Want to add an outdoor area to your property that you, your family, and your friends will love to congregate in? Whether you want a place to grill or a scenic outdoor setting where you can lounge and relax, gathering areas are a great way to draw people out of the house.

What you create and how it looks all comes down to your personal desires, preferences, and preferred functionality. However, we’ve put together a few basic landscape ideas to help you get started.

Step One: Lay Down a Surface

While tromping through the grass can be fun, it can also be messy and itchy. Not to mention too much traffic will actually kill it. Instead of placing your furniture, grill, and other outdoor area elements on the lawn, you’ll want to create a designated space. This starts by laying down some kind of flooring.

There are various materials you can choose from for this, including concrete, brick, natural stone, modular tiles, wood, and gravel. Choose the shape and size of your outdoor area before you begin putting down any kind of flooring. Keep in mind that it should accent the rest of your property well, including your home! Consider styles, themes, and colors you might incorporate, and establish a plan before you start building.

Also, consider creating a walkway from the home or driveway to the outdoor area. This will help prevent a trail from being beaten into your grass. It can also be a beautiful element of your outdoor landscape! Be creative, and remember that you can add colorful flowers and plants to help make it pop.

Step Two: Add a Bit of Furniture

Encourage family and friends stay awhile by adding durable and comfortable outdoor furniture. Couches, chairs, swings, benches, and tables will help individuals take a load off and enjoy Mother Nature.

Outdoor furniture can vary greatly in price, as well as in style. From frugal to luxurious, your selection is limited only by your taste and your budget.

Step Three: Add Interactive and Decorative Elements

Outdoor areas are more enjoyable when you provide interactive elements, such as a fire pit, grill, or other useful add-ons. Spice it up with lighting that will let you enjoy company during the day and well into the night.

Click here to learn other ways you can enhance your curb appeal!

Need help designing and creating your functional outdoor area? Contact Blue! We can help your vision come to life!