environmentally friendly option and one of the elements that’s often ignored with rattan furniture is that pairs with almost any design choice. 

Plastic Garden Furniture

Plastic garden furniture has come a long way in recent years. Gone are the days when this would be the ugly white plastic furniture that would tear at your clothes. Instead, plastic furniture is amongst the most stylish, weather-resistant furniture on the market. 

Wooden Garden Furniture 

It’s hard to beat the classics, and wooden garden furniture can add an element of style into your outdoor haven. When paired with a nice throw and cushion, it can actually be quite comfortable too. 

Metal Garden Furniture 

If you are looking to make a bold design choice, metal garden furniture could be the option for you.