Your outdoor space is an extension of your home and an opportunity to express your style. However, it’s easy to make mistakes when designing an outdoor area that can ruin the ambiance or functionality. Avoid these common outdoor design blunders to create a beautiful and usable outdoor living space you’ll love.
Picking the Wrong Materials
Using the wrong materials is one of the biggest mistakes you can make when designing your outdoor space. The materials need to be durable enough to withstand the elements year-round.
Don’t Skimp on Outdoor Furniture
Outdoor furniture takes a beating from sun, rain, and temperature extremes. Cheap plastic or rattan furniture won’t hold up for long. Invest in good-quality materials like teak, aluminum, wicker, or stainless steel. Check for weather-resistant cushions as well. The higher initial cost will pay off in furniture that lasts for years.
Don’t Use Indoor Flooring Outside
Regular carpet or hardwoods will quickly degrade in the elements. Use outdoor-rated flooring like tile, stone, or composite decking outside. Composite decking consists of wood fibers and plastic for better weather resistance. Seal any cracks between tiles or deck boards to prevent water damage.
Avoid Delicate Fabrics
Wind and sunlight rapidly break down delicate cottons or silks outdoors. Choose fabrics specifically designed for outdoor use like canvas, Sunbrella, or polyester. Check the fabric specs to ensure ultraviolet resistance and waterproofing. Sewn-in treatments like Scotchguard can add extra weather protection.
Don’t Forget UV Protection
The sun’s ultraviolet rays will quickly fade and degrade any fabric or material not specifically treated for UV resistance. From cushions to drapes to deck stain, check product details to ensure ultraviolet inhibitors are included. Reapply protective treatments periodically.
Neglecting Good Design Principles
Outdoor areas have unique design needs but still require thoughtful planning. Ignoring basic design principles outside can ruin the space.
Don’t Forget Lighting
Outdoor lighting serves both function and ambiance. Include task lighting in key areas like entryways, stairs, or barbecues. Use accent lighting in trees and planting beds. String lights overhead provide welcoming glow. Automated timers and motion detectors add convenience.
Avoid Clutter
Too many pieces crammed together look cluttered outside just like inside. Allow plenty of room between furniture groupings for smooth traffic flow. Use multifunctional pieces like storage ottomans or folding tables. Store extra furniture during colder months.
Overlook Privacy and Screening
Consider adding screening to boost privacy or hide unsightly views. Strategically placed trees, trellises, or fences help control sightlines. Tall plantings create green walls. Just avoid completely blocking breezes and light. Frame desirable views instead of completely screening.
Don’t Restrict Traffic Flow
Study how people naturally move through the space. Allow clear paths to entries, furniture groupings, and other key areas. Barriers like tight furniture clusters or low decor force uncomfortable detours. Frame open spaces with borders like planting beds.
Choosing the Wrong Plants
Boost curb appeal, privacy, and shade with the right plant selection. Be sure to choose plants suited for your climate and placement.
Pick Plants That Suit the Light
Match plants to the sunlight exposure they need to thrive. Full sun varieties will fade and wilt in too much shade. Shade plants like ferns burn or bleach in direct sun. Read plant tags carefully.
Don’t Forget Maintenance Needs
Consider the water, pruning, and care required before picking plants. Low-maintenance succulents work beautifully poolside. Higher-maintenance roses suit prominently placed garden beds. Group plants sharing similar needs together.
Avoid Invasive Plants
Invasive plant species spread uncontrollably, choking out desired plants. Check any plant’s invasive potential before planting, especially near open spaces. Common invaders include English ivy, kudzu vine, and purple loosestrife. Opt for native plants or non-invasive varieties.
Forget Unified Style
Don’t limit yourself to all one style like traditional English or contemporary. Mixing plant styles and textures creates visual interest. Include airy grasses, modern succulents, and classic roses together for unique depth. Just repeat certain plants for unity.
Ignoring Sightlines
Carefully consider lines of sight when arranging the space. Block undesirable views while highlighting focal points.
