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Ever catch yourself looking out the window and daydreaming of an updated, beautiful backyard that's both functional and welcoming? It can be hard to envision your own outdoor space looking like the aesthetically perfect backyards you see on TV and social media, but in reality, it is more attainable than you might think.
While creating the outdoor living space of your dreams requires thoughtful planning and the right combination of elements, we have years of experience transforming unused space into luxurious living areas. After many renovations, we've learned which essentials are most common when drawing out an initial conception. First, we recommend creating a vision board or Pinterest board of ideas and styles that you like to share with us when you're ready to get started (and using some of our previous exterior living areas for inspo). And while creating that, keep in mind the 9 most common and best outdoor living essentials we've seen homeowners include - and wish they include - in previous renovations.
Choosing the right color palette ties your outdoor living space together. This allows you to transform your outdoor space into an inviting retreat that you'll want to spend more time in. Also, take into consideration the colors of your home's exterior and select furniture, cushions, and accessories that complement or contrast these hues. Neutral tones like beige, gray, and taupe can create a timeless and sophisticated look, while bold colors like red, blue, and green can add a vibrant touch to your outdoor oasis.
We all know too well how cold Pittsburgh can be in the winter, but with the right outdoor space, you can still enjoy it year-round! To extend the usability of your outdoor space into the cooler months, consider adding elements like patio heaters that provide warmth and ambiance. Create a cozy atmosphere for social gatherings around a focal point like an outdoor fire pit or wood-burning fireplace (which also complements outdoor kitchens!). These features not only provide warmth but also add ambiance to your outdoor living space.
One place homeowners tend to overlook or skimp on is their outdoor seating, But if it's not comfortable, you aren't going to spend time sitting out in it. Plan to invest in comfortable, cozy, and inviting patio furniture to complement your relaxing outdoor oasis. Invest in outdoor sofas, chairs, and ottomans with plush cushions and pillows to create a cozy and inviting seating area for relaxing and entertaining guests. Also as mentioned above, if you want to use it year-round, make sure you choose durable and weather-resistant furniture that is both stylish and comfortable. Keep an eye out for items that provide convenience, like coffee tables, and/or string lights for a magical touch.
Propane grills are a must-have for Pittsburgh backyards, but why not go all out and upgrade to a full kitchen on your outdoor patio? We have designed award-winning outdoor kitchen layouts and have pin-worthly inspo here.
Privacy is important for keeping and creating peace. Fencing, even screens, and plants as mentioned above, all can help to create a sense of seclusion. Don't be that homeowner who spends all your time and money creating the perfect backyard area only to feel like you're on display. Creating a sense of privacy in your outdoor space is essential for feeling comfortable and relaxed. These can also help define your outdoor area and provide a backdrop for your greenery and plants.
Ambiance is another element that homeowners tend to overlook. Lighting can enhance the look and feel of your outdoor space and encourage you to enjoy it after the sun goes down. Simple installations of string lights, lanterns, or sconces create a warm and inviting atmosphere while also highlighting architectural features or focal points in your outdoor space.
Creating the outdoor living space of your dreams is possible with the right planning and outdoor living products - and the right general contractor like J. Francis Company, LLC. Whether you're looking to create a peaceful solitude or a space for entertaining, these outdoor living essentials will help you create a unique outdoor space that you'll love for years to come.
While creating the outdoor living space of your dreams requires thoughtful planning and the right combination of elements, we have years of experience transforming unused space into luxurious living areas. After many renovations, we've learned which essentials are most common when drawing out an initial conception. First, we recommend creating a vision board or Pinterest board of ideas and styles that you like to share with us when you're ready to get started (and using some of our previous exterior living areas for inspo). And while creating that, keep in mind the 9 most common and best outdoor living essentials we've seen homeowners include - and wish they include - in previous renovations.
