Creating a Cozy Outdoor Space for the Family

When spring draws closer, more and more people move their attention outdoors. The weather changes and it is more conducive for barbecues, garden parties, and lazy days basking in the sun. This is the time you can start thinking of ways of creating a comfy and cozy space outdoors for the whole family.

Below are some tips that will go a long way in helping you with that.

Make the Area Toddler Safe

First things first, you need to Make your outdoor area safe for toddlers is an important step to ensure that they can play and explore without getting hurt. Here are some tips to help you make your outdoor area toddler-safe:

Install fencing: Install a sturdy fence around the outdoor area to prevent toddlers from wandering off and to keep them safe from nearby hazards such as roads, ponds or swimming pools. When considering your options, it’s helpful to weigh the pros and cons of materials, such as chain link fence vs wood, to determine which best suits your needs for safety, durability, and aesthetics.
Remove hazards: Remove any potential hazards such as sharp objects, loose or broken equipment, poisonous plants, and outdoor tools.
Use soft surfaces: Use soft surfaces such as sand or wood chips to cushion falls and prevent serious injuries.
Cover sharp edges: Cover sharp edges on outdoor furniture, walls, and other objects with soft padding or foam.
Secure outdoor furniture: Secure outdoor furniture to prevent tipping over and avoid serious injuries.
Use non-toxic materials: Use non-toxic materials for outdoor equipment and toys, as toddlers are known to put things in their mouths.
Keep a close eye: Always supervise toddlers while they play outside to ensure their safety.
Use sunscreen: Use sunscreen to protect toddlers from the harmful effects of the sun.
Provide shade: Provide a shaded area to protect toddlers from direct sunlight and heat.

By following these tips, you can create a safe and enjoyable outdoor area for your toddler to play in.

Finding the Balance between Aesthetics and Function

You can use your outdoor space as a reflection of your style. But it is also important to keep in mind the function of the space. Do you want a place where you can relax in solitude as you read a book after a long day? Do you want it to be a social space? Is it going to be where you spend time with your family and have opulent garden parties? Will it be a dining area with a garden table?

There are no wrong or right answers in this case, but it is going to have a big impact on the furniture to use, how it is going to be placed, and the relationship between pieces. You are going to balance the needs of the space with creative and aesthetic desires.

Keeping it Natural

While outdoor spaces have features like partial shelter, furniture, and even a patio heater for chilly nights or overcast days, it needs to embrace the natural world. This is a good idea because that is what the outdoors is all about.

The outdoor space is going to have some man-made items such as ornaments, furniture, and other décor, you need to look for ways of combining it with natural beauty. Using all-natural materials like stone, wood, wool, cotton, etc. is going to help with this. You should also add outdoor plants to the outdoor space or grow climbers on the pergola or patio.

The relationship between colours and textures

The natural world which you can see in the garden around you comes with its visual language that is rich in hues, colours, and textures. You should be thinking about the relationship between them in your garden and what they can create. Think of how the lush green of your lawn is going to contrast with the vivid purple of your geraniums.

Look for ways of incorporating similar relationships to the space. For example, contrasting the furniture’s neutral shades with the vivid garden colours. Think of contrasting metal with wood, or smooth throw pillows and a textured rug. This will make the outdoor space cosier and more comforting. It will also be more visually intriguing. This 5 piece garden set will be the perfect starting point to add your personality to the space.

Adding some shade

One good thing about the outdoor space is you have a charming interest between the indoors and outdoors. This offers you the comfort and coziness of the indoors with the natural beauty of the outdoors.

A good way of compartmentalising your space and giving it the best of both worlds feel is by adding some shade, whether it is the ceiling or a canopy of overhanging trees or plants. If it starts raining or something drops from the sky, a ceiling is going to provide cover and also protect your decorations and furniture.