Don’t Spotlight Eyesores
Position elements to hide unattractive views like neighboring buildings or busy streets. Use screening or orient seating and activity areas away from eyesores. Place focal points in more attractive directions.
Fail to Define Spaces
Use planting beds, borders or changes in ground materials to define separate “rooms” within the larger space. Transition between a paved dining area to a gravel firepit zone, for example. Repeat design elements like colors or materials to link spaces.
Overlook Focal Points
Incorporate attention-grabbing focal points throughout the area.Display showstopper plants prominently or highlight architectural features like fountains. Align paths or other elements to direct eyes to the focal points.
Forget Lighting Focal Points
Use targeted lighting on key focal points and architectural details. Uplighting in trees, silhouetting accent walls, or lighting a distinctive sculpture all help draw the eye. Lighting adds emphasis after dark.
Choosing the Wrong Style
When designing your outdoor living space, mesh your personal style with the home’s architecture. Mismatched style can ruin your outdoor oasis.
Match the Home’s Style
A Spanish courtyard fits a Mission-style home, while an English garden suits a Tudor. Contemporary and rustic styles clash. Echo your interior style in the outdoor rooms. Repeat colors, materials, and plants.
Don’t Over-Decorate
Less is more outside just like inside. Too many decorative knickknacks result in clutter instead of style. Allow architectural features or elegant furnishings to shine as standouts. Limit decor to sparing accent pieces.
Forget Style Continuity
Tie together different areas like dining and lounging into a cohesive whole. Repeat design elements like colors, materials, and plant choices consistently. Varying seating styles still work grouped together.
Mix High and Low Style
Not every piece needs to be ultra-high end for a luxe look. Combine a few pricier showstopping furnishings with more budget-friendly accents. Use a stone firepit or water feature to elevate the space.
Forgetting Functionality
Beyond the aesthetic design, ensure your space works well for your lifestyle. Don’t let poor functionality diminish enjoyment of your outdoor oasis.
Lack Weather Protection
Overhead cover provides shade and shelter during storms or hot sun. Add removable weather protection like retractable awnings or umbrellas. Sturdy trellises support weather-resistant vines or climbing plants for natural cover.
Ignore Traffic Flow
Allow smooth, uninterrupted traffic flow between seating areas, entrances, and equipment like grills. At least 36 inches between pieces allows easy movement. Border open walkways with planting beds.
Overlook Convenience
Often-used features should stay conveniently accessible. Place grills near kitchen doors while creating a tranquil lounging area away from cooking smoke. Cluster frequently used items together.
Sacrifice Comfort
Cushions, throws, and shade structures enhance comfort outside. Place chairs and chaises in protected areas away from chilling winds or harsh sunlight. Offer a mix of sun and shade.
Ignoring Maintenance Needs
When planning your outdoor space, consider ongoing maintenance needs. Avoid choices requiring frequent, intensive upkeep.
Pick High-Maintenance Materials
Natural stone flooring requires regular sealing but compositedecking needs occasional cleaning. Pruning-intensive formal hedges demand more care than informal shrubs. Know maintenance needs upfront.
Forget the Water Source
Select plants with water needs matching the irrigation available. Zone drought-tolerant varieties furthest from water spigots. Install irrigation or provide hoses to sufficiently reach all plantings.
Disregard Drainage
Soggy conditions breed diseases and mosquitoes. Improve drainage with French drains, sloped hardscaping, dry creek beds, and gravel backfill. Check plants tolerate both wet and dry spells.
Overplant
Leave adequate space between plants and trees to allow air circulation and growth. Overplanting increases humidity and disease. Remove or relocate plants growing out of desired bounds.
Conclusion
Creating your ideal outdoor living space avoids common design mistakes. Pick weather-resistant materials that marry style and durability. Allow good traffic flow through defined spaces unified by a cohesive style. Choose suitable plants and materials that match your home’s architecture and needs. Keep maintenance and functionality top of mind. Paying attention to details both aesthetic and practical results in an inviting outdoor oasis you’ll enjoy for years to come. Avoiding these pitfalls transforms your outdoor area into a beloved living space.