1. Patio, Deck, Balcony, or Porch
The foundation and focal point of your outdoor living space, whether it is a patio, deck, balcony, or porch, sets the stage for the rest of your design. Start by envisioning how large of an area you want for this project and planning around it.2. Greenery & Plants
Integrating greenery and plants into your outdoor space adds life and color, and can also add privacy for nosey neighbors. From potted plants on the porch to a small butterfly garden to full shrubbery surrounding the parameter of your yard, consider how much new plant life you'd like to incorporate into your design. Adding outdoor rugs will also define different areas of your outdoor living space and create a cohesive look, especially giving dimension when layering on pots and planters.
3. Color Palette
Choosing the right color palette ties your outdoor living space together. This allows you to transform your outdoor space into an inviting retreat that you'll want to spend more time in. Also, take into consideration the colors of your home's exterior and select furniture, cushions, and accessories that complement or contrast these hues. Neutral tones like beige, gray, and taupe can create a timeless and sophisticated look, while bold colors like red, blue, and green can add a vibrant touch to your outdoor oasis.4. Shade
Many homeowners overlook shade, but it is an essential component of outdoor living, especially during the dreaded Pittsburgh dog days of summer. Pergolas, retractable roofs, and oversized umbrellas are a great aerial addition to patios to provide shade and create a comfortable outdoor living area while also protecting from summer heat. Plants and large trees can also help keep the overall backyard cool, and we recommend considering that before clearing/removing any large, older trees for more space.
5. Warmth
We all know too well how cold Pittsburgh can be in the winter, but with the right outdoor space, you can still enjoy it year-round! To extend the usability of your outdoor space into the cooler months, consider adding elements like patio heaters that provide warmth and ambiance. Create a cozy atmosphere for social gatherings around a focal point like an outdoor fire pit or wood-burning fireplace (which also complements outdoor kitchens!). These features not only provide warmth but also add ambiance to your outdoor living space.
6. Comfortable Seating
One place homeowners tend to overlook or skimp on is their outdoor seating, But if it's not comfortable, you aren't going to spend time sitting out in it. Plan to invest in comfortable, cozy, and inviting patio furniture to complement your relaxing outdoor oasis. Invest in outdoor sofas, chairs, and ottomans with plush cushions and pillows to create a cozy and inviting seating area for relaxing and entertaining guests. Also as mentioned above, if you want to use it year-round, make sure you choose durable and weather-resistant furniture that is both stylish and comfortable. Keep an eye out for items that provide convenience, like coffee tables, and/or string lights for a magical touch.
7. Dining & Cooking
Propane grills are a must-have for Pittsburgh backyards, but why not go all out and upgrade to a full kitchen on your outdoor patio? We have designed award-winning outdoor kitchen layouts and have pin-worthly inspo here.
8. Privacy
Privacy is important for keeping and creating peace. Fencing, even screens, and plants as mentioned above, all can help to create a sense of seclusion. Don't be that homeowner who spends all your time and money creating the perfect backyard area only to feel like you're on display. Creating a sense of privacy in your outdoor space is essential for feeling comfortable and relaxed. These can also help define your outdoor area and provide a backdrop for your greenery and plants.
9. Lighting
Ambiance is another element that homeowners tend to overlook. Lighting can enhance the look and feel of your outdoor space and encourage you to enjoy it after the sun goes down. Simple installations of string lights, lanterns, or sconces create a warm and inviting atmosphere while also highlighting architectural features or focal points in your outdoor space.Final Touches
For the ultimate outdoor entertainment experience, don't forget a weatherproof TV. Pittsburgh is a sports town first, and watching the Steelers from your new outdoor oasis will give all your friends and neighbors FOMO. (fear of missing out). Just be sure not to overcommit with friends and family so you can enjoy it yourself alone, too! If you love entertaining, hot tubs and pools are a great element to build into your renovation, while a small koi fish pond or meditation bench can help bring calmness to your sanctuary.Creating the outdoor living space of your dreams is possible with the right planning and outdoor living products - and the right general contractor like J. Francis Company, LLC. Whether you're looking to create a peaceful solitude or a space for entertaining, these outdoor living essentials will help you create a unique outdoor space that you'll love for years to come.
