5 Tips to Create an Enchanting Outdoor Space

Outdoor living has been gaining a lot of popularity recently for its Instagrammable appeal. This has shifted many peoples’ focus towards their own oft-neglected outdoor spaces. If utilised correctly, you can achieve a breathtakingly enchanting outdoor area that can cement your home’s reputation as the talk of the town.

Here are five masterful tips that will help you design the outdoor space of your dreams. 

1. Know Your Priorities

The décor of any space must begin with a clearly laid out plan. The first step to that plan: deciding how you are going to use that space. A cosy reading nook, a lazy lounging nest, an alfresco dining area, an uber-zen yoga retreat or a private office space? The possibilities for your outdoors are endless but once you have a purpose in mind, all the other pieces will flow right into place.

For instance, if your purpose requires it, you can opt for Venetian fences or creeper plants to keep things private with a graceful subtleness.

On the other hand, if you want your outdoors to be your home’s focal point you can invest in stunning outdoor lighting and décor features that will be turning heads from afar – for all the right reasons of course. Similarly, many other elements in your space can also be altered to suit your needs. 

2. Make a Big Start & Fill in the Rest

Much as an artist composes a painting, you need to place your larger elements first. This can range from an outdoor dining table to a Tuscan style gazebo, to an airy hammock. It all comes down to the size of your outdoor space and its intended usage. There is a vast variety of high-quality outdoor furniture that is made to survive the external conditions without compromising on aesthetics. Be sure you make the right choices here as these larger parts will set the undertone for your outdoor.  

Once you place your larger, less movable features down, the picture will become much clearer on how much needs to be added in terms of decorative features. You may choose from lighting, feature walls, jute outdoor rugs, stunning planters, paintings, sculptures, water features and many other options to this effect. Although these smaller pieces are easier to handle and move around to your whim – do not take them lightly! The smallest of details will pack the biggest punches. 

3. Don't Lose Focus on the "Outdoor" Aspect

Many first-timers make the mistake of getting caught up in creating a perfectly comfortable and indoor-like experience in the outdoors; so much so that the space loses its natural charm. So be sure to incorporate all the natural elements in your space.

How is the sunlight going to hit your space? By considering this, you can play with plants or reflective ornaments to create a dance of shadows across your space for a forest-like appeal. If your local climate includes fresh, breezy winds then it’s best to avoid structures that have walls or coverings. If you still feel like your outdoor space has an artificiality to it, you may try creating a small water pond or a subtle waterfall feature. The bubbling splashes of water are not only soothing but make you feel at one with nature no matter where you are.

Incorporating these simple elements will instantly enliven your space without overdoing it. 

4. Keep it Green

We cannot go over outdoor spaces without emphasising the importance of greenery. Adding greenery benefits the environment, it benefits your health and greatly enhances the appearance of any outdoor space. Leafy greens will add a beautiful rustle to your natural background music and provide some much-loved shade in the summers. Pops of floral bouquets can be used to create a fairy-tale inspired picturesque landscape. You can even enhance the functionality of your plant section by going for produce – a bonus if you are into fresh and organic ingredients for the table.

So greens are not only easy on the eyes but will elevate your outdoor experience without detracting from its true essence – staying in touch with nature. You can arrange these in little corners filled with a variety, or in little pops of nature placed ‘randomly’. On the ground, along the wall, hanging from the ceiling – the best part about plants is that they can be placed in planters any way you want.  

In fact, adding a planter is often just what a space needs – it really is that simple! These days, there are enthralling planters that border along the territories of functional art pieces and are sights to behold. Such planters – paired with the right plants – can even become the protagonists of an otherwise minimalized outdoor space.   

5. Accessorise & Illuminate

Thanks to the trend of outdoor spaces, there is no limit to the number of outdoor décor items that can be invested in, to channel just the right amount of allure. Outdoor cushions and rugs offer the cosy vibes of an indoor area with the practicality of outdoor-friendly fabrics. If you want to keep it calm and monochromatic go for cool beiges and calming greys but it’s just as fun to play with pops of colourful patterns that will bring out the greens in your surroundings.  

Lighting pieces will play a major role in creating the ambience of your outdoors and really finishing the look with a punch – especially in the after-hours. In fact, some may say that it’s one of the most important elements when going for a visually stimulating outdoor experience. Play around with string lights, low lamps, chic chandeliers, and muted light strips. A good tip is to opt for warmer tones that will mirror the sun’s warmth amidst the coldness of the night.     

You can add many other accessories as well that will reflect the design direction of your outdoor space. But make sure to keep your collection small and impactful for the best results. 

Remember, there’s no right way to go about creating your own captivating slice of heaven in the outdoors. It’s all about you – so keep these tips handy and just trust your instincts.