Carolyn J. Braden • 3 Minute Read
Creating A Functional Outdoor Space
Original Post: 8/1/23
Updated: 12/6/23
How does your outdoor space make you feel? Enjoying your garden can help you get more from your outdoor space and make it more functional in the process.
A fire pit can be a nice outdoor space design idea
But what exactly does a functional space mean, and how do you need to do it? A functional garden space is an area that is divided up into usable zones that allow you to get the most from it. You must look at what you want in the space, how you navigate it, and what you can reasonably fit in. From here, you can set about designing it.
The following ideas can help you to organize your yard and create the perfect functional outdoor space.
Determine seating zones with unique chairs
Sections
A substantial open garden can allow you so many possibilities. But if you throw everything together, it won't work as well as you imagine it will. When you look at landscaping inspiration, you will find that they are divided up into different usable sections. From a pool area to the dining space with lovely dining chairs, kids' play section, and a relaxing zone. Exactly what you section your space into depends on how you see it and what you want from it, and you can include as much or as little as you like.
See our unique patio reed fencing ceiling tutorial in our quick overview video below or via our YouTube channel @carolynjbraden:
Outdoor lighting inspiraton
Lighting
A functional space needs to be well-lit so you can see your way around and add some much-needed ambiance to the space. You can keep the lighting cohesive throughout or change it up in each section. From in-ground lighting, string lights, ornamental lights, and more, how you light it is entirely up to you, but you need to include it in some form.
Coastal patio shelter ceiling creates texture
Textures
Nothing gives a garden definition like different textures on the ground. For example, paving stones for dining areas or low-maintenance sections can help create a well-defined space. At the same time, real or artificial grass can add color and a different texture for relaxing areas or play zones, for example. Again decking can add contrast and elevation for a different aspect altogether.
A modern pool patio
Shelter
Adding a shelter or covering of some sort is an ideal way to make your garden more functional. Being able to continue to use the garden when the weather isn't 100% perfect or in high heat and wet spells can help you to enjoy the space more and not have to run for cover should you get caught in a sudden downpour. You can choose to erect a pergola or cabana to cover a dining space, for example, a retractable awning, or even use a moveable carabina parasol that can be adjusted and taken down frequently so as not to get in the way.
A whimsical float on a modern pool
Making your garden more functional means looking at how you use the space and what you need to get from it. Then you can add in items that make sense for your lifestyle. If you entertain a lot, this might be a nice decked area with seating; if you are a sporty family, it could designate a specific space for sporting fun or even block off a pool area for safety and to enjoy when the weather is good.
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Carolyn J. (C.J.) Braden is a regular contributor and editor for Carolyn’s Blooming Creations. She has been featured in numerous media publications such as InStyle Magazine, on HGTV, on Bustle.com, and more. She is the author of the books Georgia McMasters in Amethyst Lake Cemetery, How To Be Yourself: 3 Ways To Help You Being You, and the illustrator for the children’s book Bridging Connections. She is a former classroom teacher that now dedicates her life to educating others on how to live their most healthy, creative and happy life. Learn more about her visiting our About Us page.
This is a collaborative post and may contain affiliate links. All opinions and ideas expressed in this post, however, are based on my personal point of view.