Creating The Ultimate Outdoor Space

It’s no secret that Floridians love the outdoors. We are blessed with beautiful weather year-round, which means we can enjoy our outdoor spaces for most of the year. If you’re looking to create the ultimate outdoor space for entertaining, here are some tips to get you started.

Display Your Style

One of the best ways to make your outdoor space feel like an extension of your home is to infuse it with your own personal style. Whether you prefer a more traditional look or something more modern, there are endless ways to express yourself through your furniture choices, décor, and accessories. Not sure where to start? Check out some inspiration online or in magazines. Once you have an idea of what you like, start shopping around for pieces that fit your budget and style.

Add Lots Of Seating

Nothing kills a party faster than a lack of seating. Make sure you have enough chairs and/or benches for all of your guests. And if you really want to take things up a notch, consider adding some fun lounge furniture or an outdoor sofa. If you have overhead protection, some nice cushions and pillows will make a comfy outdoor hang out for your guests. Not only will your guests appreciate having a place to sit, but you’ll also be creating an inviting space that encourages conversation and relaxation.

Convert Your Area Into An Outdoor Dining Space

One of the best ways to take advantage of Florida’s beautiful weather is to eat outdoors as often as possible. If you have the space, consider adding a table and chairs to create an outdoor dining area. This is especially nice if you enjoy cooking on a grill or smoker. Not only will your guests love being able to dine al fresco, but they’ll also be impressed with your culinary skills!

Add Lots Of Lighting

There’s nothing worse than being at a party that feels like it’s just too dark to be hanging outside. Be sure to add plenty of lighting so that your guests can see each other and move around safely. String lights are always a popular choice, but lanterns and Tiki torches can also add a lot of personality to your space. If you have an overhead structure, then adding lights above with a ceiling fan is a great choice. Add a dimmer switch will allow you to get the right lighting for day, dusk, and night lighting.

Incorporate A Heating Element

If you live in Florida, chances are you’ve experienced more than one cold front during the winter months. To make sure your outdoor space is usable year-round, consider adding a heating element such as a fire pit or patio heater. This way you can still enjoy time outdoors even when the temperature starts to drop. Just be sure to follow any local fire codes when using open flames. Take it up a notch and install a fireplace with a hearth and include niche for the firewood. Or choose a chimenea that can be moved around as needed within your space.

Make The Space Seem Larger

If your outdoor space is on the smaller side, there are still plenty of ways to make it feel larger than it actually is. One trick is to use mirrors; hanging a mirror on an exterior wall will reflect light and make the space seem twice as large as it actually is. You can really dress up the mirror as a focal point by flanking each side with tall planters and adding tiny white lights to the greenery and an archway surrounding the top and sides Another trick is to use light-colored furniture; this will help create the illusion of more space by not visually weighing down the area. If your space is small, then less stuff in it is a better option than over crowding an already tight area. And have plenty of space to walk around the seating area will help keep a nice flow and feel more open.

Add A Focal Element

Every space needs a focal point; otherwise, it can feel like something is missing. In an outdoor space, a focal element can be anything from a structure like a pergola or a pavilion where it feels like an outdoor room, to a water feature like a fountain with benches and plants, to an outdoor bar area with a fun tiki hut style. It’s up to you what you want your focal element to be; just make sure it reflects your personal style and ties the whole space together. Another alternative is a gazebo. It’s like having an outdoor room, but it also is beautiful to look at from all areas in your yard or home.

Use Plants Around A Patio

Plants are not only aesthetically pleasing but they also help purify the air and provide much-needed shade on hot days. If your yard is mostly grass, try adding a patio with pavers, pea stone or decking to designate an area for hanging outside. Plant some flower beds around the sides and add plenty of green plants or bushes that stay green all year. Cut in a nice line for your beds and add bulk mulch and some solar lights. Whether you use the space for dining or lounging, you’ll love the instant room feel of the patio.

If you’re looking for low-maintenance plants that can withstand Florida’s heat, consider options like succulents, cacti, palm trees, and bromeliads. Or if you’re looking for something with more color, opt for hibiscus, impatiens, or begonias—just be sure to water them regularly!

Add Some Outdoor Games

If you’re looking to make the ultimate backyard, why not spruce it up with some fun outdoor games? Corn hole and croquet can easily be taken out when you or your guests want a game, while horseshoe pits and bocce ball courts add a touch of permanence. Both horseshoes and bocce are perfect for groups of all sizes, from family reunions to small get-togethers. Everybody loves a little competition. Don’t forget badminton too; it’s another great group game that’s fun for everyone! Whether you opt for these classics or come up with something new, having fun outdoor games in your backyard will let you create memories that last long past the summertime.

Conclusion

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating the ultimate outdoor entertaining space in Florida—one that your friends and family will be begging to spend time in all year long! So, get started with some inspiration for a design, and let the ultimate outdoor space become a reality by using some of the tips in this blog.