How to Design a Practical Outdoor Space for Year-Round Enjoyment

Not everyone has a backyard or even a balcony, so if you have a way of being outdoors but still not really outside your home, it’s a big plus. 

The problem with backyards is, they’re mostly used in the spring and summer, sometimes even just summer if you live in a colder climate. Isn’t that a waste of space? Isn’t it sad that your backyard just sits there, month after month, all unused until it gets warm enough to be outside? 

Still, it musn’t really be that way. You can work on designing your backyard space irrespective of the seasons.

Get to Organizing a Plan

In case you want to utilize the space in your backyard as often as you’d wish, it goes without saying that there’s some planning that has to be done first. It’s not enough to simply toss in assorted pieces of furniture and decor. You’ve got to have a plan in order to arrange a usable (and yet inviting) environment.

To begin with, you should contemplate the different purposes of your backyard. Is it a place where you will unwind, work out, throw parties, or probably all of the above? After identifying the primary usage of your backyard, you can now give further thought to its design.

If it’s relatively large, it’s best to divide the backyard into zones. In essence, it’s to ensure that no areas are left purposeless; for instance, here (in the backyard), you can have an al-fresco area, a quiet section for meditating and resting, a shrubbery, etc.

You might even consider getting a custom deck builder to have them construct the deck for you (once you determine  your preferences). But also, you can always ask a professional for advice/suggestions if you’re lacking ideas. 

There must be harmony created between each zone and the zones should connect quite well with each other in a natural way – it needs to make sense.

Ensuring Year-Round Usability of Your Yard

A functional garden is one which can be appreciated in any season, and made comfortable all year round. This means that it’s possible to be warm in winter, as well as enjoy being cool in summer (if you know what and how to do it). The secret is to make alterations.

This is how it is done.

1. ‘Dressing’ for Every Season’s Climate

Thermal Comfort Control

The main point is – it’d be hard to relax in low temperatures. Fire pits for the outdoors, patio gas heaters, and even outdoor fireplace systems all come in handy at such (extreme) temperatures.

The same goes if it’s too hot. The intense summer heat requires something that provides shade, such as a pergola and/or a misting system.

Protection from the Weather

Unless you want to spend hours every few days maintaining your backyard and all that’s in it, you’ll have to choose the right materials. Composite decking is excellent because it resists moisture and changes in temperature, so it will do well all year. 

As far as furniture goes, get pieces that have weather-resistant fabrics; this will keep it all looking stylish (no matter the season), as well as being functional. 

Lighting

Good lighting keeps your backyard safe and it improves ambiance. This is even more so critical during the winter seasons, when days are shorter and there’s more darkness than light (unless you live near the North Pole). String lights are very effective in setting a mood since they offer warmth and comfort, and solar-powered fixtures/systems are very effective in reducing energy consumption (plus they can also work overnight if you have a battery). 

When it comes to the walkways and decks, lights operated by motion sensors can be of great help (not just for convenience, but also for safety).

2. Ensuring your Well-Being

Plants & Gardens

Imagine a tranquil scene surrounded by plants and gardens.

Plants are not only beautiful to have, research also shows that they’re good for your mental health, so definitely go for it. You can also consider planting quite a number of vertical gardens, especially if the size of your backyard happens to be on the smaller side.

Use native plants (make sure they’re not illegal) as these (usually) require little effort/maintenance and are environment-friendly, but also consider using some culinary herbs as daily sources of fresh herbs/food.

Water

What is more soothing than the sound of running water? There is a therapeutic feel to it, so if the area permits, consider having a water element in the design. It can be in the form of a fountain, ornamental pond, or a simple shallow water pool. Whichever option you go for, it’ll surely provide you with serenity and help you feel more in touch with nature.

Deck

A deck can be an ideal yoga platform, a space where one can engage in simple exercises, or even a place where one just sits and enjoys a cup of morning coffee and nothing more. 

Just coffee plus you observing your surroundings while feeling at peace and without stress. Bliss.

You can also relax with friends around a fire pit when it’s cold, and during hot months, you can lay on a deck and soak up the sun without the splotchy self-tanner all over your body.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this quick article gave you a glimpse of how to build the ideal backyard. One that will serve you well during the whole year (regardless of weather). But also one that’ll be good-looking and practical. 

You get the core idea. A backyard shouldn’t just be a place where you do your chores. No. It’s an extension of your house. Like an ‘extra room’, just on the outside. You paid for it; use it!

Utilize your backyard for your enjoyment.