Designing your outdoor area is a fun but daunting task. With a whole range of things to consider, it can be difficult to determine the right choices. You want the space to be stylish, yet it needs to be functional and suit your lifestyle. If you are designing your outdoor area but are not quite sure where to start, consider the following 5 things to create a outdoor space that is both beautiful and practical.

1. The purpose of the space

The best place to start is the purpose of the space. What do you want to use your outdoor area for? Do you entertain often? Are you looking to create a place for the kids? Whatever the case may be, this purpose should remain at the forefront of your mind with every single decision. This way you can be sure the end result actually meets your needs and requirements.

2. The theme of your home

Your outdoor area should be considered in connection with your home, not as a separate space. Consider the theme and colour pallets in your house. Will your outdoor area be an extension of this? How will you ensure that it matches the overall theme and that it feels like a seamless part of the property? Even if you choose to spice things up with something a bit different outdoors, there should still be some aspects that suit the house. This way, your overall look will be polished rather than disjointed.

3. The statement piece

Every area should have a focal point that adds the ‘wow’ factor. Spend some time thinking about what this might be in your outdoor area. You could consider an outdoor fireplace, a stylish outdoor setting or even a statement wall. Decide on this statement piece early in the process so you can choose other elements that complement this.

4. The comfort level

In order for an outdoor area to be practical, certain measures need to be put in place to make it comfortable. How will you protect people from the harsh afternoon sun? How will you keep the rain out on stormy days? How will you keep guests warm if you are hosting an event on a cold night? You want your space to be usable for more than just fair-weather days.

Evaluate your space and think about the features you will need to protect the area from the elements. You might consider a fire or gas heater to keep people warm, blinds to block out the sun or even wall panels to keep out the rain.

5. The lighting

Lighting can make or break a space. It can be the difference between an adequate area and an impressive, stylish one. Consider your outdoor decking area and what lighting it needs. When you have identified where it needs light, think about installing some eye-catching lighting features to really make a statement.